Date/Time:
About National Day of Mourning
The National Day of Mourning is an annual demonstration, held on the fourth Thursday in November, that aims to educate the public about Native Americans in the United States, notably the Wampanoag and other tribes of the Eastern United States; dispel myths surrounding the Thanksgiving story in the United States; and raise awareness toward historical and ongoing struggles facing Native American tribes.
The first National Day of Mourning demonstration was held in 1970 after Frank "Wamsutta" James's speaking invitation was rescinded from a Massachusetts Thanksgiving Day celebration commemorating the 350th anniversary of the landing of the Mayflower. James instead delivered his speech on Cole's Hill in Plymouth, Massachusetts next to a statue of Ousamequin, where he described Native American perspectives on the Thanksgiving celebrations.
The Plymouth gathering became an annual event organized by the United American Indians of New England (UAINE) and coincides with both Thanksgiving Day in the United States and with Unthanksgiving Day, an annual ceremony held on Alcatraz Island in California.
Watch a Brief Special about National Day of Mourning
As many people celebrate Thanksgiving today, there are people who are mourning. In 2021, ABC Action News in-depth reporter Anthony Hill sat down with a group of Native Americans in the Tampa Bay area to have a candid conversation about what Thanksgiving Day means to them.
Watch the 2024 National Day of Mourning Recording
The National Day of Mourning in Plymouth is live streamed every year and a recording is posted to YouTube. You can watch the past year's event below.
Additional Resources
National Geographic National Day of Mourning Student Activity Resource
Geared towards high school students, students analyze the suppressed speech of Wamsutta (Frank B.) James to learn about a Native American’s perspective on the arrival of the Pilgrims and discuss differing viewpoints about the significance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
National Day of Mourning Website
The National Day of Mourning content is maintained by the United American Indians of New England (UAINE). On their site, you will find the suppressed speech of 1970, historical information about the community, and detailed information about the upcoming National Day of Mourning, including an orientation for anyone that attends the in-person event in Plymouth.