Wamsutta Frank James
1923–2001
Aquinnah; Cape Cod; Plymouth
Wamsutta Frank James was an Aquinnah Wampanoag musician, teacher, and organizer. In 1970 he was invited to speak at a commemoration of the Pilgrims' arrival, but organizers rejected the speech he wanted to give about Native history and colonial harm. James and others instead gathered in Plymouth for the first National Day of Mourning. The annual observance became a place to remember losses, affirm Native survival, and speak about continuing concerns. James also taught music to Cape Cod students. His life shows how education can happen through both artistic work and public remembrance.
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Grades 6–8: dig deeper
How can two commemorations of the same historical event tell different stories about its meaning?
Follow the evidence.
This short reading is an original classroom summary. Open the source with your teacher to check details and learn more.
Read the source: Aquinnah Tribe ↗Ask: Who made this source? What can it tell us? What might it leave out?