National Day of Mourning (United States protest) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids National Day of Mourning |
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The National Day of Mourning plaque on Cole's Hill in Plymouth, Massachusetts
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| Observed by | Native Americans in the United States |
| Significance | Honoring ancestors, acknowledging current struggles of Native people, remembrance, spiritual connection, protest of racism and oppression, dispelling of Thanksgiving mythology |
| Observances | Gathering and protest held in lieu of Thanksgiving celebrations in the United States |
| Date | Fourth Thursday in November |
| 2024 date | November 28 |
| 2025 date | November 27 |
| 2026 date | November 26 |
| 2027 date | November 25 |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Related to | Thanksgiving (United States) Unthanksgiving Day |
The National Day of Mourning is an annual event held in Plymouth, Massachusetts. It takes place on the fourth Thursday of November, the same day as Thanksgiving in the United States. This event teaches people about Native Americans in the United States, especially the Wampanoag and other tribes from the Eastern United States.
The day aims to correct common myths about the Thanksgiving story. It also highlights the challenges Native American tribes have faced and continue to face. The first National Day of Mourning happened in 1970. This was after a Native American leader, Frank "Wamsutta" James, was not allowed to give a speech at a Thanksgiving event. Instead, he gave his speech on Cole's Hill in Plymouth. This gathering became an annual event organized by the United American Indians of New England (UAINE).
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Why Observe the National Day of Mourning?
The National Day of Mourning is a time for Native Americans and their allies to remember their ancestors. It also helps people understand the true history of Thanksgiving. The event is a protest against racism and unfair treatment. It helps to share the Native American perspective on history.
How the National Day of Mourning Started
In 1970, the state of Massachusetts planned a big celebration. It marked 350 years since the Mayflower ship landed. The event organizers invited Frank "Wamsutta" James to speak. James was a leader of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head. He was also the president of the Federated Eastern Indian League.
Frank James's Speech Was Cancelled
Before the event, the organizers asked to read James's speech. After reviewing it, they told him he could not give his speech as written. They even gave him a different speech written by their public relations team. A representative from the government explained why. They said the celebration was about "brotherhood." They felt James's original speech was "inflammatory," meaning it might cause strong feelings or anger.
The First Gathering in Plymouth
Frank "Wamsutta" James and other leaders decided to organize their own event. They invited people from Native American communities across the country. They found places for guests to stay.
The first National Day of Mourning took place on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1970. It was held on Cole's Hill in Plymouth, Massachusetts. James gave his speech next to a statue of Ousamequin, a Wampanoag leader.
He spoke about how Native lands were taken. He said that Native Americans needed to work for a more fair America. He hoped for a country where Native values like honor and truth were important again. James said that while others celebrated an anniversary, for Native Americans, it was a new beginning. It was a time for Native Americans to show their determination.
About 500 Native Americans from all over the United States attended this first event. Since then, it has happened every year on the fourth Thursday in November. James's speech was one of the first public times Native American groups spoke out against the common Thanksgiving story.
Continuing the Protest Today
The United American Indians of New England (UAINE) still organizes the annual National Day of Mourning rally. It is held at Cole's Hill.
The main goals of the event are:
- To teach people about the history of the Wampanoag people.
- To correct the myths often taught about the Thanksgiving story.
- To raise awareness about the past and present struggles of Native American tribes.
Modern Commemoration and Attendance
The National Day of Mourning protest is held every year at Cole's Hill. Hundreds of people attend. In 2021, estimates suggest between 1,000 and 2,000 people were there. Frank James's son, Roland Moonanum James, was involved until he passed away in 2020. Frank's granddaughter, Kisha James, now helps organize the event. She is the UAINE youth coordinator. Mahtowin Munro has been a co-leader since the 1990s.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the rally happened both in person and online. Over 1,600 people watched the live stream. More than 20,000 people viewed the online video.
