For more than 50 years, Native American communities have gathered in Plymouth, Massachusetts on Thanksgiving for the National Day of Mourning. This event commemorates a suppressed speech by Frank “Wamsutta” James in 1970, which highlighted the true history of Native Americans since the arrival of the Mayflower. While many celebrate Thanksgiving with a positive narrative, the National Day of Mourning aims to shed light on the darker aspects of Native American history and contemporary issues.
The Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag people shared a harvest feast in 1621, though the true nature of this interaction is debated. The contemporary Thanksgiving holiday perpetuates myths and erases the struggles faced by Indigenous peoples in America. President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, promoting unity but further propagating the idealized Thanksgiving story.
The National Day of Mourning brings together Indigenous people from around the world to share their stories, struggles, and fight against environmental and social injustices. This year’s event will include speakers addressing issues in Palestine and advocating for the development of traditional ecological knowledge and moving away from fossil fuel economies. The event aims to provide a space for Indigenous communities to come together, pray, march, and rally for a better future.
As the world faces challenges like climate change and social inequality, Indigenous peoples offer valuable perspectives on sustainable living and resilience. The National Day of Mourning serves as a platform to amplify these voices and push for change in a society that often overlooks their contributions and struggles.
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