Ways to decolonize your Thanksgiving
Most of us know the traditional narrative around Thanksgiving: a day of thanks where white settlers and Indigenous people came together to celebrate their alliance in what would soon become the United States. This story frames the pioneers as peaceful and kind in their negotiations with the Native Americans whose land they moved onto. However, this was not actually what happened, as many have pointed out over the years, and enforces harmful falsehoods that minimize the violence perpetrated against Indigenous people throughout the colonization of America. Because of this, activists have suggested finding new ways to acknowledge the real nature of our nation’s history. I’ve compiled a non-exhaustive list of ways to start doing this:
Acknowledge the National Day of Mourning, which has been held since 1970 in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Indigenous people and their allies gather to honor and remember Indigenous ancestors and Native resilience. Since you probably won’t be in Plymouth, you can help honor this day by educating yourself and others on the true story behind Thanksgiving or by donating to Indigenous-led organizations.
Learn about the Indigenous lands you’re on, and consider acknowledging this in a statement you can add to email signatures, presentations, or any other content you create.
Consider sourcing your food locally and changing your menu to Indigenous North American foods to reframe the focus of the holiday and to acknowledge the true origins of the land we’re on.
Visit the Our Home: Native Minnesota exhibit at the Minnesota History Center to learn more about indigenous peoples’ experiences on our land.
Volunteer in your community if you feel comfortable doing so.
Get involved with local Land Back efforts. Land Back is a campaign that seeks to establish control for Indigenous people over land that had belonged to them prior to colonization.
These are just a few of the many ideas you can use to decolonize your Thanksgiving. If you’re interested in other ways to get involved, look up local, Indigenous-led movements wherever you’re spending your break.