Giving Honor To Thanksgiving

As an inclusive leader, I often find myself conflicted. I cherish the opportunity Thanksgiving provides to connect with loved ones and chosen family, yet I also feel the weight of the untold truths the holiday carries.

Each fall, as we enter the month of November, Indigenous people are confronted with the pervasive settler-colonial narratives surrounding Thanksgiving. For many, this holiday represents not only a time of gratitude but also a painful reminder of historical erasure and the genocide of Native peoples.

Acknowledging The True History of Thanksgiving

The Thanksgiving story many of us grew up hearing—of Pilgrims and Native Americans gathering harmoniously for a three-day feast—is a sanitized narrative that omits the brutal realities faced by Indigenous communities. The story of Squanto, often highlighted as a symbol of unity and goodwill, is far more complex and tragic. Squanto, a member of the Patuxet tribe, was kidnapped, enslaved, and taken to Europe. He eventually escaped and returned to his homeland, only to find his people decimated by disease brought by European settlers.

The Wampanoag people, whose alliance with the Pilgrims is often romanticized, did not engage in feasting out of celebration but as part of a pragmatic agreement for survival. The ensuing years brought devastating violence, land theft, and systemic oppression that have left a lasting impact on Native communities.

The Intersections Of History, Culture And Erasure

Thanksgiving is emblematic of the broader erasure of Indigenous histories and cultures in the United States. From educational curriculums to popular media, Native voices and perspectives are often marginalized or excluded altogether. This omission perpetuates harmful stereotypes and hinders our collective understanding of the rich and diverse cultures that existed—and continue to thrive—long before European contact.

Acknowledging this history is not about guilt; it is about truth. The legacies of colonization are not confined to the past. They manifest in ongoing struggles for sovereignty, environmental justice, and cultural preservation. Recognizing these realities is a necessary step toward equity and healing.

Actionable Steps To Honor Indigenous Communities

As we gather with friends and family this Thanksgiving, let us use this time to reflect and take meaningful action. Here are some ways to honor Indigenous communities:

Learn About The Land You Occupy. Research the history of the land where you live and the Indigenous people who stewarded it for centuries. Websites like Native Land Digital can help identify the original inhabitants of your area. Acknowledge this history in your holiday gatherings and beyond, fostering awareness and respect.

Support Native-Owned Businesses. Seek out and support Native farmers, distilleries, artists, and entrepreneurs. By investing in Indigenous businesses, you contribute to economic sovereignty and the preservation of cultural practices. Look for fair-trade and ethically sourced products crafted by Native artisans.

Decolonize Your Traditions. Incorporate Indigenous ingredients into your Thanksgiving meal, such as wild rice, corn, and squash. Take time to understand how food is sourced and how the wide variety of food items in the US are cultivated. Explore Native music, films, and literature to enrich your cultural understanding and appreciation.

Listen To Indigenous Voices. Follow and amplify Indigenous leaders, activists, and organizations on social media. Attend events or webinars hosted by Native communities to learn directly from their experiences and perspectives.

Recognize the National Day of Mourning. The United American Indians of New England (UAINE) observe Thanksgiving as a National Day of Mourning. Join or support their efforts to honor the resilience and resistance of Indigenous peoples. Use this time to reflect on the ongoing impacts of colonization and commit to allyship.

Moving Beyond Reflection To Action

Informing ourselves and others is a critical first step, but true change requires sustained action. Consider donating to Indigenous-led organizations, advocating for policies that support Native sovereignty, and challenging stereotypes in your daily life. When possible, engage directly with local tribes and community leaders to understand their needs and priorities.

Thanksgiving can still be a time for gratitude and togetherness, but let it also be a time for truth and reconciliation. By honoring the full history of this holiday and taking actionable steps to support Indigenous communities, we can move toward a more inclusive and equitable future.

Additional Resource: https://nativegov.org/resources/