How Do Native Americans Celebrate Thanksgiving?

Photo by Alan Vernon.

The original Thanksgiving feast occurred in 1621 and was shared between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans. The Natives had taught the Pilgrims everything they knew about crop cultivation and hunting wild game, and so the affair was a peaceful gathering to express gratitude.

Nowadays, most of us choose to ignore the severe colonialization that followed: the loss of Native American traditions, the violence, and the seizure of Native land. The Natives were pushed further west and their populations almost entirely destroyed.

So when you’re giving thanks today, reflect on the holiday’s beginnings, and think about where we would be in the history of the world right now had things developed differently.

Native American Influences

We can’t claim ownership for many of our popular traditions; according to HowStuffWorks, the following were ideas developed from the Native Americans.

Turkey – In the New World, wild turkey ran rampant and was sufficient for feeding the entire population. The turkey was used at the first feast with Plymouth Colony Governor William Bradford.

Photo by Jesse757

Side dishes – Even the corn and cranberries were present at the first Thanksgiving. Native Americans taught the Pilgrims how to make a bitter sauce which they called “ibimi” (cranberry sauce). However, the Pilgrims renamed the berry as “cranberry” because its flowers reminded them of cranes (the birds).

Football – During ancient harvest ceremonies, people celebrated by playing games and sports, much like how football is played during Thanksgiving.

Native American Celebrations Today

Unsuprisingly, many Native Americans honour Thanksgiving differently.

While most Americans are celebrating Thanksgiving, some Native Americans in Massachusetts will be paying tribute to the “National Day of Mourning” atop Coles Hill. The Wampanoags and other Natives decided to fast for the occasion, thereby remembering their history by showing a contrast to the tradition of gorging on food. In recent years, the event has grown to accompany presentations, skits and demonstrations to showcase this contrast.

Other special days were also marked to honour Native Americans. New York became the first state to establish American Indian Day, and in California, the fourth Friday of September is Native American Day. Most recently, President Obama has declared November 2009 as Native American Heritage Month, marking November 27 as Native American Heritage Day.

Others look at Thanksgiving with a unique perspective. In A Native American View, Jacqueline Keeler admits she celebrates Thanksgiving. To her, Thanksgiving is about giving thanks for being a part of the small group of survivors from that age. As long as there is remembrance and reflection, the Native American role cannot be forgotten.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

People all over celebrate Thanksgiving in their own special way, whether it’s quality time with family or friends, or something else entirely. What are your traditions?