There are many misconceptions surrounding Thanksgiving. Some, for example, are that they ate turkey at the first Thanksgiving or its foundation is about family or religion, and the myths can go on and on. In actuality, the very first Thanksgiving was celebrated by the Wampanoag tribe and the pilgrims in 1621. They ate freshly killed deer, and Thanksgiving began as a simple holiday to express gratitude for a bountiful harvest. However, Natives refer to Thanksgiving day as a “national day of mourning.”

All throughout history it can be seen that Native Americans were often at odds with European colonizers and settlers. From the first Conquistadors, to the Pilgrims at Plymouth, they brought diseases to the New World, conflicts arose, and war and tragedy followed. 

However, Wampanoag leader Massasoit saw the Pilgrims as possible allies against their rival tribe, the Narragansett. The Wampanoag people and the Pilgrims ended up making “a treaty that established an understanding that the tribe would look out for the Pilgrims against their enemies and vice-versa.” Since they were allies, they celebrated their successful harvest of 1621 together, eating a bountiful feast, marking the first Thanksgiving. 

While President Lincoln made it an official U.S. holiday, knowing the actual history behind the fall holiday is crucial. It affects Indigenous people differently than it affects others. Knowing history of any sort is beneficial for anyone and everyone regardless of ethnic background.

The student council held a homecoming dance in the school cafeteria on October 18th after the game.  Many students attended this event to dance or play games like Jenga and cornhole. In addition to the activities, there was also food, drinks and desserts for students to enjoy. 

Overall, the dance was a success.  Everyone enjoyed Little Caesars Pizza, Chick Fil A, and an assortment of cookies and brownies.  The chicken nuggets were clearly enjoyed because they were eaten very quickly.

The games were a great idea by the student council. All throughout the night, the Jenga tables and cornhole boards were occupied by students participating in friendly competition.  There were also prizes at the end of the night that were drawn randomly from the names of people who had come to the dance and stayed until it ended.  These prizes included $50 gift cards, a polaroid camera, LED lights, and more.

The DJ was excellent and kept students dancing to "Copperhead Road," the "Macarena," and more.  The room setup also contributed to the exciting atmosphere.  There was a photo backdrop with balloons and streamers for students to take memorable photos.  There was also plenty of dancing room and dark lighting that set the dancing mood.

To sum it up, the dance was a fun and exciting experience for all who attended.  Students like Emilie S said that they enjoyed the variety of food, games, and dance music. This memorable night was a huge success for the student council and will likely be repeated next year.