Honoring history. I understand that our national tradition dictates that the businesses are closed, and often, families have to travel around those holidays.
It’s more about what we do with the day than anything else.
The history of Thanksgiving is problematic.
If there’s a way to honor the story that’s been whitewashed, bring it into education. Bring it into activism. You are gathering your family. You are creating something that can live beyond the story that we’ve been told.
There’s no one way to celebrate it. There’s no one way of honoring history. We can reimagine it for the good of the whole.
We can celebrate that we know the truth and be able to uphold that truth by honoring the Indigenous people of America.
You can celebrate it by watching videos of America’s true history, untangling yourself from our indoctrinated beliefs so that we turn back to our world, a better version of ourselves.
National Day Of Mourning
Thanksgiving also coincides with the National Day of Mourning, which remembers the genocide of millions of Native Americans and their ongoing erasure today.
In giving thanks, let us also reflect and act to stop the ongoing genocide of America’s Indigenous Peoples.
Since 1970, Native Americans have gathered at noon on Cole’s Hill in Plymouth to commemorate a National Day of Mourning on the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday.
Many Native Americans do not celebrate the arrival of the Pilgrims and other European settlers. To them, Thanksgiving Day i s a reminder of the genocdie of millions of their people, the threft of their lands, and the relentless assualt on their culture.
Participants in Nation Day of Mourning honor Native ancestors and the sturggles of Native peoples to survive today.
It is a day of remembrance and spiritual connection as well as a protest of the racism and oppression which Native Americans continue to experience.
Erected by the Town of Plymouth on behalf of the United American Indians of New England.
Ways You Can Honor The National Day of Mourning:
- Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the history and culture of Native American tribes, mainly focusing on the history behind Thanksgiving. Share this knowledge with family, friends, and community.
- Attend or Support Events: Participate in or support events organized by Native American groups, such as the National Day of Mourning observance in Plymouth, Massachusetts, or similar events in your local area.
- Promote Indigenous Voices: Amplify the voices of Native American activists, authors, and educators. This can be done through social media, community discussions, or educational settings.
- Support Native American Causes: Donate to organizations that support Native American rights, health, education, and cultural preservation.
- Reflect on Personal Actions: Use the day to reflect on how your actions and attitudes might contribute to ongoing issues faced by Native American communities.
- Advocate for Change: Advocate for policy changes that benefit Native American communities, such as land rights, environmental protection, and cultural preservation.
- Cultural Exchange and Participation: Attend cultural events or workshops that promote an understanding of Native American traditions and history.
- Respectful Memorials: Participate in or create respectful memorials or moments of silence to honor the lives and histories of Native Americans affected by colonialism and its ongoing impact.
- Inclusive Celebrations: If celebrating Thanksgiving, include discussions, readings, or activities that acknowledge the National Day of Mourning and its significance.
- Boycott Black Friday: Some people choose to boycott Black Friday shopping as a protest against consumerism and its impact on Indigenous lands and cultures.
Honoring the National Day of Mourning is about showing respect and solidarity with Native American communities. You can do that by being informed, respectful, and sensitive to their history and ongoing struggles.