Timeline of Indigenous Peoples’ Day Advocacy and Events in Rochester, NY
2017
A group of community members, including members of the Native American Cultural Center and Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ-ROC) form the Indigenous Peoples Day Planning Committee. The committee’s activities include education and advocacy, with the ultimate goal of changing the holiday of Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day in Rochester.
October 4, 2018
Indigenous Peoples' Day declared for Oct. 8 in Rochester
The City of Rochester will be joining cities across the nation on Columbus Day to honor Native Americans.
At a ceremony Thursday morning, Mayor Lovely Warren proclaimed Monday, October 8 as Indigenous Peoples' Day in Rochester.
Source: 13 WHAM. https://13wham.com/news/local/indigenous-peoples-day-declared-for-oct-8-in-rochester
Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren declares October 8 as Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Source: City Newspaper. https://www.rochestercitynewspaper.com/rochester/the-significance-of-indigenous-peoples-day/Content?oid=8306321
October 5, 2018
Indigenous Peoples' Day proclamation a monumental moment
This is a significant moment — the City of Rochester is honoring the original people of this land with a proclamation for the recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, on the second Monday of October. A recognition that, oddly enough, has been formalized to honor those who have always been here.
Source: Democrat and Chronicle. https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/opinion/guest-column/2018/10/05/essay-indigenous-people-day-proclamation-rochester/1509421002/
October 8, 2018
First Annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration
Native American Cultural Center, 229 Empire Blvd
Source: City Newspaper. https://www.rochestercitynewspaper.com/rochester/first-annual-indigenous-peoples-day-celebration-thanksgiving-address/Event?oid=8316372
October 14, 2019
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration
Native American Cultural Center, 229 Empire Blvd
Source: City Newspaper. https://www.rochestercitynewspaper.com/rochester/indigenous-peoples-day-celebration/Event?oid=10926273
City of Rochester flies Haudenosaunee Confederacy flag October 14-21 in recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10215506190029019&set=a.1616453452358
“Monday was the second annual celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Rochester.”
Source: WXXI News. https://www.wxxinews.org/arts-life/2019-10-14/rochester-celebrates-indigenous-peoples-day-and-columbus-day-amid-controversy)
October 12, 2020
“On behalf of Mayor Lovely A. Warren and City Council President Loretta C. Scott, the City of Rochester celebrates and acknowledges Indigenous Peoples’ Day by flying the Haudenosaunee flag at City Hall.”
Source: City of Rochester, NY - Mayors Office https://www.facebook.com/CityofRochesterNY/posts/pfbid0mG7jFoMZbjB2YrKGRTC4Gcs5FEbNkZVwGnKUjBYZpDB7Y7Axi8hmGcaNM1t1Z7Znl
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration
Flying Squirrel, 285 Clarissa St
October 8, 2021
Mayor Lovely Warren, Deputy Mayor James Smith and Rochester City Council raise the Six Nations flag of the Iroquois Confederacy and present a Mayoral Proclamation honoring Indigenous Peoples Day.
October 11, 2021
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration
Indigenous Peoples Center, Flying Squirrel, 285 Clarissa St
June 14, 2022
Rochester City Council votes to permanently recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the City of Rochester. Ordinance signed by Mayor Malik Evans.
Source: WHAM News. https://13wham.com/news/local/indigenous-people-day-officially-recognized-in-rochester
October 7, 2022
Haudenosaunee flag-raising and reading of the Ordinance, City Hall noon.
The Indigenous Peoples’ Day Committee and area children will plant four White Pine Trees, the Haudenosaunee Tree of Peace, in each of the city’s four quadrants.
October 10, 2022
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Planning Committee
https://www.facebook.com/events/546188450611071/
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration
Indigenous Peoples Center, Flying Squirrel, 285 Clarissa St