P.O. Box 696, Hull, MA 02045
PHONE: 781-925-9395
Email: info@lakotakidz.org

Remembering Vernon Bellecourt on The Day of Mourning

Greetings, sisters and brothers: I’m writing this letter from Plymouth, Mass., on what most of us call Thanksgiving Day.

Many Native Americans, however, call it the National Day of Mourning. Indians don’t have a whole lot to be thankful for, especially the Lakota Sioux of Wanblee, South Dakota, the poorest town in America. 75 of its 107 households live below the poverty level. Diabetes and other life threatening diseases are rampant, but there’s no money for medical bills. Families get through the bitter wanietu (winter) by huddling together underneath their blankets inside bare bones government shacks. Alcoholism—the white man’s gift to the Indians— is devastating the town’s young adults, who make up 56% of the population.

Nevertheless, the people of Wanblee are grateful, for the fuel and the warm clothing that will help them survive the winter. And for the new toys that will make their children smile this holiday season.

They’re thankful to you, because you are the heart of Lakota Kidz. Without you, there would be no respite from the killing combination of deep poverty and another long Pine Ridge Reservation wanietu.

For 37 years, the United American Indians of New England (www.UAINE.org) and their supporters have gathered across the street from Plymouth Rock on Thanksgiving Day, to mourn and honor those who have perished in the long fight for justice and equity, from Crazy Horse to Vernon Bellecourt to beloved UAINE spiritual leader Sam Sapiel, 75, who passed in May, 2007. UAINE Co-Leader Mahtowin Munro was born and raised on Pine Ridge, not far from Wanblee. She remembers the heartbreaking conditions there.

Today, after a few inspirational addresses by Mahtowin and other Native leaders, we marched through the streets of Plymouth in a solemn procession, ending up at the First Presbyterian Church. As soon as the elders and children have eaten, we’ll share in a communal potluck dinner unequalled since 1620.

Did you know that the first official Day of Thanksgiving was not proclaimed until 1637, to celebrate the safe return of those men who had participated in the massacre of 700 Pequot men, women, and children in Connecticut?

Lakota Kidz has participated in Day of Mourning since 1998. For the last three years we have manned a table here, disseminating information and selling T-shirts. This year, Lakota Kidz board member K.T. Leary helped plan and cook dinner for 200. K.T.’s daughter, Shannon, joined me for the march, along with board member Ed DeFord, Associate Directors Jessica Marrocco and Tony Puzzo, and my daughter, Corrie. I couldn’t be prouder.

National Day of Mourning is also a day to strengthen bonds, renew commitments, meet new friends, and plan for a brighter future.

Of course, there are lots of ways to help. You’ve proven your generosity in the past, but winter is fast approaching, and it’s time again to lay in a store of life-saving propane. I hope you can find it in your heart—and your budget—to donate again this year. If not, we still need volunteers to help raise funds, and to help out at events.

Remember, Mitakuye Oyasin: We are all related. On behalf of our sisters and brothers in Wanblee, pilamayaye (thank you), and Wakan Tanka nici un (May the Great Spirit go with you and guide you).

—Stephen Martin