On September 7th, the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) based in NE Portland hosted its 12th annual Neerchokikoo powwow. Neerchokikoo is a revitalized Native American village; an ancient gathering site near the confluence of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers in what is today the Cully neighborhood. Since 2010 (with breaks during COVID) the powwow has welcomed thousands of community members from over 380 tribes to gather and celebrate Native culture through dance, music, art and food.
Set up in the center’s gymnasium, a vendor market showcased more than 30 artisans offering jewelry, clothing, and traditional medicines. Delicious fry bread and Indian tacos were also available for purchase. When I first entered the covered area I was greeted with rhythmic traditional drumming accompanied by Native singers. Taking their turns on the dance floor, community members of all ages dressed in beautiful regalia danced in a swirl of color throughout the day.
The Neerchokikoo Powwow honors partners, volunteers and donors whose contributions to NAYA’s work have enhanced the lives of youth, families and elders. This year, NAYA is celebrating its 50th anniversary and the theme of the event was “reclaiming our past, cultivating our future.” The honoring ceremony was not only a tribute to the tribal councils but also a recognition of the enduring connection between the land and the Native American communities that have long called this site home.
“As an ancient Native encampment and gathering site, NAYA’s campus at Neerchokikoo has historic and cultural significance. For many centuries, Native Americans from tribes throughout the area came to this land to gather, trade, and build community,” says Ann Takamoto, Naya’s Director of Development.
The Neerchokikoo Powwow brought together hundreds from the Native American community. As a guest, I was overwhelmed by the power of celebration. It’s hard to translate into words the beauty and love I felt in the room. The care put into each beautiful regalia, some with hard earned eagle feathers, and dresses covered in tingly metal bells were inspiring and I was mesmerized by the power of the drums.
Around dinner time someone came over to me and offered me food. I enjoyed a delicious plate of salmon, wild rice, greens, and berries, all examples of Native first food. Then the dancing continued into the evening.
The whole day was a powerful tribute to pride, love and honoring cultural history. It was an experience I’ll never forget.