National Day of Mourning

National Day of Mourning is celebrated on Thanksgiving Day and does not mean a fun holiday at all … This date is filled with blood and pain for Native Americans who have been subjected to violence by settlers. The peoples do not understand how most of America can celebrate the date with fun, so they created their own.

History

In 1620, the colonialists landed in the state at Plymouth. From their first step on earth, the people of America felt that the future would be far from rosy. They were evicted from their lands, persecuted, threatened, used violence … Remembering the events of those years, the Indians gather together on Cole Hill to honor the memory of all who fought for their lives.

UAINE, an activist movement led by Indians and their supporters, is sponsoring the date. Most of the events are held in Massachusetts: they are aimed at ensuring that history is not distorted and the terrible genocide of an entire people is recognized. The holiday has more participants every year: the organizers invite all those who are not indifferent. However, only native speakers can give speeches.

Interesting facts

It is curious that:

• the total number of victims of the genocide is still unknown – until 1860, the Indians did not participate in the population census. Researchers give different numbers, but all data is not officially confirmed;
• one of the leaders said: “We were glad to meet the Europeans, we thought they were bringing light”;
• today there are about 5 million Indians, mestizos, descendants;
• in 1825, a law was passed according to which the Indians lost the ownership of the land if it was “discovered” by the citizens of America;
• many Native American words have taken root in modern English: potato, bison, tomato, chia.

How to celebrate

Learn more about this tragedy and share your thoughts with those around you. Get information about UAINE, think about how you can help the movement. Visit places where mourning events take place.

When is National Day of Mourning celebrated in 2022?

National Day of Mourning is observed on the fourth Thursday of November each year.

Observations