The United American Indians of New England (UAINE) is a
Native American activist
Activism (or Advocacy) consists of efforts to promote, impede, direct or intervene in social, political, economic or environmental reform with the desire to make changes in society toward a perceived greater good. Forms of activism range fro ...
organization founded by Frank James (1924-2001). Also known as
Wamsutta
Wamsutta ( 16341662), also known as Alexander Pokanoket, as he was called by New England colonists, was the eldest son of Massasoit (meaning Great Leader) Ousa Mequin of the Pokanoket Tribe and Wampanoag nation, and brother of Metacomet.
Life
W ...
, Frank James was the leader of the
Wampanoag
The Wampanoag , also rendered Wôpanâak, are an Indigenous people of the Northeastern Woodlands based in southeastern Massachusetts and historically parts of eastern Rhode Island,Salwen, "Indians of Southern New England and Long Island," p. 17 ...
people. He founded the United American Indians of New England in 1970
after being “uninvited” to make a speech at a celebration hosted by the
. The Commonwealth wanted to celebrate the friendly relations of their forefathers and the Wampanoag people; however, when the speech that James was going to give was reviewed, it was deemed inappropriate for the celebration because it focused on the negative ways the Wampanoag people had been treated by the
Pilgrim
A pilgrim (from the Latin ''peregrinus'') is a traveler (literally one who has come from afar) who is on Pilgrimage, a journey to a holy place. Typically, this is a physical journey (often on foot) to some place of special significance to the a ...
s at
Plymouth
Plymouth () is a port city and unitary authority in South West England. It is located on the south coast of Devon, approximately south-west of Exeter and south-west of London. It is bordered by Cornwall to the west and south-west.
Plymouth ...
and did not celebrate the brotherhood the planners wanted to show. When he was given a revised speech that was written by a person in public relations, James decided that he would not attend the celebration. Instead, he chose to protest the silencing of the Native Americans by gathering supporters, going to
Cole's Hill
Cole's Hill is a National Historic Landmark containing the first cemetery used by the ''Mayflower'' Pilgrims in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1620. The hill is located on Carver Street near the foot of Leyden Street and across the street from Plymo ...
overlooking
Plymouth Harbor
Plymouth Harbor is a harbor located in Plymouth, a town in the South Shore region of the U.S. state of Massachusetts. It is part of the larger Plymouth Bay. Historically, Plymouth Harbor was the site of anchorage of the ''Mayflower'' where the ...
, and giving his speech there.
The supporters he gathered on that day became the United American Indians of New England; the group still leads the National Day of Mourning each year to continue what James started.
Today
Today UAINE is an organization of and led by Native people and their supporters. The goal of UAINE is to fight back against racism towards native people, the issues of the Pilgrim mythology perpetuated in Plymouth, and the United States' assault on poor people. They also are fighting for the freedom of
Leonard Peltier
Leonard Peltier (born September 12, 1944) is a Native American activist and militant member of the American Indian Movement (AIM) who, following a controversial trial, was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of two Fed ...
as well as other
political prisoner
A political prisoner is someone imprisoned for their political activity. The political offense is not always the official reason for the prisoner's detention.
There is no internationally recognized legal definition of the concept, although n ...
s. They work to support Indigenous struggles in New England and throughout America. They also protest the use of
racist terms used as team names and mascots in sports teams throughout the country. To get their message out, they speak to children at schools and at universities. They welcome the support of indigenous people from all parts of the Americas as well as the support from non-Native people. They hold a strong belief that it is their duty to support all those who struggle including the
lesbian and gay community, the disabled, and other communities of color. UAINE receives no funding from the government and relies solely on the support of others any money that they may receive from speaking engagement go directly to UAINE coffers. There are no paid staff members of UAINE.
References
External links
UAINE{{Authority control
Plymouth Colony
Massachusetts culture
Organizations based in Massachusetts
Native American activists
Organizations established in 1970