From article “Happy Thanksgiving: An American Indian Perspective,” by Terra Trevor. In the article, Terra explains that Thanksgiving in Native American culture has been a custom since the beginning of their existence. “The First Thanksgiving” was therefore new only to the non-natives who participated in the celebration for the first time. Terra also explains that for the Natives, the Thanksgiving holiday is a reminder of the betrayal that occurred to the native people, all of it in exchange to their generosity. For centuries, the story of Thanksgiving has been told more so from the non-native perspective, particularly in schools which is where most of the population learns about the American tradition. For accuracy of historical facts and traditions, I do think it’s important to hear the story of Thanksgiving from both of the parties who were involved in what would ultimately become a tradition for all (or at least for most) Americans.
While Thanksgiving day has become more so a day of thankfulness in general, for the non-natives it was officially begun with a feast that occurred amongst a few tribal members and a group of European settlers. However, there are two sides to the stories of colonialism, and the story of Thanksgiving is often told from one perspective. Amongst learning about Native American heritage, November should also be a time when Americans learn about the true historical occurrences between the settlers and the Natives and also between the American government and the Natives, and that true history should especially be taught in grade schools. Then, at the end of November, perhaps when we do have a Thanksgiving celebration, it will be more welcoming to the Natives, as, in addition to the celebration being a showing of general thanks and gratitude for the goodness in our lives, it would also be a celebration to have ended the oppression against the Natives. However, some oppressions are still occurring ’til this day, aren’t they? In addition, the ongoing suppression of true historical facts regarding the oppression against the Natives would first have to end also, wouldn’t it? Because that too is a form of oppression.
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#Thanksgiving #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth