Winter 2014 Newsletter

EMPOWERING THE LIVES OF NATIVE AMERICANS IN THE PORTLAND AREA

WINTER 2014

a new year of community success

1. Deputy Director, Rey España, Latino/Yaqui, was an honored recipient of the 10th annual Oregon

Native American Chamber of Commerce Warrior Award. The award recognizes leaders that have made significant contributions to the business and economic development efforts of the Native American community. Read more about community leaders on page 2.

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2. NAYA launched a grassroots effort to strategically plan our next steps as an

organization. We’ve asked community members, staff, and partners to participate in a survey identifying their vision for Portland’s Native community and the current obstacles for us to obtain that goal. Learn more about our civic engagement efforts and success stories on the new community page at nayapdx.org/community

3. The 11th annual NAYA Gala was a huge success, raising 2.

more than $350,000 for programs and services that impact more than 10,000 individuals a year in the greater Portland area. ECA graduate Elizabeth McConnell was the keynote speaker, and that evening NAYA debuted the Generations project video. Learn more and watch the video at nayapdx.org/generations

4. Gekinoo ‘amaaged akawe (First Teacher) Parenting group is a 3.

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supportive network for parents to come together to learn spiritual growth, understand stress, attend PPS Parent Academy workshop, and many more engaging topics. Parents work with NAYA’s Parent Involvement Advocate to strengthen relationships with schools and children, and discuss ways to come together to support youth in educational goals. More info at nayapdx.org/parent-involvement

5. NAYA and Bow and Arrow Culture Club hosted the Winter 6.

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Gathering and celebrated the holidays with a community meal, crafting, and opportunity for youth to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. NAYA also brightened the holiday for 340 children and youth with a Christmas gift. Read more about the Winter Gathering on page 4.

6. Dan Foster, Paiute, is a Korean War and Vietnam War veteran, has been working

on a project memorializing the contibutions of Native American soldiers. His work is on display in the lobby at NAYA showing the countless hours and dedication he has put into this project. Read more on page 3.

7. The first Native Professionals and Friends Night of 2015 is February 12th at United Way, 5:30-7:30pm. This opportunity for community professionals to come together, network, and share stories is always a fun time. For more information about NAYA events visit our calendar at nayapdx.org/events

NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH & FAMILY CENTER NEWSLETTER

WINTER 2014

awards for dedication & service

native leaders are recognized for their leadership in the community

Hard work, dedication to community, and demonstration of NAYA values has led to local organizations recognizing our staff for their contributions throughout 2014.

Executive Director Matthew Morton, Squaxin Gang Intervention Outreach Specialist Glenn La Island, was voted one of Portland Business Motte, Choctaw, was honored by Cascade Pacific Journal’s (PBJ) 40 Under 40. PBJ highlights 40 Boy Scouts with the Raven Caywood Emerging influential business executives under 40 years Leader Award for contributions to making our old for their leadership and committment to community safer and healthier through cultural community. revitalization, as well as his well-respected public speaking.

Portland Youth and Elders Council Coordinator Donita Sue Fry, Shoshone-Bannock, was selected Development Coordinator Anna Allen, Shoshoneby the city of Portland as a 2014 Spirit of Portland Bannock, was honored at Portland Monthly Award winner. Donita’s long-standing Magazine’s Light a Fire Awards with the Emerging commitment to community is evidenced by Leader award. Allen designed the Young Native her dedication to the grassroots organizing Ambassadors Program to connect at-risk youth and advocacy of Portland Youth and Elders to resources to advance them personally and Council, and NAYA’s Civic Engagement work. professionally by developing youth leadership.

marketplace turnout largest ever

community vendors showcase arts, crafts, and more

NAYA Marketplace returned on December 6th, bringing 40 vendors to our community, and offering contemporary and traditionally-crafted jewelry, instruments, paint, spices, smoked salmon, clothing, weaving and much more. Internationally renowned Native Artist Lillian Pitt was in attendance, NAYA Elders were able to raise almost $400 in support of the Canoe Journey, and several vendors sold a variety of traditional and contemporary foods. The event also marked the launch of an online marketplace for Native American business owners in our region to publicize their work in a digital format, connecting vendors to potential purchasers. Check out the new website at nayapdx.org/marketplace 2

NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH & FAMILY CENTER NEWSLETTER

WINTER 2014

honoring our native veterans

veteran dan foster remembers Native american service members

A NAYA Elders has volunteered more than a year putting together a display celebrating, honoring and remembering Native American Veterans in our community and across the country. Grandpa Dan Foster, Paiute, is a Veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars who completed his service in 1971.

Native people have fought side-by-side in every US war, though we weren’t recognized as US citizens until 1927. Our community has long held a warrior spirit, and we volunteer in higher numbers than any other ethnic group. Grandpa Dan’s display tells the story of Native participation in the US Armed Forces.

Grandpa Dan Foster, Paiute, Korean and Vietnam war veteran dedicates time at NAYA working on memorializing Native American Military Service Veterans.

Inspired by America’s First Warriors, a book which tells the tale of Native participation in the Armed Forces with focus on the Iraq War, Grandpa Dan began collecting the stories of local veterans, and creating display boards. More than a dozen stories are currently on display in NAYA’s lobby, alongside information about benefits and resources for Native Veterans. “I saw the way our people were treated when they came back from Iraq,” Grandpa Dan says. “A lot of our people didn’t have a good discharge, and so they couldn’t get into the VA.” Other veterans were able to improve their discharge to access these benefits. The display in the lobby is not permanent, but NAYA has plans to make Grandpa Dan’s project a new page on our website, to keep alive the stories of these brave Native Americans, some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice. NAYA is hiring a Veterans Placement Specialist who will provide Native American veterans with housing placement services and stability supports.

For more information visit nayapdx.org/jobs

naya elder shares ojibwe culture

weekend class teaches language and strengthens roots

Anin (hello)! Elder Larry Dauphinais, Turtle Mountain Chippewa, taught an Ojibwe language class at NAYA, bringing community members in to learn about culture, and the values of his tribe.

Participants learned about water (nibi) and earth (aki). Ojibwe, like many Indigenous languages, is endangered of being lost. Learning to speak traditional words is a vital part of sustaining our traditions and revitalizing our cultures. Learn Ojibwe: anishinaabe – people zhawenjige – kindness

ogimaawiwin – leadership abaabasan – to smudge ishkode – fire

Miigwetch (thank you) Larry for setting up this informative and important class. Learn more words and phrases, with audio pronunciation, in the Ojibwe People’s Dictionary, available via nayapdx.org/ojibwe 3

NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH & FAMILY CENTER NEWSLETTER

WINTER 2014

celebrating holidays at naya

the winter gathering brings community together to enjoy holiday cheer

The annual Winter Gathering sponsored by NAYA and Bow and Arrow Culture Club, saw a large number of community members, youth, and Elders come together and celebrate the season. A meal was shared long-house style with delicious side dishes from the community, young children made holiday decorations, and families had their pictures taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Every child that sat with Santa shared their Christmas wish and Santa gifted them a book. Enjoy the pictures on the right that were taken of families, children, Elders, and staff members.

Talise McGill, Pomo/Diné, sits with Santa and Mrs. Claus to share a short Christmas story together.

Christmas time can be difficult for some families. NAYA works to ensure our youth wake up on Christmas morning with a present and a smile. Coordinated efforts with case managers helped serve more than 340 children. Gifts were generously donated from community members, charitable agencies, and staff donations for youth of all ages, infants to high school youth.

young professionals support naya

by anna allen, development coordinator

Leadership is an important value in Native American culture and we are working to provide our community more opportunities to develop skills and experience. NAYA has recently reached out to a group of young community leaders to form a steering committee of rising stars.

This new cohort will gather Local support from young professionals helps build a stronger to bring a new wealth of Native community. knowledge and ideas around the success of NAYA’s programming, fundraising and community outreach.

As their first order of business, the group came together to donate gifts to the Winter Gathering in hopes to make the holidays brighter for children in the community. They’re excited to hold their first official meeting in January 2015.

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Youth & Family events culture night February 4th February 18th ChXi San Playgroup Every Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Portland Youth and Elders Council February 10th March 10th College Nights Every Tuesday Thursday See a full calendar nayapdx.org/events

NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH & FAMILY CENTER NEWSLETTER

WINTER 2014

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NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH & FAMILY CENTER NEWSLETTER

WINTER 2014

teaching tradition to foster youth

by Carlos mcnair, Foster care support specialist

There is a strong need for our young people in the foster care system to be exposed to Native culture. Through interactions with community and working with Family Services, staff identified cultural teaching as a priority. Since time immemorial, Native people have hunted and gathered materials as a means for survival. In keeping with that practice, and to honor our ancestors, we pass on traditions to the next generation just as our Elders did before us. As we pass these customs to youth in foster care, they are able to connect with their heritage and community, something they often lack while involved in the child welfare system.

One important cultural teaching involves learning how to scrape and prepare different types of hide such as elk, deer, bison and even moose, to tan and make rawhide. We work with foster youth like Jamison Kilburn, Umatilla, to pass on this skill and strenghten cultural ties.

Rawhide is used to make various cultural elements, including drums.

Along with learning about tradition, youth also learn patience, gratitude, discipline and above all respect, not only for the animal who gave its life for us to survive, but also for teachings that have been given to us

by Creator. We as an organization and community continue to learn and respect the teachings and traditions of the many different Native American communities and indigenous people in our community. It is our duty to continue this way of life, and in this we will never be forgotten.

Foster youth Jamison Kilburn, Umitilla, learns about fleshing from Cultural arts teacher Carlos McNair, Klamath/Modoc.

eca students display healthy art

by jordyn coleman, VISTA Youth Leadership Analyst

S.T.E.P. 2 Respect held its 3rd annual Healthy Relationship Creative Expression Contest for Early College Academy (ECA) students. This year’s theme was focused on the medicine wheel and the various relationships that Early College Academy students balance between the four quadrants of Mind, Body, Spirit, and Context/ Environment. Eleven students submitted 14 entries of poetry and art. Winners were announced during the Student Showcase that consisted of an art exhibit and slam poetry performed by students and community members. The student showcase was attended by the ECA student body, NAYA staff, Elders, and community members.

Student poets expressed to the audience their mindful and spiritual commitments to generating and sustaining healthy relationships within themselves, their families, and their partners. Three winners were announced, third place winner Jamari Rabanal, Montanta & Yakama, for her art piece titled ‘TBNS,’ (pictured bottom left), second place winner Ricky Bute, Pauite tribe, performed a rap-style poem titled ‘Opening Up My Eyes.’ First place winner, Jessica Dow won for her art piece titled ‘A Piece of Me’ (pictured top left). Upcoming events for S.T.E.P. 2 Respect include the 2nd annual Healthy Break Up Summit at Portalnd State University, April 2015, open to all PDX middle school and high school youth!

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NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH & FAMILY CENTER NEWSLETTER

WINTER 2014

naya gala celebrates 40 years Our community partners, sponsors and supporters made the 11th annual NAYA Gala a huge success. Don’t miss out on this year’s event. Save the date for Friday, November 13, 2015.

thank you to our sponsors

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The Native American Youth and Family Center 5135 NE COLUMBIA BLVD. PORTLAND, OR 97218-1201 p:503.288.8177 f:503.288.1260 nayapdx.org

NON PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID PORTLAND, OR PERMIT NO 2851

INSIDE native Leaders recieve awards Elders inspire community winter gathering cultural arts at naya 11th annual naya gala recap eca luncheon, april 8, 2015

save the date

ECA Luncheon

Wednesday, April 8, 2015 11:30 am

NAYA Family Center

5135 NE Columbia Blvd Portland, OR For information contact Anna Allen: 503.288.8177, ext 224 annaa@nayapdx.org nayapdx.org/ecaluncheon