The Native American Day Parade Planning Committee is made up of leaders who are active in their community in the fields of business, education, media, recovery, and community support services. These individuals have been in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota, area for several generations and understand the need for this parade. Courtesy photo

National

Planning continues for city's first Native American Day parade

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Native American Day Parade in Sioux Falls planning continues

By Richie Richards
Native Sun News Today Correspondent
nativesunnews.today

SIOUX FALLS – The Native American community has continued to rally around and support the parade to take place in the downtown Sioux Falls area honoring Native American Day.

The Native American Day Parade in Sioux Falls will take place on Monday, October 8, 2018, and will follow the traditional parade in Sioux Falls which begins on the intersection of 14th Street and S. Phillips Ave. near Lyon Park.

The Native American Day Parade Planning Committee would like to invite organizations, youth groups, elders programs, businesses and other entities to participate and/or attend the Native American Day Parade in Sioux Falls on Monday, October 8, 2018 beginning at 10:00 AM in downtown Sioux Falls on the traditional parade route used by the City on S. Phillips Ave which begins near 14th Street.

Tim Giago, left, is shown with the late Gov. George Mickelson in this file photo. Giago lobbied the governor to proclaim the Year of Reconciliation in 1990 to honor the 100th anniversary of the Wounded Knee Massacre and to change Columbus Day to Native American Day. Photo courtesy Native Sun News Today

Native American Day became a state holiday on October 12, 1990 during the "Year of Reconciliation." The Native American Day Parade in Sioux Falls will honor the state holiday by highlighting the beautiful and vibrant cultures of the local tribal nations.

The theme of the parade is "Honoring Our Elders" as parade organizers would like to give thanks to elders and honor their wisdom and generosity. The Grand Marshall will be Tim Giago of Native Sun News Today. Giago convinced Gov. George S. Michelson to make Native American Day a state holiday in 1990.

On the morning or the parade on Monday, October 8, at 8:00 am, parade participants will meet at Lyon Park on the corner of 14th St. and S. Phillips Ave. (Parade Staging Area) for a traditional prayer and blessing of the day and parade. This prayer circle will be open to anyone who wishes to attend.

Here is a draft agenda for the Native American Day Parade in Sioux Falls:

8:00 a.m. – Traditional Prayer and Blessing at Lyon Park (Everyone Welcome to Attend)
9:00 a.m. – Floats and Participants will meet in Staging Area on S. Phillips Ave next to Lyon Park (near 14th St.)
10:00 a.m. – The Parade Begins on S. Phillips and 14th St. and heads north towards downtown

A special seating area will be set up for elders who cannot stand through the duration of the parade. This section will have limited seats so please contact Richie Richards at richie4175@gmail.com to reserve a section. This elders section will be for elders only.