Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Day of Mourning tradition. When Frank Wamsutta James called upon hundreds of Indigenous Americans and allies to gather in Plymouth, Massachusetts and declare Thanksgiving Day a National Day of Mourning for Native Americans.

In 1970 the town of Plymouth sought to celebrate the 350 anniversary of the coming of Mayflower. Officials reached out to James and asked him to speak as a Wampanoag to the gathering. James wrote his speech based on his extensive knowledge of the impact of white settlement on the original people. The organizers asked to see a copy of his remarks and when they read what James was prepared to say they withdrew their invitation. He did not flatter the invaders or excuse the violence with happy talk and retelling the fictional story of a “Thanksgiving” celebration.

He wrote: “History wants us to believe that the Indian was a savage, illiterate, uncivilized animal. A history that was written by an organized, disciplined people, to expose us as an unorganized and undisciplined entity. Two distinctly different cultures met. One thought they must control life; the other believed life was to be enjoyed, because nature decreed it.”

James, insulted by the rejection, called for protest, articulating that the day should be called a Day of Mourning for Native Americans. The demonstration garnered national attention to the growing movement of native peoples that was making itself known across the country with actions such as the occupation of Alcatraz, the founding of the American Indian Movement and a few years later a march across the United States to Washington DC to protest the treatment of the original people.

James’ censored speech ended with an acknowledgement that, even after 350 years of colonization, Wampanoags and other Indigenous peoples have kept their spirit and their determination to continue their identities, their communities, and their cultures. He saw that anniversary of the Pilgrim’s arrival as a new beginning for the rising of “the American Indian, particularly the Wampanoag, to regain the position in this country that is rightfully ours.”

The National Day of Mourning protest in Plymouth continues to this day, now led by his son, Moonanum James and the group that Wamsutta James helped found in 1970, the United American Indians of New England (UAINE).

Yours in solidarity,