Acknowledging the Real History of Thanksgiving

As the leaves turn red and gold and temperatures fall, a sense of anticipation fills the air as the holiday season arrives once again. This time of year is known for family gatherings, delicious feasts, heartfelt expressions of gratitude and an indescribable sense of joy. Many Americans celebrate Thanksgiving in November, but it’s important to remember that this holiday holds a deep and complex connection with the indigenous peoples that inhabit American land.

It is commonly taught that Thanksgiving as we know it today originated from a feast shared between English Pilgrims and Wampanoag Native Americans in 1621. In this story, the Pilgrims celebrated this feast in honor of their first successful harvest in America, and they were joined by the Wampanoag, who had cultivated the land for generations. The whitewashed retelling of this holiday implies that the two groups celebrated together, but, unfortunately, this story is not an accurate portrayal of how the Pilgrims treated the indigenous people. 

DoSomething.org cleared up some common misconceptions about the origins of the holiday as it relates to Native Americans. First, there is no evidence that members of the Wampanoag tribe were invited to this celebration, although there is evidence that members were present. Additionally, Pilgrims are recorded to have stolen from the tribe’s winter provisions before forming an alliance out of necessity. After the celebration, the alliance didn’t last, and there were several deadly conflicts between the Pilgrims and native people. Throughout the 1600s, European colonizers would celebrate Thanksgiving to mark their “brutal victories” over native people.

Many Americans do not learn about the true history between the Pilgrims and Native Americans in school, so continued education on the accurate history of this holiday is important. It is important that we recognize the truth behind these events in order to dismantle systemic issues that have oppressed America’s indigenous populations for years. 

So, as we gather with friends and family to celebrate how much we have to be thankful for, let us also remember to be grateful for the indigenous communities that have shaped our land. Supporting initiatives that promote cultural preservation, education and economic empowerment for indigenous peoples is a meaningful way to express this gratitude. By amplifying their voices and honoring their traditions, we ensure that their legacy of resilience and wisdom endures for generations to come. For many indigenous communities, this holiday is a time of both celebration and remembrance, serving as a reminder of all the changes brought about by colonization. Recognizing this allows us to move forward with greater understanding and compassion on a path toward healing and reconciliation.

By embracing the indigenous heritage that underpins this holiday, we not only pay homage to the past but also shape a more inclusive and compassionate future. As we gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, let us celebrate the enduring spirit of collaboration and gratitude that unites us all.