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How Thanksgiving should be celebrated to include Native Americans?

The first Thanksgiving was a peaceful meal, but after that, settlers took Native lands, leading to war and suffering. Many Native people died from diseases brought by Europeans or were forced to leave their homes. Today, Thanksgiving is often shown as a happy event, but the real history includes pain and loss.

The HISTORY OF THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, but it's also important to recognize its true history, make celebrations more inclusive, and give a voice to Native American perspectives.

Thanksgiving: Understanding History and Being More Inclusive

Current Problems with the Celebration of Thanksgiving

• Thanksgiving is often seen as a joyful holiday, but it overlooks the painful history of Native Americans.
• The traditional story of Thanksgiving simplifies the complex relationship between European settlers and Indigenous peoples.
• Many Native American communities see this day as a reminder of colonization, violence, and broken treaties.
• The commercialized aspect of Thanksgiving also shifts the focus away from its historical context and true meaning.

The Importance of Giving a Voice to Native Americans

• Native Americans deserve to have their history and perspectives recognized, especially on Thanksgiving.
• Listening to and amplifying Indigenous voices helps correct historical inaccuracies and misconceptions.
• Including Native speakers in educational discussions and events promotes understanding and reconciliation.
• Acknowledging Indigenous struggles and contributions fosters respect, equality, and a more truthful narrative of history.

The First Thanksgiving

• The first Thanksgiving took place in 1621 in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
• Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe shared a harvest feast after a difficult winter.
• It lasted three days and included food, games, and diplomacy.
• The event is seen as a symbol of cooperation and gratitude.

• For many Native Americans, Thanksgiving is a day of mourning.

• The Wampanoag helped the Pilgrims, but later, settlers took their land and spread diseases.

• Conflicts like King Philip’s War (1675-1676) led to Native American suffering.

• Today, some Native groups hold a "National Day of Mourning" instead of Thanksgiving.

The Native American Perspective

• People can acknowledge the history of Thanksgiving by learning about Native American perspectives and traditions.
• Including Indigenous dishes and stories in the celebration can foster awareness and respect.
• Supporting Native communities through donations or purchasing from Indigenous businesses is a meaningful way to give back.
• Schools and media should present a more accurate and diverse representation of Thanksgiving’s history.

How to Celebrate Thanksgiving in a More Inclusive Way

• The Pilgrims saw Thanksgiving as a blessing from God after surviving in the New World.
• They believed the Wampanoag helped them out of kindness and divine will.
• Over time, they expanded their settlements and took more land.
• Thanksgiving became a national holiday in 1863, declared by Abraham Lincoln.

The Pilgrims' Perspective