Honoring the ‘Day of Mourning’

The National Day of Mourning in Plymouth, Massachusetts on Thanksgiving is a commemoration of the suppressed speech by Frank “Wamsutta” James in 1970 at the 350-year anniversary celebration of the Mayflower’s arrival. The event brings together Indigenous people to discuss the true history of the holiday and express gratitude for their traditions that predate colonization. While the traditional Thanksgiving story portrays a harmonious celebration between the Pilgrims and Wampanoag people in 1621, the reality is more complex and fraught with historical inaccuracies. The event aims to shed light on contemporary issues faced by Indigenous communities, while also celebrating their resilience and community strength. This year’s National Day of Mourning will focus on issues such as supporting Palestinians and advocating for traditional ecological knowledge over fossil fuel extraction. The event is a platform for Indigenous people from around the world to come together, march, rally, and support each other. It serves as a reminder of the importance of centering Indigenous knowledge and voices in the fight against environmental destruction and colonization.

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