To connect with a community that has meant so much to the state, the Arizona Rattlers celebrated Native American Heritage Night Saturday.
Players and fans were introduced to the rich and artistic culture of the state’s many tribes through celebrations that included marching and dancing during the game against the San Diego Strike Force.
“We want to give Native American kids that thought of ‘I can play professional football, I want to play for the Arizona Rattlers,’” said Maurice Brown, the team’s strength and conditioning coach who grew up in Tuba City on the Navajo Nation.
Approximately 5.1% of Arizona’s population identifies as American Indian or Alaskan Native, according to the 2024 U.S. Census.
Among the fans in attendance were members of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, which provides vital resources for sustainability, spirituality and community activities.
They often perform rituals and ceremonies to adhere to their culture of being peaceful while protecting the environments around them.
The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community prepares to perform at halftime of a Rattlers game.
The halftime performance featured 10 members, including children, who marched and danced, while others sang during the anthem and used maracas.
“Those kids being able to see us gives us motivation,” wide receiver Yo’Heinz said.
Brown believes these events inspire youth who may not have the support to play sports such as football.
“I share my culture all the time,” Brown said. “I share the tradition and upbringing to the team.”
During the Rattlers’ final home game of the regular season, the players wore jerseys that symbolized the special night, brown and tan with a turquoise color blending in with the top of the jersey.
The Rattlers had dropped four of their last five games entering this meeting with the Strike Force. Saturday’s game was an opportunity for the team to clinch a playoff berth during their final homestand. They did just that, falling from 16 points down to win 46-43.
“We just wanted to shorten the field, take their space away and put it on our defense to get some stops,” coach Kevin Guy said.
The Rattlers will head to Texas to face the gunslingers Saturday, inspired by an evening that celebrated the Native American community.