August 20, 2014
^ìorthm ò (Dbserücr Q a c k to S c h o o l
Youth Empowerment
and Public Policy
Summer program at NAYA brings
students to Washington, D.C.
Four young representatives
from Portland’s Native commu
nity traveled to Washington, D.C.
this summer to participate in a
youth development program. The
students had a chance to meet
elected leaders, tour historic sites,
visit colleges in the D.C. area, and
attend sessions on a variety of
topics related to governance and
youth empowerment.
Participating in the program
were Quin Clark (Blackfoot and
Cherokee), Logan Chapman (Sen
eca Cayuga), Lesly Vera (Mexi
can
Indigenous),
and
Davineekaht White Elk (Ute and _______
Blackfoot) all of northeast Davineekaht White Elk, a student
Portland’s Native American Youth representative o f Portland’s Naive
and Family Center (NAYA).
community, took this selfie with
White Elk says last month’s Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden during a
trip opened her eyes to the need visit t0 Washington, D.C. Wyden’s
for Native American leadership, s ta ff offered the opportunity to
especially being from Portland y ° uth from northeast Portland’s
where there are so few people of Native American Youth and Family
color serving as elected officials. Center (NA YA).
She says the visit ignited her interest in public policy, a subject she
wants to pursue.
All week I felt like 1 was teaching people the Native perspective on
things, making them know we’re still here. But that’s not enough. I want
to make dep,slops,” she.say§.
MID-K
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