Indigenous Peoples Day Committee

Rochester, New York

We’re a group of multicultural individuals and organizations who strategize and organize to recognize the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples Day in the City of Rochester, New York.

school 12 and 17 rcsd celebrate indigenous peoples day

Image Source: Lauren Leone News10NBC

Materials for Learning

Many educational materials are often out of date. We are actively working with school leaders and community members to create narratives and curriculums that are age appropriate.

Learn the history of Indigenous Peoples Day in Rochester, New York to better understand the organization and why your involvement is important.

How Did We Get Here?

Rochester Mayor Malik Evans, right, is joined by all the kids in the audience in shoveling on dirt as they plant a White Pine Tree of Peace near Washington Grove in Cobbs Hill Park

Image Source: Shawn Dowd, Democrat and Chronicle

Join to Support

Change happens within the context of a larger community. Our approach extends beyond the city to help ensure Indigenous peoples and allies have the necessary support for learning and action.

Make a Donation

Are you interested in supporting our efforts through a financial contribution? No matter how small or large, every donation makes a difference.

Image Source: Andrea Gluckman

Donate

Indigenous Peoples Day Ordinance Reading

City Hall, Rochester NY

“This work that we do together requires partnership, and in order to have partnership, it requires relationship. And we as people wouldn’t want it any other way. We would rather do things relationally, as opposed to transactionally. So this partnership has come through working alongside our allies, many of whom are gathered here with us today. And as we have worked together in relationship, that has also developed this partnership, it has also created a beautiful friendship and many beautiful friendships in the process.” - Ronnie Pollack, member of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation/Six Nations of the Grand River

On June 14, 2022, the City of Rochester along with full Mayoral support, voted unanimously to replace Columbus Day with only Indigenous Peoples Day in the City of Rochester. On October 10, 2022, the city celebrated Rochester's first annual Indigenous Peoples Day. On October 07, 2022, the resolution to the initial proclamation was read and the Haudenosaunee Flag was raised.

“So this symbolizes bringing our people together. And anyone is welcome. Any nation, any individual can come, it’s open. And sit under this tree of peace.”

— Dalton LaBarge, with the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation

Image Source: Shawn Down, Democrat and Chronicle

Dalton LaBarge, a member of the Mohawk Nation Akwesasne, explains the history and importance of a Wampum belt during a special planting of a White Pine Tree of Peace near Washington Grove in Cobbs Hill Park.

Contact

Feel free to contact us with any questions.

Email
indigenouspeoplesdayrocny@gmail.com