Thanksgiving- Dispelling the Great Lie and Recognizing Broader Indigenous Injustices

As families gather around tables adorned with Thanksgiving feasts, the tradition often paints a picturesque scene of unity and gratitude between Native Americans and Pilgrims. However, beneath this veneer lies a narrative riddled with misconceptions, overlooking the deep-rooted injustices faced by Indigenous peoples—an incomplete depiction perpetuated for generations.

The commonly accepted tale recounts the feast shared by the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony and the Wampanoag Native Americans in 1621. While this event did happen, it's a fraction of a larger, complex history overshadowed by colonization's devastating effects on Indigenous communities. This narrative fails to address the broader spectrum of Indigenous experiences and the atrocities inflicted upon them.

The arrival of European settlers in North America led to profound and tragic consequences for Indigenous peoples across the continent. Beyond the Wampanoag, Indigenous communities faced disease, forced displacement, cultural erasure, and violent conflict as European colonization expanded. The injustices and exploitation persisted, not just in the East with the Pilgrims but also in the West and the Southwest, affecting numerous tribes like the Cherokee, Navajo, Lakota, and many others

Furthermore, acknowledging the injustices against Indigenous communities extends beyond the continental United States. The story of Thanksgiving often neglects the similar tragedies faced by Native Hawaiians. Their islands were annexed by the United States in 1898 after the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893. The annexation brought forth cultural suppression, land dispossession, and the undermining of Hawaiian sovereignty, profoundly impacting their way of life.

The celebration of Thanksgiving as a national holiday in 1863, during a deeply divided time, serves as an example of political maneuvering rather than a genuine reflection of historical events. The holiday's subsequent popularization during the 19th century further entrenched the idealized narrative, sidelining the truth of colonization's brutal legacy on Indigenous peoples.

For many Indigenous communities, Thanksgiving is not a joyous occasion but a reminder of the intergenerational trauma caused by colonialism. Some observe it as a National Day of Mourning, highlighting ongoing struggles and advocating for truth, justice, and recognition of sovereignty for all Indigenous peoples, including those in Hawai'i.

As we approach each Thanksgiving, it's imperative to reassess the stories we perpetuate and confront uncomfortable truths embedded in history. This introspection offers an opportunity for education, reconciliation, and amplifying Indigenous voices to acknowledge their resilience and ongoing contributions to society.

Efforts to reframe Thanksgiving as a time for genuine reflection and inclusivity continue to grow. Educators, activists, and communities advocate for a more honest narrative that acknowledges the complexities, atrocities, and resilience of all Indigenous peoples across the United States, including Hawaiians.

In essence, the conventional Thanksgiving narrative veils a painful reality. Acknowledging this truth doesn't diminish gratitude; instead, it cultivates empathy, understanding, and a commitment to justice. Thanksgiving should be a moment of genuine reflection, learning, and acknowledging all narratives that shape our nation's history. By confronting the great lie of Thanksgiving, we move closer to an equitable future built on a more comprehensive and compassionate understanding of our shared past.