Sioux Falls hosted its eighth annual Native American Day Parade, drawing tribal representatives, student groups, service organizations and community volunteers for a procession that highlighted culture, community services and local participation.

Event organizers welcomed attendees, introduced the parade’s grand marshal and narrated the procession as floats, students and tribal delegations passed along the route. “Once again, welcome to the eighth annual Native American Day Parade here in Sioux Falls, South Dakota,” an event announcer said as the parade began.

The parade named Dale Lee Chasing Hawk as grand marshal. Chasing Hawk is a psychologist with the Sioux Falls School District 49-5 who the announcer said has worked primarily at Hawthorne Elementary and Anne Sullivan Elementary. The announcer outlined Chasing Hawk’s background, including childhood ties to Rosebud Indian Reservation and his work providing psychological assessments for Native American students on reservations across the state. “Make some noise for Dale,” the announcer said when introducing him.

A range of community groups walked in the parade, including high school clubs (Jefferson High School, Washington High School, references to Edison High School), cultural groups (Sioux Falls 2 Spirit Society, Native Nations delegations, Mardi Indian School), local nonprofit and recovery groups (Dakota Plains Recovery, Native urban health organizations) and civic groups (Minnehaha County Democratic Party). The announcer repeatedly encouraged applause for veterans and participants and called out specific entries as they passed.

Several service and outreach organizations used the event to promote services. A mobile legal “justice bus” representing Dakota Plains offered on-the-spot assistance, and Urban Indian Health set up an information table. Food service volunteers were also mentioned; the announcer said a meal would be served at Calvary Church after the parade. Announcers and representatives encouraged attendees to visit service booths and volunteers offering items such as handmade soaps.

A recruitment message for school bus drivers was broadcast during the event. An announcer listed a contact number and compensation details: “Call (605) 334-6644. They got paid training. They have a sign on bonus… starting pay is $23.40, and they got a $2,000 sign on bonus.” The announcement directed interested people to a website (schoolbuses.com) or the phone number cited.

Other named participants and references in the parade included Shar Green; Lonnie Pickner; mentions of candidates or political figures such as Julian Baldwin and references to Christy Noem; local boxing group 605 Boxing; and tribal flags and delegations such as the Yankton Sioux. The announcer also spoke about cultural themes and blessings, saying, for example, that the turtle is traditionally “a very special being because they can live in 2 worlds,” as part of the event’s cultural remarks.

The parade concluded with reminders of post-event activities and thanks to participants and volunteers. Organizers reiterated the availability of food at Calvary Church and thanked the crowd for attending.

The event was celebratory and community-focused; no formal government action, vote or policy decision occurred during the recorded portions of the event.