Unthanksgiving Day
Unthanksgiving Day, also called the Indigenous Peoples Sunrise Gathering, unfolds each year on Alcatraz Island.
As the first light breaks, people gather to honor Native cultures and their continued presence.
Drumming, dancing, and prayers fill the air, creating a powerful moment of unity and remembrance. This gathering began in 1975, marking the occupation of Alcatraz by Native activists years earlier.
Since then, it has grown into a space where Indigenous voices speak out, traditions thrive, and history is acknowledged.
This day holds deep meaning for many. It offers a time to reflect on the impact of colonization and the strength of Native communities.
Through ceremony and community, participants express both grief and hope. The event invites everyone to listen, learn, and stand in solidarity. It’s not just a ceremony—it’s a call to remember, respect, and act.
How to Celebrate Unthanksgiving Day
Unthanksgiving Day offers a chance to reflect, learn, and stand with Indigenous communities. Here are several meaningful ways to engage:
Attend a Sunrise Ceremony
Join the Indigenous Peoples Sunrise Gathering on Alcatraz Island. This annual event features traditional dances, songs, and speeches honoring Native heritage and resilience.
Participants gather before dawn, creating a powerful sense of unity and purpose. The ceremony is open to all who wish to attend.
Support Indigenous Organizations
Contribute to groups like the International Indian Treaty Council, which organizes the Alcatraz gathering. Donations help fund cultural events, legal advocacy, and educational programs.
Supporting these organizations strengthens Indigenous communities and preserves traditions.
Educate Yourself and Others
Read books and articles by Native authors to understand Indigenous perspectives. Share this knowledge with friends and family to promote awareness.
Learning about history from Indigenous viewpoints fosters empathy and respect.
Support Native-Owned Businesses
Purchase goods from Native artisans and entrepreneurs. This supports economic development within Indigenous communities.
Buying directly from Native-owned businesses ensures authenticity and fair compensation.
Reflect and Acknowledge
Take time to consider the true history of Thanksgiving and its impact on Native peoples. Acknowledge the land you live on and its original inhabitants.
This reflection can lead to a deeper understanding and commitment to justice.
History of Unthanksgiving Day
Unthanksgiving Day began in 1975, sparked by the bold action of Native American activists who took over Alcatraz Island in 1969.
They called themselves the “Indians of All Tribes” and demanded the return of the land, which they argued was unused federal property.
The group, led by Richard Oakes and LaNada War Jack, cited a treaty that supported their claim. Their protest lasted 19 months. It drew national attention to broken agreements and unfair treatment of Native peoples.
The occupation didn’t win legal control of the island, but it created lasting awareness. Many saw it as a turning point for Native activism.
That movement sparked new energy and pride across Indigenous communities. In 1975, people returned to the island to mark the spirit of resistance and honor the protest. That became the first Unthanksgiving Day gathering.
Every year since, the gathering happens before dawn on Alcatraz Island. People from different places come together to sing, dance, and reflect. The ceremony doesn’t follow the usual Thanksgiving story. Instead, it gives space to voices often left out.
It’s a time to honor survival, tradition, and strength. The event continues to grow, calling attention to Native history and struggles that still exist today.
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