Date/Time and Location
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first National Day of Mourning demonstration was held in 1970 after Frank "Wamsutta" James's speaking invitation was rescinded from a Massachusetts Thanksgiving Day celebration commemorating the 350th anniversary of the landing of the Mayflower.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 short documentary about National Day of Mourning
This video, created by Native America marketing agency SmokeSygnals, tells the story of the National Day of Mourning. The protest takes place on Thanksgiving every year since 1970, 50 years ago this year, to highlight the suffering of the Native American people.
Watch the 2022 National Day of Mourning Recording
In this recording, tribes from across the country gather to share messages from their tribes on National Day of Mourning, including the Aquinnah Wampanoa, Lakota, The Red Nation, and United Houma Nation. A Herring Pond Wampanoag Land Acknowledgment was shared as well as support for Palestinians and for the LGBTQIA+ community, including the indigenous two-spirit community. In addition, current or recent events were discussed from Standing Rock to the ongoing campaign to free Leonard Peltier, the longest serving U.S. political prisoner.
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.