For over 50 years, Native American communities have gathered in Plymouth, Massachusetts on Thanksgiving for the National Day of Mourning, instead of celebrating the Pilgrim’s first harvest. The event commemorates a suppressed speech by Frank “Wamsutta” James in 1970 that highlighted the different perspectives on American history from Indigenous people compared to colonizers. While many celebrate Thanksgiving, the origins of the holiday overlook large parts of Native American history. The first Thanksgiving feast in 1621 between colonists and the Wampanoag people was not as harmonious as portrayed, and the holiday perpetuates myths about their relations. President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863 to foster unity, erasing the true history of Indigenous contributions and struggles.
The National Day of Mourning includes speeches from Indigenous people facing issues in their communities, prayers, marches, and rallies. The upcoming 2024 event will focus on Palestine and environmental issues, with speakers discussing the need to center traditional ecological knowledge and move away from fossil fuel extractive economies. The message from Indigenous peoples globally emphasizes the importance of their voices in shaping a more sustainable future for the world. The event aims to educate and uplift participants, highlighting the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities in the face of historical and contemporary challenges.
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