Since 1970, Indigenous people & their allies have gathered at noon on Cole’s Hill in Plymouth to commemorate a National Day of Mourning on the US Thanksgiving holiday. Many Native people do not celebrate the arrival of the Pilgrims & other European settlers. Thanksgiving Day is a reminder of the genocide of millions of Native people, the theft of Native lands and the erasure of Native cultures. Participants in National Day of Mourning honor Indigenous ancestors and Native resilience. It is a day of remembrance and spiritual connection, as well as a protest against the racism and oppression that Indigenous people continue to experience worldwide.
National Day of Mourning
This is a 15 minute short film about why I’ve stopped celebrating Thanksgiving as it is nationally recognized. Told through the historical account of Annawon Weeden, a young Mashpee Wampanoag, and the venerable words of Leonard Peltier–Federal Inmate #89637-132. Filmed at the 43rd National Day of Mourning on Thanksgiving Day 2012 in Plymouth, MA.
https://youtu.be/S3B4msVuT2o
SEE: https://youtu.be/ilf5vDptOYk
LoVina Louie explains the historical root causes for the challenges facing many Native Americans. Her abundant insight and passionate stories lead into a heart wrenching yet hopeful song that will captivate you as you listen to this talk. LoVina is an enrolled member of the schitsu’umsh (Coeur d’Alene) Tribe and a descendant of the nselxcin (Okanogan/Colville) and Nimipu (Nez Perce) tribes. … LoVina co-directed the American Indian Film Festival and Red Nation Film Festival award winning music video “We Shall Remain.” As a former Miss Indian World, she has traveled to hundreds of tribal communities. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
