National Day Of Mourning History

The National Day of Mourning is an occasion of remembrance and reflection. This event provides an alternative perspective to the traditional American Thanksgiving holiday narrative, shedding light on the historical and ongoing struggles of Native American communities.

The National Day of Mourning was first recognized in 1970, initiated by the United American Indians of New England. It coincided with the 350th anniversary of the Mayflower's landing, serving to counteract the celebratory nature surrounding the Pilgrims' settlement, which brought devastation to indigenous tribes. Over time, the event has evolved into a profound commemoration of Native American history and a public protest against the systemic difficulties their communities continue to face.

This commemorative day is chiefly marked in Plymouth, Massachusetts, involving a march through the town, speeches, and a communal meal. The National Day of Mourning is observed yearly on the same day as Thanksgiving, occurring on the fourth Thursday of November.

Top 10 Facts for National Day Of Mourning in 2026

• The 2026 National Day of Mourning will feature a specific focus on the historical impacts of colonial expansion, serving as a platform to center Indigenous perspectives often omitted from mainstream historical narratives.
• Participants in the observance gather annually on Cole's Hill in Plymouth, Massachusetts, to honor the resilience of Native American ancestors and protest the myths surrounding the traditional Thanksgiving holiday.
• The event is organized by the United American Indians of New England (UAINE) and serves as both a solemn memorial and a political demonstration for Indigenous rights.
• Many observers refer to the day as an 'un-Thanksgiving,' aiming to shift the national consciousness away from celebrations of colonization toward an acknowledgment of genocide and the theft of Native lands.
• The National Day of Mourning was established in 1970 after Wamsutta Frank James, a Wampanoag activist, was silenced while attempting to deliver a speech that criticized the historical accuracy of the Pilgrim story.
• Since its inception, the observance has maintained a commitment to amplifying the voices of Indigenous peoples, highlighting ongoing struggles such as the protection of sacred sites and the preservation of Native languages.
• The event serves as a counter-narrative to the romanticized depiction of the 1621 gathering between the Wampanoag and the Pilgrims, often referred to in literature and film—such as the perspective explored in This Land Is Their Land: The Wampanoag Indians, Plymouth Colony, and the Troubled History of Thanksgiving—as a complex and often violent history.
• Attendees often engage in speeches, traditional songs, and prayers, creating a space for collective healing and the reaffirmation of cultural identity among tribal nations.
• While the day coincides with the federal Thanksgiving holiday in the United States, it is observed as a day of somber reflection rather than a celebration, emphasizing the survival of Native peoples despite centuries of systemic oppression.
• The legacy of the National Day of Mourning continues to influence modern discourse on American history, encouraging citizens to research the specific tribal history of the land they occupy.

In the News and Trending for National Day Of Mourning

Top things to do for National Day Of Mourning

• Watch a film depicting Native Americans and their struggle against colonists. Here are our suggestions:
  Dances With Wolves (1990)
  Windwalker (1980)
  Little Big Man (1970)
• Take a few minutes of silent reflection to remember and honor the victims of the tragic event being remembered on that particular National Day of Mourning.