Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
As families across the United States prepare to gather for Thanksgiving, a growing number of educators and institutions are expressing concerns about the holiday’s colonial roots. They are calling for a shift in how Thanksgiving is perceived and celebrated, pushing for inclusion and diversity in discussions surrounding this national event.
At the University of California, Davis, the California History-Social Science Project recently announced a virtual event titled ‘Decolonizing Thanksgiving in the Classroom.’ This initiative aims to reshape classroom practices by centering on perspectives from Indigenous peoples, particularly those from Turtle Island, an Indigenous name for North America.
The description of the event highlights the importance of fostering new conversations about making meaningful interpretations of Thanksgiving with students. This approach seeks to replace traditional narratives with ones that include Indigenous viewpoints, thereby encouraging a more holistic understanding of the holiday.
Events Celebrating Diverse Cultural Perspectives
Recently, Washington University in St. Louis released a statement promoting a gathering designed to honor and showcase the varied cultural understandings of Thanksgiving. The event is positioned as a platform to engage with the ways different cultures perceive this holiday, both historically and in present contexts.
This gathering aims to actively contribute to inclusive practices that can foster individual and systemic change within the community. By recognizing diverse traditions, participants hope to create a broader understanding of Thanksgiving that transcends its conventional narrative.
Revisiting Thanksgiving Narratives at MIT
On Tuesday, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology will host its ‘4th Annual Thanksgiving Myth-busting’ event. This initiative is designed to continue the examination of narratives that have justified land appropriations through colonialism, aiming to dismantle these myths.
As part of this year’s activities, students will travel to the National Indigenous Day of Mourning (NDOM) rally in Plymouth, Massachusetts, the historic landing site of the Mayflower. The gathering will include discussions and reflections pertinent to Indigenous rights and experiences. In supporting the observance of Thanksgiving, an MIT spokesperson emphasized that the institution honors its students’ freedom to celebrate and express their views, while also allowing for diverse forms of commemoration.
Recognizing Thanksgiving as a Day of Mourning
Meanwhile, the University of Massachusetts has declared Thanksgiving a ‘Day of Mourning.’ This announcement aligns with the annual National Day of Mourning, which occurs on the fourth Thursday of November. The event, according to the school’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility website, aims to raise public awareness about Native American history and the continued struggles faced by Indigenous communities.
The Day of Mourning aims to dispel myths linked to the traditional Thanksgiving narrative and educate participants about the contributions and histories of Native Americans, particularly the Wampanoag tribe and other Eastern tribes. This perspective offers a crucial reminder of the holiday’s complex legacy.
Universities Encourage Critical Discussions
Earlier this month, the University of Maryland School of Public Policy facilitated a discussion titled ‘Harvesting the Truth: Colonial Disruptions of Indigenous Food Systems & the Myths of Thanksgiving.’ This event sought to address longstanding misconceptions about Thanksgiving and its origins within the context of colonialism.
In Albuquerque, New Mexico, students at public schools received information highlighting that many Indigenous people do not celebrate Thanksgiving. Instead, they regard the holiday as a stark reminder of the genocide endured by Native populations, the appropriation of their lands, and the ongoing erasure of their cultures. This acknowledgment provides a critical context for understanding differing attitudes toward the holiday.
Further emphasizing this conversation, the Berkeley Unified School District in California incorporated themes of mourning in its ‘Rethinking Thanksgiving Teaching Guide.’ The district encouraged community members to explore the painful legacy surrounding Thanksgiving while recognizing diverse perspectives and histories.
A Call for Unity amidst Diverse Perspectives
Amidst this re-examination of Thanksgiving, Paul Runko, senior director of Strategic Initiatives at Defending Education, articulated a view emphasizing the holiday’s unifying potential. Runko insists that Thanksgiving should serve as an opportunity to unite families, friends, and communities rather than divide them through blame or criticism of heritage.
Reflecting on the origins of Thanksgiving, he cited President George Washington’s call to Americans to express gratitude and unity. Throughout American history, subsequent presidents have echoed this sentiment, urging citizens to pause and reflect with appreciation each Thanksgiving.
As discussions around Thanksgiving evolve, it becomes increasingly crucial for educators and communities to acknowledge multiple narratives while seeking common ground. By engaging in meaningful dialogues, it’s possible to celebrate Thanksgiving in a manner that honors both historical truths and contemporary understanding.
Embracing Change in Holiday Observance
The ongoing debate concerning Thanksgiving highlights the complexities of cultural heritage and collective memory. As educational institutions take steps to reframe the holiday, they are contributing to a broader conversation about inclusion, representation, and understanding. While some embrace the traditional celebration, others advocate for a deeper acknowledgment of the past, ultimately aiming to foster unity and respect for all communities.
