Thanksgiving, a holiday deeply ingrained in American culture, is often portrayed as a harmonious gathering between Pilgrims and Native Americans, a celebration of shared bounty and peaceful coexistence. The iconic image of colonists and Indians feasting together has become a symbol of unity and gratitude. However, for many Indigenous people, the reality of Thanksgiving is far removed from this idealized picture. Instead, it serves as a painful reminder of colonization, historical trauma, and the ongoing struggle for recognition and respect. This article explores the complex and often conflicting perspectives of Native Americans on Thanksgiving, delving into the reasons why some choose to abstain from the celebration and others seek to reclaim the holiday as an opportunity for education and remembrance. The title keyword Many Indians say, ‘no thanks’ to Thanksgiving embodies this central conflict.
The prevailing narrative surrounding the first Thanksgiving in 1621 often overshadows the subsequent history of violence, displacement, and cultural suppression experienced by Native American tribes. William Redwing Tayac, chief of the Piscataway Indian Nation in Maryland, describes Thanksgiving as "a day of mourning." He emphasizes the stark contrast between the mythologized version of history and the reality of what he terms "the American holocaust," highlighting the devastating impact of colonization on Indigenous populations. Tayac’s perspective underscores the deep-seated pain and anger that many Native Americans associate with the holiday.
Desiree Shelley, a native of Baltimore with roots in the Monacan tribe of Virginia, echoes this sentiment. Her family has observed Thanksgiving for generations, yet she acknowledges the prevailing feeling of hurt among many Indigenous people. Shelley points to the forced assimilation and colonization that have resulted in the loss of language, culture, and history. "We have all been assimilated and colonized," she states. "We have lost our history, our language, and our culture. What do you expect?" Shelley’s words highlight the enduring legacy of historical injustices and the challenges faced by Native Americans in preserving their cultural identity.
The traditional Thanksgiving narrative often glosses over the fact that the initial period of cooperation between colonists and Native Americans was short-lived. As colonists expanded their settlements, they increasingly encroached upon Indigenous lands, leading to conflicts and wars. The betrayal of trust and the subsequent violence inflicted upon Native American communities are central to understanding the rejection of Thanksgiving by many Indigenous people. Chief Tayac points to the irony of Native Americans teaching colonists how to farm and survive in the new world, only to be later persecuted and killed. He further notes that tribes in Massachusetts continue to hold demonstrations on Thanksgiving as a form of protest and remembrance.
While some Native Americans view Thanksgiving as a day of mourning, others approach the holiday with a more nuanced perspective. Joseph Stands With Many, a Cherokee Indian from Baltimore, expresses a less angry sentiment towards Thanksgiving compared to Tayac. While he doesn’t advocate for holding onto bitterness, he acknowledges the problematic aspects of the holiday, such as the perpetuation of stereotypes and the lack of consistent recognition of Native American culture. He questions why American Indian Heritage Month is celebrated in November, coinciding with Thanksgiving, and criticizes the use of stereotypical decorations depicting Indians and Pilgrims. Stands With Many believes that these elements contribute to a "subliminal stereotype" that reinforces harmful misconceptions about Native Americans.
Despite his reservations, Stands With Many has found a way to channel his frustrations into an educational opportunity. He dedicates his time to telling Cherokee stories to elementary school children, sharing his culture and history with a younger generation. His work, including a performance at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., exemplifies a proactive approach to combating ignorance and promoting understanding. For Stands With Many, giving thanks is a continuous cycle tied to the planting and harvesting seasons, reflecting a deep connection to the land and a commitment to preserving Cherokee traditions. On Thanksgiving Day, he typically spends time with his mother, often sharing a meal that deviates from the traditional turkey dinner. Many Indians say, ‘no thanks’ to Thanksgiving and instead choose to spend time with their families.
Desiree Shelley, as president of the American Indian Student Union at the University of Maryland, also sees Thanksgiving as an opportunity for education. Although her personal observance of the holiday is simply a gathering with family and a nice meal, she recognizes the need to address the historical distortions and cultural stereotypes surrounding Thanksgiving. Shelley unsuccessfully sought grant money to fund educational outreach programs for elementary and middle school children, aiming to provide a more accurate and nuanced understanding of the American Indian experience. Her efforts reflect a commitment to using the holiday as a platform for raising awareness and challenging misconceptions.
Keith Colston, executive director of the Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs and a member of the Tuscarora-Lumbee tribe of North Carolina, offers a balanced perspective on Thanksgiving. He acknowledges that most Native Americans do not celebrate Thanksgiving in the traditional sense. He personally views it as another day to spend with friends and family. However, he emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context of the holiday, noting that the initial feast between Native Americans and Pilgrims was followed by betrayal and injustice. Colston advises those who do celebrate Thanksgiving to be aware of the historical background and to recognize the complexities of the relationship between Native Americans and the United States. The title keyword Many Indians say, ‘no thanks’ to Thanksgiving can reflect the historical background.
The reasons why many Native Americans choose not to celebrate Thanksgiving are deeply rooted in historical trauma, cultural suppression, and the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes. The holiday serves as a reminder of the loss of land, language, and cultural identity experienced by Indigenous communities. However, some Native Americans are seeking to reclaim Thanksgiving as an opportunity for education, remembrance, and cultural preservation. By sharing their stories, challenging misconceptions, and promoting understanding, they are working to create a more accurate and inclusive narrative of American history. Whether they choose to abstain from the celebration or to engage with it in a meaningful way, Native Americans are asserting their voices and demanding recognition of their experiences.
The diverse perspectives on Thanksgiving within the Native American community highlight the complexities of reconciliation and the ongoing struggle for justice. While the idealized image of the holiday may persist in popular culture, it is essential to acknowledge the pain and anger felt by many Indigenous people. By listening to their voices and understanding their experiences, we can move towards a more honest and respectful understanding of American history and the enduring legacy of colonization. Many Indians say, ‘no thanks’ to Thanksgiving, and their reasons deserve to be heard and understood. The spirit of Thanksgiving, if it is to be truly inclusive, must encompass a commitment to truth, justice, and reconciliation for all.