How to Honor Native Americans Instead of Celebrating Thanksgiving

How to Celebrate Native American People’s Day!

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, it’s important to reflect on the true history and consider ways to honor Native Americans instead of simply celebrating Thanksgiving as we traditionally know it. The holiday is often portrayed as a harmonious feast between Pilgrims and Native Americans, but the reality is far more complex and painful. For many Native American communities, Thanksgiving represents a day of mourning and a reminder of the injustices faced by indigenous peoples throughout history.

Understanding the True History of Thanksgiving

The Thanksgiving myth, often perpetuated in schools and media, paints a simplistic and inaccurate picture of the early relationships between Native Americans and European settlers. The commonly told story begins with Squanto, a Patuxet man who was kidnapped in 1614 and taken to Spain as a slave. After eventually finding his way back to his homeland in 1619, he discovered that his tribe had been wiped out by a plague. Despite this, Squanto befriended the Pilgrims who arrived on the Mayflower in 1620, teaching them essential survival skills.

However, this period of temporary peace did not last. In 1637, a massacre occurred near the Mystic River, where colonial forces attacked the Pequot tribe, resulting in the deaths of many and the enslavement of survivors. This marked the beginning of a long history of violence and displacement that drastically reduced Native American populations. Today, many Native Americans, especially in New England, view Thanksgiving as a reminder of attempted genocide and gather annually at Plymouth Rock for a National Day of Mourning.

Ways to Honor Native Americans on Thanksgiving

Instead of celebrating the traditional Thanksgiving narrative, consider using the holiday as an opportunity to honor Native American heritage and reflect on the true history. Here are some meaningful ways to do so:

Share Native American Stories and Messages: A beautiful way to start your day of reflection is by reading the Native American Good Morning Message from the book Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp. This message, an ancient expression of peace and gratitude, is still spoken at ceremonial and governmental gatherings by the Six Nations in upstate New York and Canada. Reading this message aloud is a wonderful way to center yourself in gratitude for the earth and all living things.

Explore Native American Cuisine: Incorporate Native American dishes into your meals as a way to honor the rich culinary traditions of indigenous peoples. Some options include cedar plank salmon, butternut squash with maple, succotash, blue corn, bannock, wild rice, and fry bread with various toppings. These dishes not only celebrate Native American culture but also connect us to the foods that were integral to their diets long before European settlers arrived.

Engage in Native American Crafts and Activities: Crafts are a hands-on way to connect with Native American culture and history. Here are some ideas:

Native-Inspired Weaving: Weaving is a skill taught early to children in many tribes, resulting in belts, rugs, and other items that carry cultural significance.

Wampum Belts: Made from shells, these belts were used for storytelling, ceremonial purposes, and as a form of currency.

Paper Mache Rattles: Rattles are found in nearly every Native American tribe and were traditionally made from materials readily available, such as dried gourds or even salt shakers.

Painted Buffalo Hides: These hides were used for clothing and special ceremonial purposes, often painted with significant imagery.

Totem Poles: Iconic to the Pacific Northwest tribes, totem poles tell stories of ancestry, important events, and serve as markers of territory.

Educate Yourself with Books and Documentaries: Reading and watching content that highlights Native American perspectives can deepen your understanding and appreciation. Here are some recommended books:

• We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell, which introduces young readers to Cherokee traditions and gratitude.
• The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, a humorous and powerful coming-of-age story.
• The Round House by Louise Erdrich, a novel that explores justice and cultural heritage within a Native American family.
• Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown, a historical account of the injustices faced by Native Americans in the American West.

Documentaries such as Reel Injun, which explores the portrayal of Native Americans in Hollywood, and Smoke Signals, a film about two Native American men on a road trip, provide further insight into Native American culture and history.

Reflect and Take Action: Beyond celebrating on a single day, consider how you can continuously honor Native American communities throughout the year. This can include supporting Native American businesses, advocating for the rights and recognition of indigenous peoples, and educating others about the true history of Native Americans in the United States.

A Day of Gratitude and Reflection

Thanksgiving can be a powerful opportunity to acknowledge the past and honor the resilience of Native American communities. By choosing to celebrate in ways that respect Native American culture and history, we can shift the narrative and use this time as a moment of reflection, education, and gratitude for the land and its original stewards.

As we gather with loved ones and express gratitude, let’s remember the true origins of this holiday and make conscious choices to honor Native American heritage not just on Thanksgiving, but every day. By doing so, we pay respect to the cultures, traditions, and histories that have shaped this land long before European settlers arrived.

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