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| Home / About / History |
| History of the Native American Youth and Family Center |
Informally founded by parent volunteers in 1974, The Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA Family Center) became a 501(c)(3) organization in 1994 and serves self-identified American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) youth and their families throughout the Portland Metropolitan area. NAYA Family Center strives to fulfill its mission to "enhance the diverse strengths of our youth and families in partnership with the community through cultural identity and education." As an urban Indian agency, NAYA Family Center serves over 1,200 youth and their families from over 300 tribal backgrounds annually. Our mission is best described by our key values: we believe that traditional cultural values are integral to regaining sovereignty and building self esteem. NAYA Family Center is a mission-driven organization that values respect for the environment, placing the larger community before the individual, and involving elders. We promote healthy living through positive alternatives to high-risk behaviors and promote the values of sobriety, family stability, culture, active lifestyles and education.
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