Organization

The Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) serves self-identified Native Americans, infant to Elder, in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area. Our mission is to enhance the diverse strengths of our youth and families in partnership with the community through cultural identity and education. NAYA was founded by parent and elder volunteers in 1974 and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 1994. Over the last 50 years, NAYA has become a gathering center for Native Americans to practice tradition, teach culture, and build community in a safe and inviting space. NAYA’s wraparound programs impact more than 10,000 individuals from more than 380 tribal backgrounds, through a continuum of critical self-sufficiency, asset building, and educational programs.