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Mark your calendar for Unthanksgiving Day on November 28, a captivating cultural event honoring indigenous resilience and heritage! This powerful day of recognition also known as the Day of Mourning, has been celebrated since 1970. It originated on Alcatraz Island, a site of historical importance for indigenous precolonial peoples, when a group of Native American activists occupied the island in protest for their rights and brought immense attention to the plight of indigenous groups. It's a day to respect and acknowledge the past, present, and future of indigenous people. So join us in this inspiring commemoration, paying homage to history while advocating for a not just a better future, but a fairer one!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1969</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Alcatraz Occupation Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>Native American activists, known as the Indians of All Tribes, began a 19-month occupation of Alcatraz Island, advocating for indigenous rights.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1970</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Unthanksgiving Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first Unthanksgiving Day, or Day of Mourning, was observed on Alcatraz Island during the ongoing occupation.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1971</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>End of Alcatraz Occupation</div><div class='timeline-text'>The occupation of Alcatraz Island ended, but the impact of the protest remained a significant turning point in the Native American rights movement.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1975</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Indian Self-Determination Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>The U.S. Congress passed the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, allowing more self-governance for tribes, reflecting efforts like the Alcatraz Occupation.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1994</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Alcatraz Sunrise Ceremony</div><div class='timeline-text'>The annual Unthanksgiving Day Sunrise Ceremony began on Alcatraz Island, showing solidarity and resilience of indigenous communities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2019</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>50th Anniversary of Occupation</div><div class='timeline-text'>Activists and descendants commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Alcatraz occupation, emphasizing enduring indigenous resistance and resilience.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Listen to Native American speakers</h3><p class='facts-text'>Many cities host events where Native American activists, leaders, and survivors speak. Listings can be found online. It's a unique opportunity to learn about the struggles, accomplishments, and perspectives directly from Members of indigenous communities.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Attend a cultural event</h3><p class='facts-text'>Unthanksgiving Day often includes Native American dancing, singing, and drumming. Check your local listings for events near you. It's an excellent way to witness the thriving cultures and traditions of indigenous peoples.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Educate yourself about indigenous history</h3><p class='facts-text'>Read books, listen to podcasts, or watch documentaries about indigenous history, cultures, and their ongoing struggles. Knowledge is the first step towards understanding and advocating for change.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Support indigenous charities</h3><p class='facts-text'>Donate to charities that support indigenous peoples. This could be for land reclamation, environmental conservation, education, or community services. Your donations can make a significant difference.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Buy from indigenous businesses</h3><p class='facts-text'>Support indigenous people economically by purchasing their products, be it art, jewelry, food, or clothing. It's an excellent way to give back, as well as appreciate the unique craftsmanship and talent of indigenous artisans.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes Awareness and Education</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This day provides a valuable opportunity to learn about the rich history, culture, and contributions of indigenous peoples. It fosters greater understanding of the struggles they've faced and continue to face, inspiring us to be more socially aware and active in advocating for indigenous rights.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Celebrates Indigenous Culture and Heritage</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Unthanksgiving Day allows us to witness and appreciate the vibrant cultures and traditions of indigenous people. From traditional dancing, singing and drumming, we get to see a different facet of human heritage, contributing to the diversity that makes us unique.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Opportunity for Support and Solidarity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This day encourages support for indigenous communities through donation to relevant charities or buying from indigenous businesses. This act of support not only aids these communities economically but also reinforces solidarity between all people, fostering a sense of togetherness and mutual respect.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Unthanksgiving Day is Also Known as the Day of Mourning</h3><p class='facts-content'>The holiday is referred to as the Day of Mourning by some, signifying a time to reflect on the historical and ongoing struggles of indigenous people throughout history.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Unthanksgiving Day Coincides with National American Indian Heritage Month</h3><p class='facts-content'>The holiday falls within November, which is also deemed National American Indian Heritage Month, bringing further national attention to the celebration of indigenous cultures.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Unthanksgiving Day Originated on Alcatraz Island</h3><p class='facts-content'>Started by the Indians of All Tribes activist group during their occupation of the island in the 1970s, Unthanksgiving Day commemorates this pivotal protest while celebrating indigenous resilience and strength.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Unthanksgiving Day Features a Sunrise Ceremony</h3><p class='facts-content'>This ritual is held annually on Alcatraz Island in honor of indigenous ancestors and to display the ongoing vitality and endurance of indigenous communities.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Unthanksgiving Day is Celebrated Locally and Internationally</h3><p class='facts-content'>While focused on U.S.-based indigenous groups, the spirit of Unthanksgiving Day reverberates globally, attracting support and shared sentiments from indigenous groups around the world.</p></div></div>
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