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.

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.