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Via Workers World News Service
Reprinted from the Dec. 7, 2000
issue of Workers World newspaper
-------------------------Hundreds mark 31st Day of Mourning
Native leaders demand freedom for Leonard Peltier
Special to Workers World
Plymouth, Mass.
About 700 people braved the cold and came to Plymouth, Mass., to join the United American Indians of New England in the 31st annual National Day of Mourning Nov. 23.
Members of many different Native nations were present. The crowd was very multinational and included many youths.
National Day of Mourning has been commemorated in Plymouth on "thanksgiving Thursday" every year since 1970. "Why should we as Native people give thanks for the Pilgrims for coming here, stealing our land and killing our people?" asked Moonanum James, co-leader of UAINE.
"For us, it is a day of mourning, not a day to give thanks."
The emphasis of this year's program was to demand freedom for Native political prisoner Leonard Peltier. Peltier sent a statement of support that was read to the crowd. The American Indian Movement warrior asked everyone to call the White House daily and demand that President Bill Clinton grant him executive clemency.
The White House comments line is (202) 456-1111. Then press 0 to bypass the recorded message.
Mahtowin Munro, co-leader of UAINE, said: "It's time to bring Leonard home. It's time to wipe away his tears. Let's get him out of Leavenworth so that he can stand here with us in Plymouth next year!"
The crowd roared its approval when James expressed support for the Palestinian uprising and for the people of Vieques, Puerto Rico.
Other struggles that were raised included the fight against the death penalty and to free Mumia Abu-Jamal, and the battle of the U'Wa Indians of Colombia to prevent Occidental Petroleum from destroying their land and way of life.
Sam Sapiel, a Penobscot elder, offered a traditional prayer before the speakers began. Later he spoke of the need for unity among all Native people.
Raul Ruiz, a medical student, spoke of the terrible health and economic conditions of Native people in the United States. He called for the crowd to march through the streets of Plymouth.
The march was led by Danza Azteca Cuauhtemoc. Some of that group's members traveled all the way from California to attend Day of Mourning.
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