National Day of Mourning observances occur on Thanksgiving Day in Plymouth, Massachusetts, organized by United American Indians of New England (UAINE) since 1970. This day honors Native ancestors, acknowledges ongoing struggles, and serves as a counter-narrative to the mainstream Thanksgiving story. It is not a public holiday, and participation is through organized rallies, marches, and reflection rather than closures. This article explains the history, purpose, practices, and distinctions between this observance and Thanksgiving to help readers understand its lasting significance and how it is marked each year.
Origins and Historical Background
The National Day of Mourning was established in 1970 when Wamsutta Frank James (Aquinnah Wampanoag) was invited to speak at a Commonwealth of Massachusetts commemorative event but had his speech disapproved in advance. In response, United American Indians of New England (UAINE) called a protest on Cole’s Hill in Plymouth on Thanksgiving Day that year. The date was chosen to coincide with the mainstream holiday to highlight Native histories, losses, and contemporary injustices. Since then, the day has been observed annually on Thanksgiving by Native-led organizations and allies as a solemn remembrance and a call for recognition and change.
Key Historical Milestones
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1970 | UAINE organized the first National Day of Mourning protest in Plymouth | Established a persistent annual counter-observance to mainstream Thanksgiving narratives |
| 1974 onward | Annual observance held on Thanksgiving in Plymouth | Created a durable space for Native voices, remembrance, and advocacy |
| 1990–present | Continued annual gatherings, educational programs, and calls for policy change | Keeps the issues of sovereignty, land rights, and cultural survival visible |
Purpose and Intended Meaning
National Day of Mourning is designed to remember Native ancestors and communities affected by colonization, forced assimilation policies, and discriminatory practices. It provides a platform to highlight Indigenous perspectives that are often marginalized in dominant historical accounts. Organizers emphasize education, truth-telling, and solidarity as central to the observance. Participants use the day to call for justice, tribal sovereignty, and respect for Indigenous rights, linking historical harms to present-day challenges.
Core Goals
- Honor Native ancestors and those lost to disease, violence, and oppression
- Educate the public about Native history and contemporary issues
- Challenge narratives that celebrate colonization without acknowledging its harms
- Advocate for Indigenous sovereignty, land rights, and cultural preservation
- Build solidarity among Native communities and allied supporters
How the Day Is Observed
Observances are organized by UAINE and supported by local Native nations and advocacy groups. Events typically include a march to Plymouth Rock, a rally with speakers, moments of silence, and traditional elements such as drumming or prayer. Participants often reflect on the losses tied to colonization and discuss ongoing struggles. While some may choose to forgo standard Thanksgiving gatherings, the day is distinct from personal protest against the holiday itself; rather, it centers Native experiences and political demands. Attendance is open to allies, though leadership and guidance remain with Native organizers.
Typical Components of Observance
- Organized march to historically significant sites like Plymouth Rock
- Speakers, educators, and tribal representatives sharing testimony and analysis
- Moments of silence and reflection for ancestors and ongoing struggles
- Informational tables and materials about Native rights and current campaigns
- Opportunities for non-Native participants to listen, learn, and support
Distinctions From Thanksgiving and Common Misunderstandings
National Day of Mourning is not a replacement Thanksgiving holiday, nor is it intended to prevent others from celebrating personally. It is a Native-led observance that critiques the harms of colonization while offering a counter-narrative to celebratory myths. Some conflate the day with general anti-Thanksgiving sentiment, but the focus is on Indigenous sovereignty, historical accuracy, and systemic change. Understanding these distinctions helps frame the day as part of broader efforts for truth, reconciliation, and justice rather than as cultural opposition for its own sake.
Comparison Overview
| Aspect | Thanksgiving (mainstream) | National Day of Mourning |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Harvest celebration and cultural tradition | Commemoration, education, and advocacy for Native rights |
| Organizers | Broadly observed, no single organizing body | United American Indians of New England (UAINE) and allied Native nations |
| Public holiday status | Federal holiday in the U.S. | Not a public holiday or official observance |
| Historical framing | Often emphasizes harmony and gratitude | Highlights colonization impacts and ongoing injustices |
| Intended outcome | Family, tradition, celebration | Truth-telling, remembrance, and advocacy for change |
Contemporary Relevance and Enduring Importance
The National Day of Mourning remains a vital annual practice because it centers Indigenous sovereignty, amplifies marginalized histories, and invites critical reflection on the legacy of colonization. It maintains pressure on institutions to acknowledge past harms and support Native-led initiatives. Observers link the day to current campaigns for land protection, cultural preservation, and policy reforms. By maintaining a clear focus on Native leadership and verifiable history, the observance continues to serve as an educational resource and a call to action for solidarity and systemic change.
Ways to Engage Respectfully
- Attend or support UAINE-organized events and educational materials
- Center Native voices and leadership in conversations about the day
- Learn about local Indigenous histories and contemporary issues
- Advocate for policies that respect tribal sovereignty and treaty rights
- Reflect on the fuller history of Thanksgiving and promote accurate education
National Day of Mourning provides a framework for remembering difficult histories while informing present-day advocacy and fostering more honest conversations about the legacy of colonization.