Two Rochester City Schools plant trees in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Two Rochester City Schools were chosen to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day held a tree planting ceremony on Wednesday.

Anna Murray-Douglass Academy School Number 12 planted its tree in the morning and Enrico Fermi School Number 17 held its ceremony in the afternoon.

The Indigenous Peoples’ Committee was at the schools on Wednesday to teach the students on the importance of trees and how to care for them.

The white pine planted on the school grounds symbolizes peace.

“It was really important that the children have a part in this, not only do they learn the story of the peace keeper which is the story of this land that we’re on, Turtle Island, but also that they would learn the importance of trees and how important it is to care for trees,” said Trish Corcoran of the Tonawanda Onondowaga Bear Clan.

Schools number 12 and 17 are two of four in Rochester that were chosen by the local Indigenous Peoples’ Committee.