National Day Of Mourning 2020: How To Show Support If You Can't Go To Plymouth

Would you go support the indigenous Native Americans in Plymouth or sit down with your family for Thanksgiving on Nov. 26? This has been a dilemma for many people who understand how complicated the day is.

National Day of Mourning is observed every fourth Thursday of November. It is marked by an annual protest organized by the United Native Americans of New England since 1970. At the same time, it is Thanksgiving. It's a time when Americans gather together and eat with their families.

If you find yourself at the crossroad, there is a way out. Here are some ways to participate in this year's National Day of Mourning without having to protest at Plymouth.

Educate yourself about the United American Indians of New England (UAINE)

The Native-led organization of Native people has been leading the Plymouth rally yearly since 1970.

"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," the group writes on its website.

UAINE's work, however, does not stop there. Throughout the year, the organization is busy calling for better treatment of the Native Americans.

Livestream the event in Plymouth

Comment with warmth during the livestream. Express your solidarity. There is also pre-recorded content to watch that day.

The National Day of Mourning live stream can be viewed at 12 noon EST via www.uaine.org or at the UAINE Facebook Group.

Learn an important vocabulary lesson for the day

Countless terms and common names you are using every day actually evolved from Native American languages. Some of the common words that will surprise you are "chocolate," "barbeque," "canoe" and "kayak."

The names of half of the 50 US states evolved from Native American languages as well. The best example is Massachusetts. It came from the word "Massachuset," a Wampanoag name that means "by the hills."

Another example is Iowa. The name originated from "Ayuhwa," a term from the Sioux tribe that means "sleepy ones." Meanwhile, Kentucky is from "Kentake," which came from the Iroquoian word for "meadow" or "field."