National Day of Mourning

Categories:: Cause
Tags:: Historical
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: 4th Thursday of November
Holiday emoji:: ✊

The National Day of Mourning takes place every fourth Thursday of November, coinciding with Thanksgiving in the U.S. This solemn observance brings Native American people together to protest the historical injustices and ongoing struggles faced since 1620. Take time to listen, learn, and support indigenous voices and causes.

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Expected National Day of Mourning Deals

As a day of solemn remembrance and protest, the National Day of Mourning is not associated with commercial deals or promotions. Instead, it serves as a critical opportunity to support indigenous communities and advocacy. Organizations like the United American Indians of New England (UAINE), organizers of the original event, rely on donations to continue their work. Many tribal nations and indigenous-led nonprofits welcome support for cultural preservation, education, and social justice initiatives. Consider purchasing from Native-owned businesses and artists, whose crafts and products directly benefit their communities. We encourage readers to visit official tribal websites and indigenous advocacy groups for ways to contribute directly.

Platform Guide for National Day of Mourning

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalDayOfMourning. Share historical facts, indigenous perspectives, and calls to action.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalDayOfMourning. Share educational resources and information about local events or protests.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalDayOfMourning. Post images or videos highlighting indigenous art, culture, and advocacy efforts.

National Day of Mourning Hero

Wamsutta Frank James

Wamsutta Frank James (Wampanoag) was a Native American activist and leader who played a pivotal role in establishing the National Day of Mourning. In 1970, he was invited to speak at a Thanksgiving celebration in Plymouth, Massachusetts, but his speech, which highlighted the injustices faced by his people, was rejected. He then delivered his powerful address on Cole's Hill, initiating the first National Day of Mourning and inspiring decades of indigenous activism.

History of National Day of Mourning

The National Day of Mourning reminds us all that Thanksgiving is only part of the story. Native Americans, since 1970, have gathered at noon on Cole’s Hill in Plymouth, Massachusetts, to commemorate a National Day of Mourning on Thanksgiving Day.

Pilgrims landed in Plymouth and established the first colony in 1620. As such, it’s the oldest municipality in New England. Many Native Americans, however, don’t celebrate the arrival of the Pilgrims and other European settlers. Thanksgiving, to them, is a brutal reminder of “the genocide of millions of Native people, the theft of Native lands, and the relentless assault on Native culture.”

They participate as a way to honor Native ancestors and the struggles 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.”

The United American Indians of New England (UAINE) sponsors this event. They maintain that the Pilgrims arrived in North America and claimed tribal land for their own, as opposed to establishing a mutually beneficial relationship with the local inhabitants. UAINE members believe that these settlers “introduced sexism, racism, anti-homosexual bigotry, jails, and the class system.”

The National Day of Mourning generally begins at noon and includes a march through the historic district of Plymouth. While the UAINE encourages people of all backgrounds to attend the protests, only Native speakers are invited to give these speeches about the past, as well as current obstacles their people have overcome. Guests are asked to bring non-alcoholic beverages, desserts, fresh fruits and vegetables, or pre-cooked items. The protest is open to anyone, and has attracted other minority activists.

National Day of Mourning timeline

1998

No permit needed

UAINE receives permission from local authorities to march in protest without having to obtain a permit.

1997

Protests got violent

State troopers use force against protesters who gathered together to observe the 28th annual National Day of Mourning.

1970

National Day of Mourning began

The first annual protest for the National Day of Mourning takes place.

1620

Pilgrims arrived

English separatist Puritans, who had broken away from the Church of England, land at Plymouth Rock. Today we refer to them as Pilgrims.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Day of Mourning

Local businesses can observe the National Day of Mourning by fostering education and awareness among employees and customers. Consider hosting workshops or discussions led by local indigenous elders or educators to share the true history of Thanksgiving. Display informational materials from Native American advocacy groups or donate a portion of sales to a local tribal organization or indigenous-led nonprofit. It’s an opportunity to build authentic relationships and support indigenous economic development, rather than commercializing the day.

National Day of Mourning FAQs

When is National Day of Mourning?

The National Day of Mourning 2026 falls on Thursday, November 26. This solemn observance coincides with the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, serving as a powerful counter-narrative to the traditional celebration.

How many Native Americans live in the U.S.?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 9.7 million people identified as American Indian or Alaska Native, either alone or in combination with another race, in 2020. This population is diverse, comprising over 574 federally recognized tribes.

What is the purpose of the National Day of Mourning?

The National Day of Mourning serves as a protest and remembrance, highlighting the genocide and oppression faced by Native Americans since the arrival of European settlers. It aims to educate the public about the true history of Thanksgiving and advocate for indigenous rights.

How does the National Day of Mourning relate to Thanksgiving?

The National Day of Mourning is intentionally observed on the same day as Thanksgiving, but it is a direct counter-celebration. While Thanksgiving often celebrates a peaceful feast, the Day of Mourning acknowledges the subsequent violence, disease, and displacement inflicted upon Native American communities.

How to Observe National Day of Mourning

Brush up on your history
Do you know much about the first Thanksgiving? Do some research online, stop by your local library, or watch a documentary that will help give you a better understanding of what Native Americans actually went through.
Learn more about the United American Indians of New England (UAINE)
UAINE is responsible for helping the National Day of Mourning protest take shape. To observe this important day, take some time to learn about about the UAINE. It's a fascinating organization that has done a great deal to promote better treatment for the Native American people.
Attend a protest
Protesters gather on Cole's Hill, a location overlooking Plymouth Rock, in Massachusetts. Everyone is welcome to observe these gatherings, and recently, other minority groups have started to become involved in the events of this day.

4 Reasons To Thank Native Americans

They've been here a while
Native Americans have existed in what is now known as the United States since 12,000 BC.
Thank you for your service
Although they were not considered American citizens, over 8,000 Native Americans served in the military in World War I.
Your great-grandma is who?
Many of the first families who settled in Virginia trace their roots directly back to Pocahontas.
An important vocabulary lesson
A bunch of Native American words have made their way into the English language; for example, coyote, tomato, poncho, potato, and chia.

Why National Day of Mourning is Important

It serves as an important history lesson
Textbooks often glaze over the unjust treatment of Native Americans. The National Day of Mourning, however, is a reminder that the people native to the Americas have been the recipients of a great deal of unfair treatment. It's important to discuss.
It's a time to come together
For protesters, the National Day of Mourning serves as a time to rally together to advocate for what they believe in. UAINE has worked to improve relations between the government and native people.
It shifts our attention away from turkey
Yes, Thanksgiving can be a great day filled with tons of good food and time spent with loving family and friends. However, the mission behind the National Day of Mourning is to highlight that the Thanksgiving holiday is actually quite painful for some people. For quite a few Native Americans in New England, Thanksgiving marks a time when their ancestors were treated poorly.