Native American Connection
MOSAIC PARTNERS WITH MEMBERS OF three Native American communities to offer long-term friendship, encouragement, and support as an expression of Jesus’ love.
- PORTLAND, OREGON: Native American Youth & Family Center
- WARM SPRINGS, OREGON: Simnasho Community Fellowship on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation
- SPIRIT LAKE, NORTH DAKOTA: Dakotah Oyate Church on the Spirit Lake Indian Reservation
Portland Connection
The Portland Metro area rests on traditional village sites of the Multnomah, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Bands of Chinook, Tualatin, Kalapuya, and Mallala tribes, who made their homes along the Columbia River. They created communities and summer encampments to harvest and use the pentiful natural resources of the area. Today Portand is home to 38,000 American Indians and Alaska Natives who are affiliated with more than 280 tribes. While Portland is the 23rd largest city in the US, it has the 9th largest Native American community.
Currently, Native people count disproportionately among the urban poor, experiencing the highest rate of homelessness, poverty, and unemployment of all ethnic groups. Native children are over-represented in the foster care system and have the highest drop-out rates of any ehtnic group in Multnomah County.
The Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) is working to increase family stability and student success in the POrtland metro area, and we have the opportunity to join them in this effort.
Get Involved: Long-Term Opportunities
Native American Youth And Family Center Volunteer
Timing flexible | 5153 NE Columbia Blvd, 97218
NAYA is actively recruiting ASPIRE Mentor/Advisor volunteers to help high school students plan and prepare for life after high school. Adult volunteers meet with assigned students one-on-one, to assist them with a variety of activities such as academic preparation, scholarship search and application, career exploration, college choice, and college application. More at aspireoregon.org.
Warm Springs Connection
Paul & Vio Vaeth (pictured) pastor Simnasho Community Fellowship, a small church on the reservation with a big vision of Christ transforming their community. Following Jesus' lead in this effort is a lonely journey demanding significant faith and support. Mosaic has the opportunity to serve alongside them in order to see this vision come to fruition.
Get Involved: Long-Term Opportunities
Intercessory Prayer and Special Projects
Support the Native American Connection through prayer and work projects as needed on the Warm Springs Reservation.
Spirit Lake Connection
Larry & Darla Thiele (pictured) pastor Dacotah Oyate Church on the Spirt Lake Indian Reservation in North Dakota. The Spirit Lake people have had many years of exposure to the gospel of Jesus, yet Christ-followers are few and far between. Even so, Larry & Darla are determined to live for Jesus and communicate his love and truth to their people. Mosaic has the privilege of working with them by sending interns to focus on cultivating relationships and making disciples of Jesus on the reservation.
Get Involved: Long-Term Opportunities
Missionary Interns
Spend 3–12 months in Spirit Lake.
Liaison
Steve Parker is Mosaic's Native American Connection coordinator. He can connect you with the one-time projects and long-term opportunities. Contact Steve: , 503.888.7378
