Thanksgiving: A Day of Mourning for Native Americans in Plymouth

Thanksgiving: A Day of Mourning for Native Americans in Plymouth

Many Americans celebrate Thanksgiving, but for Native Americans in Plymouth, it is a day of mourning. Since 1970, the Native American community has gathered in Plymouth to discuss the true origins of Thanksgiving and the issues they continue to face today.

Demetrius Johnson from the Red Nation stated, “Today, as we stand together in solidarity, we affirm that the fight for indigenous liberation is far from over.” On this day, Indigenous people share the true history of Thanksgiving and what it means to them.

Each Thanksgiving, Native Americans and their allies hold a moment of silence and march through Plymouth to honor their ancestors. Kisha James from the United American Indians of New England explained that popular Thanksgiving stories ignore the truth: “The Pilgrims began to force native peoples off their lands and there was a series of massacres and other atrocities against indigenous peoples.”

This Thursday marks the 55th national day of mourning. The event began after its founder was invited by Massachusetts to speak at the 350th anniversary of the Pilgrims’ arrival but was barred from delivering his speech. Since then, the gathering has expanded.

Jean-Luc Pierite of the North American Indian Center of Boston noted that Indigenous peoples come from all over the Americas to Plymouth to confront myths about colonialism. They also address ongoing issues, such as the return of native lands, the plight of murdered and missing Indigenous women, and climate challenges.

Participants of the event want to remind others that Indigenous people still exist and have important messages to share. Kisha James encouraged people to learn about their local tribal communities: “I just think people should engage more with native people, that we’re still here, and we have a lot to say.”