Native people mark Day of Mourning
Several hundred Native people and their supporters rallied
and marched in Plymouth, Mass., on "Thanksgiving" to
commemorate the 35th National Day of Mourning. Speakers on the
program came from several different Native nations; many of
them expressed their opposition to the ongoing U.S. war against
the people of Iraq and the toll it was taking on Native youth
in the military, as well as on Iraqis.
Several speakers explained why they as Native people see no
reason to celebrate the arrival of the Pilgrims and other
European invaders and the resulting theft of Native land and
genocide of Native people. A highlight of this year's Day of
Mourning was a fiery speech delivered at Plymouth Rock by Tall
Oak, one of the founders of National Day of Mourning.
Speaking of those who were celebrating the "Thanksgiving"
holiday, Tall Oak said, "As they all bow their heads to give
thanks for everything that was taken from us, see if there's
any room for compassion in their hearts for the Native people
who have been the road kill in the Pilgrims' march to
progress."
Native political prisoner Leonard Peltier, who was framed up
by the FBI and has been unjustly imprisoned since 1976, sent a
message to the gathering. He spoke about Native ceremonies and
the traditions of respect and sharing in Native culture.
Peltier concluded by writing, "So, should Thanksgiving or Day
of Mourning come next year and find me gathering golden oak
leaves as a free man, it will be because you didn't give up;
because you stood for the principles I've mentioned, and
because you demonstrated your commitment to truth, charity and
justice. I swear to you I will put on a ceremony you will
remember and tell your children and grandchildren about."
--Mahtowin
Reprinted from the Dec. 9, 2004, issue of
Workers World newspaper
This article is copyright under a Creative
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