Editor's Note: This Thursday is Thanksgiving Day. There are differing opinions about celebrating this holiday among American Indians and how it should be celebrated. Many American Indians sit down and have a traditional Thanksgiving meal with their family, while others do not embrace the holiday at all. This week the Native News Network will publish various articles or commentaries about how the day is recognized in various parts of the United States. Today's article is about how some American Indians in New England will recognize the Thursday.

For Some American Indians Thursday will be National Day of Mourning

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

PLYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS - The United American Indians of New England announces the 42nd National Day of Mourning on Thursday, November 24 at 12 noon.

National Day of Mourning on the US Thanksgiving Day Holiday

Since 1970, American Indians have gathered at noon on Cole's Hill in Plymouth to commemorate a National Day of Mourning on the US thanksgiving holiday.

Many American Indians do not celebrate the arrival of the Pilgrims and other European settlers. To some American Indians, Thanksgiving Day is a reminder of the genocide of millions of Native people, the theft of Native lands, and the relentless assault on Native culture.

Participants in National Day of Mourning honor Native ancestors and the struggles of Native peoples to survive today. It is a day of remembrance and spiritual connection as well as a protest of the racism and oppression that Native Americans continue to experience.

This year's National Day of Mourning will be dedicated to Leonard Peltier.

United American Indians of New England is a Native-led organization of Native people and others, who fight against racism.

The organization's website reads in part:

"We fight back on such issues as the racism of the Pilgrim mythology perpetuated in Plymouth and the US government's assault on poor people. We protest the use of racist team names and mascots in sports. We speak to classes in schools and universities about current issues in the Native struggle. Indigenous people from North, Central or South America who live in New England and who agree with what we are trying to do are welcome to join with us. We also welcome the support of non-Native people from the four directions."

posted November 21, 2011 7:30 am est