NERMEENSHAIKH: As much of the United States prepares to mark Thanksgiving this weekend, many Native Americans will gather in Plymouth to commemorate the 47th National Day of Mourning.  This year is dedicated to water protectors at Standing Rock and to the struggle for recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.  To discuss this and more, we’re joined in San Francisco by indigenous historian and activist Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz.  She’s the author of An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States and co-author of All the Real Indians Died Off:  And 20 Other Myths About Native Americans.

Welcome back to Democracy Now!, Roxanne.  Could you tell us, as the nation prepares to observe  Thanksgiving, a national holiday ostensibly meant to honor Native people, what are your thoughts?

ROXANNEDUNBAR–ORTIZ:  Well, thank you for having me on the show.

Actually, it’s never been about honoring Native Americans.  It’s…