In a milestone change, the city of Rochester announced this week that Monday, Oct. 8, will be the city's first annual Indigenous Peoples Day. But Monday already is the federally designated Columbus Day, setting up a convergence of societal concerns about who we are as a people and how we celebrate cultures, history and heritage. 

The city says Columbus Day will still be recognized on Monday as it has "traditionally been an important way for Rochester’s large Italian American community to celebrate their heritage and contributions to our area. As this is a federally mandated holiday, it must still be recognized," according to a news release.