Nearly 1,000 people gathered near the State Capitol Saturday for the second annual California Native American Parade, marking National Native American Heritage Month with vibrant sights, sounds, and powerful messages from tribal elders.Families and tribes from across the state filled Capitol Mall with colorful floats, horses, classic cars, marching bands, and cultural performers. They were all celebrating Indigenous pride and resilience.“I like to see the little girls out there dancing and the boys dancing and singing,” said Roxy Baird, who attended the parade and grew up in a reservation in North Dakota. “That brings a lot of pleasure to me — especially in my heart.”Organizers say the event is more than a celebration, it’s also a time for reflection and education about injustices faced by Native communities throughout history.“We were pulled from our places of land. We were pulled from our places of spirit,” said Raquel Williams of the Wilton Rancheria. “So we know exactly what that’s like.”Elders at the event shared stories of hardship, discrimination and survival. They said they want to remind everyone of the importance of preserving culture and language.“When I was growing up, there were signs that said, ‘No Indians, no different colors, no dogs,’” Roxy Baird recalled. “I had to cut my hair short just to blend in.”Now, many hope their grandchildren and great-grandchildren will learn from the past and take pride in their heritage.“They’re just now getting to know who they are…that they’re different than everybody else,” Baird said. “We belong here.”For younger generations like Baird’s great-grandson, Fredy Jimenez, the day was a chance to connect to his roots.“I like the culture,” he said.Organizers say they plan to continue growing the event each year.The parade was sponsored by California tribes and the California Native American Legislative Caucus.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
Nearly 1,000 people gathered near the State Capitol Saturday for the second annual California Native American Parade, marking National Native American Heritage Month with vibrant sights, sounds, and powerful messages from tribal elders.
Families and tribes from across the state filled Capitol Mall with colorful floats, horses, classic cars, marching bands, and cultural performers. They were all celebrating Indigenous pride and resilience.
“I like to see the little girls out there dancing and the boys dancing and singing,” said Roxy Baird, who attended the parade and grew up in a reservation in North Dakota. “That brings a lot of pleasure to me — especially in my heart.”
Organizers say the event is more than a celebration, it’s also a time for reflection and education about injustices faced by Native communities throughout history.
“We were pulled from our places of land. We were pulled from our places of spirit,” said Raquel Williams of the Wilton Rancheria. “So we know exactly what that’s like.”
Elders at the event shared stories of hardship, discrimination and survival. They said they want to remind everyone of the importance of preserving culture and language.
“When I was growing up, there were signs that said, ‘No Indians, no different colors, no dogs,’” Roxy Baird recalled. “I had to cut my hair short just to blend in.”
Now, many hope their grandchildren and great-grandchildren will learn from the past and take pride in their heritage.
“They’re just now getting to know who they are…that they’re different than everybody else,” Baird said. “We belong here.”
For younger generations like Baird’s great-grandson, Fredy Jimenez, the day was a chance to connect to his roots.
“I like the culture,” he said.
Organizers say they plan to continue growing the event each year.
The parade was sponsored by California tribes and the California Native American Legislative Caucus.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel