Thanksgiving Day in the United States is often portrayed as a time to gather with family, celebrate abundance, and reflect on gratitude. But for many Indigenous people and their allies, it is also a day of solemn reflection known as the Day of Mourning. This observance brings attention to the realities of colonization and invites all of us to broaden our understanding of Thanksgiving and its impact.
What is the Day of Mourning?
The Day of Mourning was first observed in 1970 when Indigenous people and allies gathered in Plymouth, Massachusetts, to challenge the traditional narrative of Thanksgiving. This observance isn’t intended to disrupt the Thanksgiving holiday but to shine a light on the complex history often overlooked. For Indigenous communities, Thanksgiving marks the beginning of a legacy of suffering due to colonization—loss of land, lives, culture, and freedoms. It’s a time to remember these struggles, honor the resilience of Indigenous cultures, and reflect on the continued impact of colonization today.
Why Do We Need the Day of Mourning?
Many of us grew up with a simplified version of Thanksgiving—the story of friendship and shared harvest between Pilgrims and Indigenous tribes. But this narrative hides a painful reality: the arrival of settlers led to widespread violence, dispossession, and systemic oppression of Indigenous people. By recognizing the Day of Mourning, we acknowledge this history and its continued impact on Indigenous communities.
This day serves not only as a remembrance of past injustices but also as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities today, including land rights struggles, cultural preservation, healthcare inequities, and social justice issues. Observing the Day of Mourning is a chance to honor Indigenous voices, amplify their stories, and foster a more inclusive view of American history.
How Can We Show Respect and Solidarity?
For those of us who continue to celebrate Thanksgiving with family, observing the Day of Mourning can coexist with expressions of gratitude. Here are some ways to acknowledge this day respectfully:
- Educate Ourselves and Others: Learn about the history of Thanksgiving from Indigenous perspectives. Resources from Indigenous organizations and scholars provide invaluable insights into the history that many of us were never taught.
- Support Indigenous Voices and Causes: Follow and support Indigenous activists, creators, and organizations who are doing vital work to preserve and promote Indigenous rights and culture.
- Challenge the Traditional Thanksgiving Narrative: This doesn’t mean avoiding Thanksgiving altogether but rather broadening our understanding of it. We can enjoy time with loved ones while also recognizing the complex history of the day.
- Incorporate Indigenous Culture in Your Observance: If you’re gathering with loved ones, consider including Indigenous dishes, land acknowledgments, or discussions that recognize the contributions of Indigenous communities.
- Listen with Empathy: If others respond defensively or dismissively, try to approach conversations with empathy. Sometimes people need time to process new information and understand different perspectives.
Bridging Tradition with Truth
Observing the Day of Mourning doesn’t have to overshadow Thanksgiving—it can deepen its meaning. By remembering Indigenous histories and honoring the resilience of these communities, we add layers of respect and understanding to our traditions. For many, the Day of Mourning opens the door to gratitude not just for abundance, but also for awareness, justice, and a commitment to respect all histories that make up our shared story.
This Thanksgiving, I invite you to reflect on the full history of this day and consider what it means to observe the Day of Mourning. Let’s honor Indigenous voices and use this day to foster empathy, learning, and an inclusive understanding of gratitude.