Unthanksgiving Day

Categories:: Special Interest
Tags:: Appreciation Cultural Historical
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: 4th Thursday of November
Holiday emoji:: ✊

Unthanksgiving Day, also known as the National Day of Mourning, is observed every fourth Thursday in November. This day commemorates the indigenous peoples of America and promotes their rights and sovereignty. Reflect on the true history of Thanksgiving and support Native American communities.

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Expected Unthanksgiving Day Deals

On Unthanksgiving Day, the focus shifts from commercial deals to supporting indigenous communities and causes. Consider donating directly to organizations like the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) or the Native American Rights Fund (NARF). Many indigenous-owned businesses, such as Eighth Generation and SheNative, offer authentic goods and services; seek them out to support their economic empowerment. We encourage you to research and contribute to local tribal initiatives and cultural preservation efforts.

Platform Guide for Unthanksgiving Day

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #UnthanksgivingDay. Share educational threads, historical facts, and calls to action for indigenous rights.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #UnthanksgivingDay. Share stories from indigenous voices and promote local community events.

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #UnthanksgivingDay. Discuss corporate responsibility towards indigenous communities and ethical business practices.

Unthanksgiving Day Hero

Richard Oakes

Richard Oakes (1942–1972) was a Mohawk activist who played a pivotal role in the 1969 occupation of Alcatraz Island. This protest, which lasted 19 months, brought international attention to the plight of Native Americans and their struggle for sovereignty and treaty rights. Oakes's leadership galvanized the Red Power movement and inspired a generation of indigenous activism, laying groundwork for events like Unthanksgiving Day.

History of Unthanksgiving Day

Most of us are aware of the Thanksgiving Day that falls on the fourth Thursday of November every year. However, not many of us know about the Unthanksgiving Day that falls on the same day. It also coincides with the National Day of Mourning in Massachusetts.

This day is seen as a counter-celebration to Thanksgiving Day designed to honor the Native Americans and promote their rights. It recalls indigenous people’s survival following European colonization of the Americas and celebrates their perseverance and resistance over time.

The history of Unthanksgiving Day is an interesting one. Indigenous people began seeking to reclaim Alcatraz Island shortly after the prison was closed in 1963. On November 20, 1969, a group of Native Americans occupied the island of Alcatraz in San Francisco which lasted for 19 months. The Treaty of Fort Laramie/Sioux Treaty of 1868 was used to claim the island.

During this period of 19 months, several indigenous Americans joined the civil rights movement and expressed their concerns, until they were forcefully removed by the United States Government on June 11, 1971.

The International Treaty Council and American Indian Contemporary Arts together hosted the first Unthanksgiving Day on November 27, 1975. The organizers picked Thanksgiving Day to commemorate Unthanksgiving Day in order to remind people of the losses that Indians had to endure as a result of Europeans. Today, Alcatraz Island is open to the public and tourists visit it regularly to watch the sunrise, speak for indigenous rights, and to celebrate their heritage.

Unthanksgiving Day timeline

1868

The Treaty of Fort Laramie

The Treaty of Fort Laramie is signed by the U.S.

1969

The Occupation of Alcatraz Island

Native Americans begin to occupy Alcatraz Island.

1971

The Removal of Native Americans

The occupation of Alcatraz Island is ended by the U.S.

1975

The First Unthanksgiving Day

The International Treaty Council and American Indian Contemporary Arts organize the first Unthanksgiving Day.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Unthanksgiving Day

Local businesses can observe Unthanksgiving Day by educating their staff and customers on indigenous history and current issues. Consider partnering with local tribal organizations or Native American-owned businesses for events or product collaborations. Retailers can highlight and sell products from indigenous artisans, ensuring fair trade practices. Restaurants might offer special menus that feature traditional indigenous ingredients, crediting the cultural origins and donating a portion of proceeds to relevant causes.

Unthanksgiving Day FAQs

When is Unthanksgiving Day?

Unthanksgiving Day 2026 falls on Thursday, November 26. This solemn observance coincides with Thanksgiving Day, intentionally drawing attention to indigenous perspectives.

What is the purpose of Unthanksgiving Day?

The purpose of Unthanksgiving Day is to commemorate the indigenous peoples of America and to raise awareness about the historical injustices and ongoing struggles they face. It’s a day of mourning for the genocide and land theft experienced by Native Americans.

Where is the main Unthanksgiving Day ceremony held?

The primary Unthanksgiving Day ceremony, also known as the Indigenous Peoples Sunrise Ceremony, is held annually on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay. This historic site symbolizes the indigenous struggle for land and sovereignty.

How does Unthanksgiving Day relate to Thanksgiving?

Unthanksgiving Day intentionally coincides with Thanksgiving Day, offering a contrasting perspective. While Thanksgiving is often celebrated as a day of gratitude and feasting, Unthanksgiving Day highlights the historical trauma and dispossession experienced by indigenous peoples.

How to Observe Unthanksgiving Day

Support their voices
Supporting native people's voices and rights is a great way to remember this day. You can also contribute to their cause in any way you can.
Spread awareness
The suffering endured by the indigenous people cannot be expressed in words and is not known to many people. You can use this day to help others understand their history and sufferings.
Visit Alcatraz
You can visit Alcatraz Island on Unthanksgiving Day. Join thousands of people there to mourn for the fallen native people and can also take part in the celebrations.

5 Mind-Blowing Facts About Indigenous Peoples

There were female warriors
Apart from supporting their male counterparts by cooking, sewing, and taking care of camp, they also rode and fought alongside men.
Teepees and other houses
Unlike what we see in the movies, Indian Tribes not only lived in teepees, they also lived in longhouses and pueblos.
2% of the population
As of 2019, 2% of the U.S. population identifies as American Indians or Alaska natives.
574 is the number
As of January 2021, there are 574 federally recognized American Indian tribes.
Only 0.4% of businesses
As of 2018, only 0.4% of U.S. businesses are owned by American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Why Unthanksgiving Day is Important

It honors indigenous people
Although many lives were lost in the bravery, it still stands as an important piece of the history of the world. It is observed as a remembrance of the suffering of the Native Indians.
It is a meaningful day
Although not many people know about this day, Unthanksgiving Day is one of the meaningful days that one can observe in the year.
It teaches us about life
The whole purpose of observing this day is to teach the modern citizens of America about the suffering that people have gone through in the history of building the nation. Learn all you can today.