Unthanksgiving Day
November 27, Thursday
One of the key events of this day is the Indigenous Peoples’ Sunrise Ceremony held on Alcatraz Island in California. It is a spiritual and cultural gathering that emphasizes the survival, strength, and continuity of Indigenous cultures.
History and origin
Unthanksgiving Day was first observed in 1970 at the initiative of the United American Indians of New England. The occasion arose after authorities refused to allow a representative of Indigenous peoples to give a speech where he intended to speak about the real consequences of colonization. This led to the idea of holding an alternative “celebration” to shed light on the true history of Indigenous peoples.
The Sunrise Ceremony on Alcatraz appeared a bit later. Its origins are linked to the protests and the symbolic “occupation” of the island by Indigenous activists in 1969, which became an important milestone in the Indigenous rights movement.
Where and how the Sunrise Ceremony takes place
Every year at dawn, people gather on Alcatraz Island to honor their ancestors and assert the rights of Indigenous peoples. During the ceremony, the following take place:
* traditional dances and songs
* sacred rituals and prayers
* speeches by representatives of various Indigenous nations
* readings of historical messages and statements
* cultural performances and symbolic actions related to unity and resistance
The significance of Unthanksgiving Day
This day serves as a reminder that for Indigenous peoples, “thanksgiving” is often associated not with celebration but with memories of the loss of culture, land, and lives. The main goals of the event are:
* restoring historical justice
* preserving cultural traditions
* raising awareness of the issues Indigenous peoples face today
* strengthening ties among different Indigenous communities
Why the holiday has several names
The name Unthanksgiving Day emphasizes its contrast with the official Thanksgiving Day.
The name Indigenous Peoples’ Sunrise Ceremony highlights the spiritual and unifying character of the event.
Modern significance
Today thousands of people — not only Indigenous Americans but also allies — participate in these events. It is a day of remembrance, cultural expression, the fight for rights, and the recognition of historical truth.
Unthanksgiving Day in other years
- 2023 November 23, Thursday
- 2024 November 28, Thursday
- 2026 November 26, Thursday