Thanksgiving Reflections with Natives at Penn The dominant narrative around Thanksgiving generally depicts Indians (usually unnamed) welcoming the Pilgrims to America, teaching them how to grow food and survive, culminating in the famed, “First Thanksgiving Dinner,” where pilgrims and Indians sat down and shared a meal together in 1637. In reality, the history of this day is less palatable than what we were taught in school. This one-sided tale fails to elucidate the truth behind the Wampanoag connection to the New England Pilgrims, including, but not limited to, the decimation of people through disease, betrayal, and war, the theft of lands, and the attempted erasure of Native identities. This week, Natives at Penn will be working to deconstruct myths around Thanksgiving and shine some light on Native perspectives. We recognize that many of our Indigenous brothers and sisters denounce Thanksgiving and instead recognize it as a Day of Mourning. Some of us choose to protest or to ignore the day altogether. Many of us spend the day like everyone else -- in genuine appreciation for all that we have. A common Indigenous practice is giving thanks for not just our families, friends, and food, but for the environment and land that sustains us, for the health and vibrancy of our peoples, and for the interconnected nature that links our past, present, and future. However you choose to spend this day, Native or not, we encourage you to use “Thanksgiving” as a day of reflection. Be thankful for what you have, but also challenge yourself to think critically about your traditions - the origins, the meaning, and the history of the land beneath your own feet). Natives at Penn wishes you a great day of reflection, and follow us on Instagram @nativesatpenn for further learning!
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