Every
year, news outlets and social media are a-buzz with Thanksgiving themes.
There
is little coverage of the fact that November is Native American Heritage Month
or that the day after Thanksgiving, known to most as Black Friday, is Native
American Heritage Day.
THE
REAL HISTORY OF THANKSGIVING
The
mainstream version of the Thanksgiving story paints a picture of courageous
Christian settlers braving the perils of the New World and, with the help of
some friendly Natives, finding a way to make a new life for themselves. In the
days around Thanksgiving, many educators focus on this happy story, helping
students make American Indian headdresses out of construction paper and holding
Thanksgiving reenactments in their classrooms.
Very
few teachers realize that construction headdresses and school re-enactments
create a generalized stereotype that Native Americans all wear the same
regalia. These school activities also encourage young students to think it is
okay to wear culture as a costume. This makes it difficult for students to
recognize the diversity of Native American tribes and leads students to believe
it’s okay to mimic Native American traditional wear without having an
understanding of its spiritual significance.
Most
children are only taught this brief snapshot in American History, which leaves
a frozen memory of peace and generosity. However, in a short time after these
Thanksgiving events, circumstances and relationships between the European
settlers and the Native American tribes drastically changed. Unfortunately,
very few educators have the opportunity to teach students about the massacres
of Native tribes like the Pequot which took place in the years that followed.
They also do not mention that English settlers robbed Wampanoag graves and
stole food from them to survive during their first years on this new continent.
Here’s
a look at some reasons why Thanksgiving is a complex holiday that all Americans
should approach with greater sensitivity.
WHY
THANKSGIVING IS ALSO A NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING
It’s
important to know that for many Native Americans, Thanksgiving is a day of
mourning and protest since it commemorates the arrival of settlers in North
America and the centuries of oppression and genocide that followed.
Organized
by the United American Indians of New England in 1970, the fourth Thursday in
November (Thanksgiving) is recognized as the National Day of Mourning for
Native Americans and their allies.
Many
people gather at Cole's Hill in Plymouth for an organized rally and day of
mourning on Thanksgiving. Here’s what they have to say about this choice to
mourn:
“Thanksgiving day is a
reminder of the genocide of millions of Native people, the theft of Native
lands, and the relentless assault on Native culture. Participants in National
Day of Mourning honor Native ancestors and the struggles of Native peoples to survive
today. It is a day of remembrance and spiritual connection as well as a protest
of the racism and oppression which Native Americans continue to experience.”
Some
Native Americans mourn publicly and openly, while some choose to refrain from
participating in this national holiday.
THANKSGIVING
IS ALREADY A WAY OF LIFE FOR NATIVE AMERICANS
While
some Native Americans have chosen to reject the Thanksgiving holiday entirely,
many embrace the positive messages of the day and choose to put aside thoughts
about its complex history. This is because the idea of giving thanks is central
to Native heritage and culture.
In
this way, Thanksgiving is simply a chance to appreciate the good things in
life, like family, community, and the riches of the land. Long before settlers
arrived, Native tribes celebrated the autumn harvest and the gift of Mother
Earth’s abundance. Native American spirituality, traditionally and today,
emphasizes gratitude for creation, care for the environment, and recognition of
the human need for communion with nature and others.
Thanksgiving
as a holiday originates from the Native American philosophy of giving without
expecting anything in return. In the first celebration of this holiday, the
Wampanoag tribe provided not only the food for the feast but also the teachings
of agriculture and hunting (corn, beans, wild rice, and turkey are some
specific examples of foods introduced by Native Americans).
Now,
regardless of the day's ambiguous origin, many Native Americans will gather
with friends and family and use the day to eat good food (many of the classic
Thanksgiving dishes are inspired by indigenous foods) and give thanks.
Steven
Peters, a Wampanoag Tribe spokesman, was asked about his views on Thanksgiving
and the fact that most people still gather to eat turkey and give thanks.
Here's what he had to say:
"I think it's great.
My ancestors had four harvest festivals throughout the year. Gathering with
family, enjoying our company, sharing our blessings, and giving thanks for all
that we have is a good thing. I say have more thanksgiving events throughout
the year. I also ask that you take a moment in that day to remember what
happened to my people and the history as it was recorded and not the narrative
that we had been given in the history books."
WHAT
IS THE REAL MEANING OF THANKSGIVING?
As
we gather this Thanksgiving, we wish the hearts of all people, Native and
non-Native, are filled with hope and healing. Together, let's pledge to
dismantle the physical, economic, educational, psychological, and spiritual
barriers that divide and oppress us.
Thanksgiving
and Native American Heritage Day allow us to reflect on our collective history
and celebrate the beauty, strength, and resilience of the Native tribes of
North America.
·
We remember the generosity of the Wampanoag tribe to the
European settlers.
·
We remember the hundreds of thousands of Native Americans who
lost their lives because of the ignorance and greed of colonists and the
genocide experienced by whole tribes.
·
We remember the vibrant and resilient Native descendants,
families, and communities that persist to this day throughout the culture and
the country.
·
We give thanks to people like Sharice Davids and Interior
Secretary Deb Haaland, whose hard work and diligence helped place them in
positions where the Native American voice can be heard.
Last but not least, we remember all of the friends and family of Native Hope who have embraced our mission of healing and storytelling. We give thanks to you for your support!
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