Watchlist: ‘Alternative high school in Portland invests in Native American, BIPOC students’

By Kamiah Koch

Social media/digital journalist

Many Nations Academy, a four-year alternative high school serving Native American and Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) students in Portland, was recently featured on the local KION 6 news channel.

Many Nations Academy operates through the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA).

According to Principal Jay Hosteen, the school’s mission is simple: ensure students feel like they belong.

“We are investing in our students and their education – not just the education of western society has, but their Indigenous culture and their Indigenous history,” Hosteen said.

The school uses partnerships to get access to technology and hands-on learning. KOIN 6 shows a clip of students awarding thousands of dollars to local nonprofits in their Community 101 class.

“What’s really important is that our teachings here are based on Native cultures and Indigenous values,” NAYA CEO Oscar Arana said.

From humble beginnings, Many Nations Academy started with seven students in 2007. KOIN 6 says the school now has hundreds of graduates.

You can learn more about NAYA’s Many Nations Academy in the KOIN 6 story at https://www.koin.com/news/portland/alternative-high-school-in-portland-invests-in-native-american-bipoc-students/