MGR Court Participates in NAC Parade

October 21, 2022

Emma Hughes

Community Newsperson

As part of Native American Recognition Days from October through December, Native American Connections (NAC) held its 39th annual parade in Phoenix Oct. 8 featuring floats and parade entries from tribes and organizations statewide, including the 2022-23 Miss Gila River Royalty court in its first public appearance together.

NAC, along with the Phoenix Indian Center, also cohosted several events throughout the weekend, including an open house at Phoenix Indian School Visitor Center, Indigenous market, social powwow and gourd dance. This year’s parade commemorated a milestone anniversaries of 50 years of service to the Native community for NAC and 75 years for Phoenix Indian Center.

“The NAC parade was a great experience, being my first. And it was great seeing Community members in the crowd and I look forward to next year’s parade,” said Jr. Miss Gila River 2022-23 Eliana Rhodes. 

At the powwow following the parade, performers, singers, vendors and attendees filled the lawn at the Steele Indian School Park.

Miss Indian Arizona 2021-22 Alyse Marrietta joined the parade and welcomed visitors at the powwow.  Contestants vying for the Miss Indian Arizona 2022-23 title introduced themselves and shared a little about themselves with the spectators. 

The Phoenix Indian Center (PIC) serves the Native community with language and cultural revitalization programs, youth services, education and workforce development.

Native American Connections owns and operates 22 sites throughout the Valley to assist individuals and families with affordable housing and health and community development services. 

For more information on these organizations and events, visit nativeconnections.org and phxindcenter.org.