Rochester celebrates Indigenous Peoples Day with music, dance, and storytelling

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rochester celebrated the history and culture of indigenous groups, including the local Seneca people, on Monday for Indigenous Peoples Day. There were celebrations at Cobbs Hill, Genesee Valley Park, RMSC, and more.

Rochester is the first major city in New York State to replace Columbus Day on all calendars and documents, denouncing Columbus’ violent history. Back in 2022, Rochester City Council voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance establishing Indigenous Peoples Day.

Rochester’s free celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day began with a morning ceremony at Cobbs Hill that included a Thanksgiving Address and the story of Sky Woman. After that, there was a meditative walk, a hike in the Grove, and Tai Chi.

Then, the festivities continued at 11 a.m. at Genesee Valley Park at the Riverbend and Canalside shelters. There were performances from Bill Crouse and the Allegany River Dancers, the Oneida Dancers & Singers, and Darice Sampson Dancers. The celebration also included Native art demonstrations, food vendors, paddle shaping, and a seven-person voyager canoe.

The festivities ended with a ceremony at Genesee Valley Park by the river. It included flute music by Curtis Waterman, words by Vance Wyder, and the story of The Peacemaker.

Activities at RMSC on Monday also celebrated Native American culture. That included a self-guided story corner featuring Native American authors and a chance to learn about the Haudenosaunee culture, connecting stories from the past to the present.

The Mohawk Nation’s Eli Carr held a free concert at the Flying Squirrel Community Space at 285 Clarissa St. on Monday evening. It was presented by The Indigenous Peoples Center.

More than 100 other cities have adopted Indigenous Peoples Day. It’s not a federal holiday but lawmakers in Congress have introduced legislation to make the change.