Unthanksgiving Day

Unthanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States, and falls on Thanksgiving Day for a purpose – to remember and fight for the rights of America’s indigenous peoples.

History

Unthanksgiving Day has traditionally been celebrated with various events on Alcatraz Island, as a counter date to the more popular Thanksgiving Day, to remember the ancestors who inhabited these lands and stood up to persecution and cruelty. The prison on Alcatraz closed in 1963 due to its high cost of upkeep, but five years later, a group of Native Americans took over the island to make demands for civil rights. The government eventually removed them from the island in 1971.

Interesting facts

Alcatraz has a few interesting facts associated with it:

• The prison was intended for the worst criminals yet during the pandemic, anyone from murderers to ordinary robbers were placed here.
• James Jones, the overseer, had served there since its inception and was known for his discipline and respected by the prisoners.
• Infamous gangster Al Capone was also held there.
• Many prisoners described the prison as a real hell, wishing for death instead of being there.

How to take part

Learn more about the indigenous peoples of America and their history, culture and traditions, both good and bad. You can join organizations that help them and become a volunteer, or donate. Spread the word about Unthanksgiving Day and keep the memory alive.

When is Unthanksgiving Day celebrated in 2023?

Unthanksgiving Day is observed on the fourth Thursday in November each year.

Observations