Thanksgiving: A Time to Reflect and Honor Indigenous Peoples

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and food. But it’s also a time to reflect on the history of the holiday, which is rooted in the colonization of the Americas and the oppression of Indigenous peoples.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to change the name of Thanksgiving to Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This movement is based on the belief that the holiday should be a day to celebrate the rich culture and history of Indigenous peoples, rather than a day to commemorate the colonization of their land.

There are a number of reasons why changing the name of Thanksgiving to Indigenous Peoples’ Day makes sense. First, it would help to raise awareness of the history of colonization and the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous peoples. Second, it would send a message that the United States is committed to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Third, it would be a way to honor the contributions of Indigenous peoples to American society.

Changing the name of Thanksgiving to Indigenous Peoples’ Day would not erase the history of colonization. It would simply be a way to acknowledge that history and to celebrate the resilience of Indigenous peoples. It would be a step towards building a more just and equitable society for all.

In summary:

• Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the history of colonization and the oppression of Indigenous peoples.
• There is a growing movement to change the name of Thanksgiving to Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
• Changing the name of Thanksgiving to Indigenous Peoples’ Day would help to raise awareness of the history of colonization, send a message that the United States is committed to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and honor the contributions of Indigenous peoples to American society.

Thanksgiving vs. Indigenous Peoples‘ Day: A Battle of Commemoration

Thanksgiving, a holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada, is a time to gather with family and friends, share a meal, and give thanks for the blessings of the past year. However, the holiday’s origins are steeped in a dark history of colonization and oppression of Indigenous peoples. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to replace Thanksgiving with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a day to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Native Americans to the United States and Canada.

The History of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving has its roots in the 1621 harvest feast shared between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people. This feast was a symbol of peace and cooperation between the two groups. However, the relationship between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag soon deteriorated, and the Pilgrims began to encroach on Wampanoag land. This led to a series of wars between the two groups, which resulted in the near annihilation of the Wampanoag people.

The Creation of Indigenous Peoples’ Day

In the late 1960s and 1970s, there was a growing movement to raise awareness of the plight of Indigenous peoples in the United States and Canada. Activists argued that Thanksgiving whitewashed the history of colonization and oppression, and that it was a symbol of the continued marginalization of Native Americans. In 1977, the United Nations General Assembly designated August 9 as International Day of the World’s Indigenous People. This day was later adopted by many countries, including the United States and Canada, as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Arguments for Changing Thanksgiving to Indigenous Peoples’ Day

There are several arguments in favor of changing Thanksgiving to Indigenous Peoples’ Day. First, the holiday’s origins are based on a false narrative of peace and cooperation between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people. In reality, the Pilgrims were responsible for the near annihilation of the Wampanoag people. Second, Thanksgiving celebrates the arrival of European colonizers in North America, which led to the displacement and oppression of Indigenous peoples. Third, Thanksgiving reinforces the stereotype of Indigenous peoples as being primitive and savage.

Arguments for Keeping Thanksgiving

There are also several arguments in favor of keeping Thanksgiving. First, the holiday is a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate. Second, Thanksgiving is a reminder of the importance of gratitude. Third, the holiday can be used as an opportunity to teach children about the history of Indigenous peoples in the United States and Canada.

The Future of Thanksgiving

The debate over whether to change Thanksgiving to Indigenous Peoples’ Day is likely to continue for many years to come. However, there is no doubt that the holiday is in need of reform. Thanksgiving can be a time to celebrate the bounty of the harvest and the importance of gratitude, but it should also be a time to remember the dark history of colonization and oppression of Indigenous peoples.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is a complex holiday with a long and controversial history. There are strong arguments both for and against changing the holiday to Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to change the holiday is up to each individual. However, it is important to be aware of the history of Thanksgiving and the impact that the holiday has on Indigenous peoples.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the main argument in favor of changing Thanksgiving to Indigenous Peoples’ Day?

The main argument in favor of changing Thanksgiving to Indigenous Peoples’ Day is that the holiday’s origins are based on a false narrative of peace and cooperation between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people. In reality, the Pilgrims were responsible for the near annihilation of the Wampanoag people.

• What is the main argument against changing Thanksgiving to Indigenous Peoples’ Day?

The main argument against changing Thanksgiving to Indigenous Peoples’ Day is that the holiday is a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate.

• What are some ways to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day?

Some ways to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day include attending powwows, visiting museums and cultural centers, and learning about the history and culture of Indigenous peoples.

• What are some ways to teach children about the history of Indigenous peoples in the United States and Canada?

Some ways to teach children about the history of Indigenous peoples in the United States and Canada include reading books, watching movies, and visiting museums and cultural centers.

• What are some ways to support Indigenous peoples?

Some ways to support Indigenous peoples include donating to organizations that support Indigenous rights, buying products from Indigenous-owned businesses, and learning about the history and culture of Indigenous peoples.