Wamsutta Frank James successfully demands the return of ancestral bones from Pilgrim Hall Museum during National Day of Mourning march

Nov. 28, 1974

Wamsutta Frank James successfully demands the return of ancestral bones from Pilgrim Hall Museum during National Day of Mourning march Flanked by Stonehorse, left, and Ray Fields of the American Indian Movement, Wamsutta Frank James carries ancestral bones back to Coles Hill in Plymouth in the National Day of Mourning protest on Thursday Nov 28, 1974. The bones were turned over to the group by the Pilgrim Museum.
With Indigenous supporters from across North America, Wampanoag elder and United American Indians of New England leader Wamsutta Frank James led the march to the Pilgrim Hall Museum. There they demanded the repatriation of the remains of a 16 year old Wampanaog girl which had been on display there. The successful liberation of this ancestors bones was an act of Indigenous sovereignty decades before the passage of NAGPRA in 1990. National Day of Mourning for Native Americans was established by Wamsutta and others in 1970 to counter the 350th anniversary celebration of the landing of the pilgrims at Plymouth Rock. The annual Day of Mourning continues today led by Wamsutta's son and grand daughter.