As Thanksgiving approaches, families across the country are busy booking flights, pre-ordering turkeys, and reluctantly deciding which sides will make it on the dinner table this year and which will be left behind. To many, Thanksgiving is a celebratory occasion, one that offers comfort and reunion. When considering the history of the holiday, however, most people fail to recognize its true, dark past.
The most common misconception about the “first Thanksgiving” is that the relationship between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe was peaceful. In reality, while a celebration took place, no evidence suggests that the Wampanoag were even invited. Upon first meeting, the Pilgrims stole the tribe’s winter provisions and the alliance that followed this encounter was formed only out of the need to survive, as the tribe was devastated by European disease. After the first harvest, the colonizers seized Native land and imprisoned, enslaved, and executed Native people. For the following Thanksgivings, European settlers continued the brutal legacy of this “celebration” through attacks on Native Americans such as the Pequot Massacre of 1636 or the beheading of Wampanoag leader Metacom in 1676.
Understanding the true history of Thanksgiving marks the first step towards decolonizing the holiday. One of the main reasons misinformation concerning Thanksgiving is so common is due to the lack of accurate Native American education in schools, and seeing as November is Native American History Month, now is as good a time as ever to promote such learning. Dismantling the systemic inequity Indigenous People face further requires the pursuit of knowledge, along with actively working to uplift Native voices.
Celebrating Thanksgiving and enjoying time with family is still possible this Fall, but remembering to honor and respect Indigenous People today and in history is key to decolonization. For one, celebrating Native American culture is both respectful and rewarding, as this can include appreciating Indigenous cuisine or supporting Native businesses and initiatives. Educating yourself on the real history of Native Americans, listening to Indigenous voices, and acknowledging the origin of the land on which you live are all essential to truly respecting Native Americans, not only this Thanksgiving but year-round.
To many, Thanksgiving is a time of celebration, joy, and, above all, gratitude. Among the many things we have to be grateful for are the hard work, resilience, and culture of Native Americans. Respecting Indigenous People entails working to decolonize historically oppressive holidays and making efforts to move forward whilst still acknowledging and learning from the past.