Thanksgiving: Shifting our Perception of Indigenous History and Taking Action

Thanksgiving is a joyous day for many Americans. Often, family and friends come together, eat food, and theoretically, reflect on what they have to be thankful for. All in the spirit of “giving” and gratitude, people love to watch parades, cheer for local football games, and start their holiday shopping lists.

On the surface, the history of Thanksgiving seems positive. The “first Thanksgiving” (though it is unlikely it was dubbed as such at the time) took place in November 1621 after the Pilgrims’ first corn harvest was successful. Governor William Bradford invited Native American allies to a celebratory feast, and it is this image -- one of friendliness and gratitude between the native tribes and new settlers -- that Americans envision when thinking about the holiday’s origin.

But what is this holiday really about? The sunny view of Thanksgiving schoolchildren are taught is not an accurate depiction of the relationship between the Natives and settlers. In reality, Native Americans and European Colonists have a complicated and violent history, regardless of a few feasts of thanks. Since their arrival, the colonists attempted to gain more and more land, even when it meant forcing native tribes out of their homes. This sense of entitlement from the colonists led into the foundation of the United States, and the government adapted similar tactics of removing natives from their land. In the end, their entire culture was left in shambles as tens of thousands of Native Americans were forced off their land, separated from their families, or killed.

So, the whole idea of Thanksgiving is based on the false premise of two groups overcoming their previous conflicts. There was no “thanks” or “giving” to indigenous tribes, both in 1621 and throughout American history.

This false history blatantly disregards the immense persecution, oppression, and disregard of Native American people in the United States -- both past and present. From the 1830 Indian Removal Act and Trail of Tears to 19th and 20th century assimilist boarding schools leading to mass illness, death, and cultural erasure, American history contains endless disgusting acts of violence and oppression to Native Americans. This history has echos in the incredible systemic issues in place for Indigenous people today, including but not limited to: poverty and unemployment rates, high school graduation rates, voter suppression, health equity, and violence against Native American women. Indigenous voices are desperately lacking in our mainstream media, political offices, and school curriculums. This deficit in representation, along with a long history of stereotypes and misconceptions, contributes to upholding systemic oppression and disregard for Native Americans.

How do we navigate this history and systemic inequities? How do we recognize the holiday without buying into a false narrative? The first step: by acknowledging it. Let’s be real; most of us grew up being taught a happy story of colonization and American history. We need to actively seek out information to unlearn a lot of our elementary school education, and this holiday season is a perfect time to start that journey. Some more action steps:

1. 1. Learn whose land you’re on; the Native Land app is a great place for this.

   2. Seek out Indigenous activists -- follow these activists on Instagram!

   3. Learn and amplify the LandBack movement.

   4. Donate to Indigenous organizations

   5. Get Involved in the Anti-Mascot Movement

It is never easy to reconcile with our history, especially such a gruesome history that we are conditioned to feel far away from. However, this Thanksgiving and holiday season, we must shift to a frame of learning, questioning, and taking action. Push the people around you to do so as well!