[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 135 (Saturday, November 20, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2099]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH ASSOCIATION

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                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 19, 2004

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to recognize 
the Native American Youth Association (NAYA) for thirty years of 
diligent work in serving the Native community in the Portland 
Metropolitan area. Aiding Native American youth and families, NAYA 
Family Center has answered an important call to reach the urban Indian 
population in Portland, estimated to be 31,000 people strong.
  As Native American high school students experience a dropout rate 
13.3 percent higher than the national average, the need for youth 
intervention is clear. NAYA Family Center has tirelessly pursued these 
issues with a focus on providing the cultural, educational, family, 
economic, spiritual, and leadership resources necessary to deliver 
service to this important population.
  NAYA worked as a volunteer-based service provider for 20 years, 
incorporating as an official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 1994. 
Now, in 2004, thirty years from the beginning, it is my honor to 
recognize the organization's first ``Celebrating Native American 
Month'' development dinner.

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