Frank B. (Wamsutta) James

He was the moderator of United American Indians of New England from 1970 until the mid-1990s.

James first came to national attention in 1970 when he, with hundreds of other Native Americans and their supporters, went to Plymouth, Massachusetts and declared Thanksgiving day a National Day of Mourning for Native Americans.

Within days Wamsutta was told by a representative of the Department of Commerce and Development that he would not be allowed to give the speech.

They would let him speak only if he agreed to deliver a speech that they would provide. Wamsutta refused to have words put into his mouth.

the theme of the anniversary celebration is brotherhood and anything inflammatory would have been out of place.

had been asked to speak at a fancy Commonwealth of Massachusetts banquet celebrating the 350th anniversary of the landing of the Pilgrims.

Frank James refused to deliver a speech written by a public relations person. Frank James did not speak at the anniversary celebration.

The Pilgrims had hardly explored the shores of Cape Cod for four days before they had robbed the graves of my ancestors and stolen their corn and beans.

before 50 years were to pass, the Wampanoag would no longer be a free people.