ROCHESTER, N.Y. — There were some early observances in Rochester for next week's Indigenous Peoples' Day. Ceremonies were held at a pair of RCSD buildings.

White pine trees were planted at Schools 12 and 17. The white pine is the Haudenosaunee tree of peace.

"We learned today that the Haudenosaunee were those that lived on our land and that our history is often misrepresented and incomplete so we are grateful for that learning today," said Katie Trepanier, principal of School 12. "It's very much in alignment with who we are at School 12, a truly dual-language school that highlights and celebrates. Diversity is truly our strength here at School 12."

The trees were provided by a local Indigenous Peoples' Day committee and the Sierra Club of Rochester with two other locations also selected.

Indigenous Peoples' Day will be recognized nationally on Monday.