NAYA’s Annual Powwow Expands Access

NAYA’s Annual Powwow Expands Access and Belonging for Native Families and Two-Spirit Community

A new elevator and a growing commitment to Two-Spirit inclusion made this year’s NAYA Neerchokikoo Powwow more accessible, signaling a broader effort to ensure Native community members of all ages and identities can fully participate in one of Portland’s largest Native cultural celebrations.  NAYA’s 14th Annual Neerchokikoo Powwow, brought together Native dancers, drummers, artists, families, youth and Elders for a day of culture, belonging, and celebration.

“Every day we strive to honor the original caretakers of these lands, including the site of our powwow, once a trading and fishing village known as Neerchokikoo, where Chinook Peoples fished these waters for untold generations.”

- Oscar Arana (Chichimeca), NAYA’s chief executive officer.

The focus on care and connection is central to the powwow itself. Founded by Native parent and Elder volunteers in 1974, NAYA has spent more than five decades building community around Native youth, families and Elders. The Neerchokikoo Powwow, first held in 2010, carries that tradition forward by creating a space where generations can reconnect with culture and one another.

“Every year, seeing our youth enter the powwow circle for the first time is exciting,”

- Tamara Henderson (Laguna Pueblo), NAYA’s chief operating officer.

“Families choose NAYA to introduce their children to the powwow circle, and that is such an honor for us.”  

The powwow is also continuing its intentional inclusion of the Two-Spirit community. In 2023, NAYA introduced a Two-Spirit Head Dancer, a visible expression of the organization’s commitment to creating a safe and welcoming space. This year’s Two-Spirit Head Dancer is the child of last year’s honoree, extending that legacy of connection and belonging into another generation.  This year also marks a significant step in NAYA’s long-term commitment to increasing access to Native culture: For the first time, the powwow site will feature a new elevator to improve ADA accessibility for community members.  Portland’s Native community includes members of nearly 400 different Tribes, making the powwow a particularly vibrant expression of Native diversity. Throughout the day, visitors will experience traditional drumming and dance, including performances by tiny tots, youth, and multigenerational groups.

Two Grand Entry ceremonies launched extended periods of drumming and dancing. Attendees also shoped more than 30 Native artists and vendors, all graduates of NAYA’s microenterprise program, and enjoy frybread tacos, tamales and other foods. Elder and community outreach tables were also be featured.  The event showcased featured artwork by Derek No-Sun Brown, available on a variety of products for purchase.

For NAYA, expanding physical access and strengthening cultural belonging are part of the same mission: ensuring Native people can see themselves, their families and their communities represented and welcomed.

Check out the Underscore article here.