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Decolonizing Thanksgiving: A Conscious Celebration of Indigenous Peoples
Thanksgiving is a holiday traditionally centered on family gatherings, feasts, and giving thanks. However, for many Indigenous communities, the history of Thanksgiving is deeply intertwined with the colonization of their land, the forced displacement of their people, and the erasure of their culture. As awareness around the impact of colonialism grows, many are rethinking how to engage with Thanksgiving in a way that respects and honors Indigenous peoples. In this post, we’ll explore ways to decolonize the holiday, reclaim it positively, and celebrate with mindfulness and gratitude.
1. Acknowledge the Land You Live On
Before diving into any celebration, it’s important to acknowledge the history of the land where you reside. Indigenous communities have lived on and stewarded these lands for thousands of years, long before European settlers arrived. By recognizing this history, we begin to shift the narrative from one of settler colonialism to one of respect for the original caretakers of the land.
Many Indigenous communities have created “land acknowledgment” statements, which are short expressions of gratitude and respect for the tribes whose ancestral lands we occupy. Taking a moment to reflect on this history during your Thanksgiving gathering can be an important step toward decolonizing the holiday. As Cultural Survival suggests, land acknowledgment is a way to “honor the original inhabitants and the land that continues to nourish all people.”
2. Educate Yourself About Indigenous Peoples and Their History
One of the most meaningful ways to honor Indigenous peoples during Thanksgiving is to educate yourself about their history, culture, and ongoing struggles. For too long, Indigenous peoples have been marginalized, their voices silenced, and their stories misrepresented. Thanksgiving provides an opportunity to counter this by learning about the diverse cultures of Indigenous communities.
There are countless resources available, from books and documentaries to podcasts and lectures, that can deepen your understanding of Indigenous history and current issues. By broadening your knowledge, you will be better equipped to recognize the significance of the holiday and approach it with greater sensitivity.
The Oaklandside article suggests that “the history of Thanksgiving as a holiday and its associations with the colonial genocide of Indigenous people” is important to remember. This understanding can help reframe the celebration into one of solidarity, rather than one of historical erasure.
3. Support Indigenous-Owned Businesses and Artists
One of the best ways to support Indigenous communities year-round is to invest in their businesses, products, and art. For Thanksgiving, this can mean purchasing food items, crafts, or gifts from Indigenous makers or restaurants. This kind of economic support helps strengthen Indigenous communities and provide visibility for their culture.
Indigenous peoples have long practiced sustainability and stewardship of the earth, so you may want to incorporate these values into your Thanksgiving meal by choosing foods that reflect Indigenous agricultural practices. As Cultural Survival highlights, foods like corn, squash, beans, and wild rice are staples of Native cuisine, and supporting Indigenous farmers or food initiatives can further enrich your celebration.
4. Rethink the Narrative of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving has often been portrayed as a harmonious feast shared between Pilgrims and Native Americans, but this narrative erases the devastating consequences of colonization for Indigenous peoples. For many, Thanksgiving is a day of mourning, rather than celebration, because it marks the beginning of centuries of oppression.
While it’s essential to respect and acknowledge this painful history, it’s equally important to create spaces for Indigenous voices and experiences that offer alternative perspectives. The article from The Keen Kind suggests that “you don’t have to celebrate Thanksgiving in the traditional way if you don’t want to.” Instead, you could choose to use the day to amplify Indigenous voices by attending a cultural event, participating in a land or history walk, or engaging in a meaningful conversation about how to dismantle colonial structures.
5. Honor Indigenous Practices and Traditions
Rather than simply participating in mainstream Thanksgiving customs, consider how you can incorporate Indigenous traditions into your celebration. This could include learning about traditional songs, dances, or storytelling practices and integrating them into your gathering. Many Native communities have their own Thanksgiving rituals, which are rooted in community, gratitude, and connection to the earth.
Additionally, The Keen Kind recommends exploring “holiday alternatives” that celebrate Indigenous cultures directly. For example, some people choose to honor the National Day of Mourning on the same day as Thanksgiving, a time for reflection, resistance, and solidarity with Native peoples.
6. Share the Table with Indigenous People
If you’re hosting a Thanksgiving gathering, consider inviting Indigenous people or community leaders to share their perspectives and stories. Thanksgiving is an opportunity to engage in conversations about justice, healing, and reconciliation. Listening to Indigenous voices can foster a deeper understanding of the holiday’s complexities and allow for more inclusive, meaningful celebrations. As Oaklandside points out, “Indigenous people have much to teach us, and listening to their stories and perspectives can help us heal together.”
7. Move Beyond Charity—Support Indigenous Sovereignty
Finally, it’s crucial to remember that decolonization is about much more than charitable giving; it’s about supporting Indigenous sovereignty, justice, and self-determination. Many Indigenous groups are fighting for land rights, cultural preservation, and the recognition of their legal and human rights. Supporting organizations that advocate for Indigenous sovereignty, such as the Native American Rights Fund or Cultural Survival, can be a long-term way to honor Indigenous communities beyond the holiday season.
Reclaiming Thanksgiving as a Day of Reflection and Reconciliation
Decolonizing Thanksgiving requires us to critically examine the historical injustices that have shaped the holiday while celebrating the resilience and culture of Indigenous peoples. By acknowledging the land, educating ourselves, supporting Indigenous businesses, and honoring Indigenous traditions, we can transform Thanksgiving from a day of erasure into one of reflection, solidarity, and collective healing.
As we move forward, let’s continue to challenge harmful narratives and actively work towards a more just future for Indigenous communities. Thanksgiving can still be a time of gratitude, but with the understanding that true reconciliation starts with listening, learning, and supporting Indigenous sovereignty.
Sources:
- “11 Ways to Decolonize Your Thanksgiving and Honor Native Peoples.” Cultural Survival, November 2024.
- “You Don’t Have to Celebrate Thanksgiving If You Don’t Want To—Here Are Some Holiday Alternatives.” The Keen Kind, November 2024.
- “Is Celebrating Thanksgiving Disrespectful to Indigenous People?” Oaklandside, November 2023.
Editor: McKenna Kostyszyn
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