Swan Dive
Thanksgiving National Day of Mourning for Native Americans
RECEIVED Sat., Nov. 20, 2010
Dear Editor,
Every year since 1970, Native Americans have gathered near Plymouth Rock to commemorate a National Day of Mourning on the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday. To them, this day (and Columbus Day) is a reminder of the genocide of millions of Native American people, the theft of their lands, and never-ending repression. They want everyone to know the truth about this myth, that, in fact, the pilgrims were very cruel and not friendly to the Native Americans who helped them survive those first harsh winters. On Thanksgiving Day, Native American people from throughout the Americas will speak the truth about their history and about current issues and struggles in which they are involved. I believe apologies and reparations should come in the form of making history books truthful and honoring all treaties, including the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
Every year since 1970, Native Americans have gathered near Plymouth Rock to commemorate a National Day of Mourning on the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday. To them, this day (and Columbus Day) is a reminder of the genocide of millions of Native American people, the theft of their lands, and never-ending repression. They want everyone to know the truth about this myth, that, in fact, the pilgrims were very cruel and not friendly to the Native Americans who helped them survive those first harsh winters. On Thanksgiving Day, Native American people from throughout the Americas will speak the truth about their history and about current issues and struggles in which they are involved. I believe apologies and reparations should come in the form of making history books truthful and honoring all treaties, including the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
Anita Quintanilla
