42nd Annual NAC Parade: Voices That Shape Tomorrow

October 23, 2026

Makaila Kaufman

Community Newspeerson

PHOENIX, Ariz. — An overcast Saturday, Oct. 10, provided the perfect backdrop for the 42nd Annual Native American Connections Parade, a celebration of Indigenous culture, resilience and community.

Tribes from across the Southwest, including the Gila River Indian Community, gathered at Third Street and Virginia Avenue, where the parade route began. Families and friends lined both sides of the street with chairs and cheers as 48 entries made their way to Indian Steele Park, where festivities continued with a powwow and art show until 9 p.m.

This year’s theme, “Voices That Shape Tomorrow,” highlighted the importance of the next generation. EMCC representatives Shawn Martinez and Melody Lewis, like many in attendance, expressed excitement about seeing young people participate in the event.

Martinez described the start of the parade as “the heartbeat of Mother Earth coming down the street” as the drums grew louder and the first entry approached Osborn Road, where judges were seated and the Gila River Broadcasting Corporation livestreamed the event.

The Gila River Indian Community was well represented throughout the celebration. Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis walked in the parade ahead of the upcoming November election, demonstrating his support for the event. While addressing spectators, Lewis encouraged young Indigenous people to exercise their right to vote in the 2027 election.

The Gila River Indian Community Urban Members Association also participated in the festivities, carrying signs with messages such as “Our Youth, Our Elders, Our Voices” and “Fearless O'odham Woman” as members made their way along the parade route.

The energy, support and sense of community were evident throughout this year’s parade, particularly among the youth participants. They walked with confidence and pride, sharing their voices while being supported by elders walking beside them.