Food, football, genocidal trauma: Why celebrate Thanksgiving?

For many, Thanksgiving is all about family, gratitude, football, food… and genocide? The history of this celebratory holiday is much less savory than the food that comes with it, a fact which remains unknown to many. By definition, Thanksgiving is the acknowledgement of blessing, harvest, and, more popularly, food and football. Though it began with religious roots, it has slowly grown into a more inclusive holiday, accommodating people of all backgrounds, not just the Puritan colonists who originally celebrated it.

The traditional tale of this gratitude-filled holiday is modeled after the gathering of the settlers of Plymouth Plantation accompanied by the Wampanoag people. Taking place at this gathering was a large feast, dedicated to the bountiful harvest and giving thanks. For the British colonists, Thanksgivings were not just ceremonies of gratitude; they were also proclamations of military triumph. This day of gratitude was actually in celebration of a successful treaty between the colonists and the Wampanoag people. At what has been coined as the ‘First Thanksgiving,’ held in 1621, the colonists in Plymouth made a defensive alliance with the chief of the Wampanoags, Massasoit. But the “first” Thanksgiving would not be the last.

Sixteen years later, in 1637, colonists toasted another military vanquishing, although this time they were the only ones celebrating. After killing over 700 Pequot people, including women and children, Governor John Winthrop declared it “an official Day of Thanksgiving,” while in the same breath, calling the Pequots “horrid savages.” Ending this conflict between the Pequot and the colonists in 1638 was the Treaty of Hartford. The treaty called for the forced assimilation of the remaining Pequot into neighboring tribes, others being taken to locations, like the West Indies, for imposed enslavement. Remorse, or lack thereof, was shown through the clinking glasses of the colonists, including Winthrop. Winthrop, who is often lauded for his “city upon a hill” ideology, should also be known for the massacre and erasure of the Pequot tribe.

While the modern tradition of Thanksgiving is regarded with a more positive connotation, it is important to understand the loss attributed to the time of giving. Known to many as the “National Day of Mourning,” the original story of Thanksgiving is slowly making its way to the table. The observance shines light on historical, as well as present struggles of the Native American community, including the myths that circulate the story of the first Thanksgiving. Unbeknownst to many is how harmful these misconceptions are, demonstrating the importance of familiarity with the truth behind Thanksgiving. Furthering the acknowledgement, the day after Thanksgiving is celebrated as Native American Heritage Day.

Commonly known as Black Friday, this day involves more than just long check out lines and good deals. Native American Heritage Day honors Native American culture and values, and is celebrated by many people of Indigenous heritage. It was first recognized in 2008, when George W. Bush signed the Native American Heritage Day Act of 2008, designating the Friday after Thanksgiving to focus on Native American history, contributions, and accomplishments. 

This day also vitalizes the enhancement of Native American culture being studied in the classroom. The teaching of the truths of the holiday is not often done, though schools are starting to touch on the horrors of what Native Americans endured. Even the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has resources listed of historically accurate lesson plans for teachers, saying “it is extremely important to not play into stereotypes of Native Peoples, and instead to focus on what is accurate and authentic.” This is a huge step in a positive direction, away from the culturally appropriating regalia and mocking of Native culture that has existed in the classroom for decades around this time of year. Though some don’t see an issue with this seemingly harmless behavior, it pushes the stereotypes that Indigenous culture is something “uncivilized,” and it undermines the tragedies within Native American history.

It is, however, important to note that there are many Native Americans who embrace the holiday in their own ways, as the idea of giving thanks is a key part of Native culture. According to nonprofit organization, Native Hope, “Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Day allow us to reflect on our collective history and celebrate the beauty, strength, and resilience of the Native tribes of North America.” These tribes celebrated autumn’s harvest long before colonists were in the picture, meaning, in a sense, the tradition of Thanksgiving spans back further than most think. 

There are ways Thanksgiving can be celebrated that do not erase the history of Native tribes, and do not paint the colonists out to be the heroes of the day. Every story has two sides, and it’s time to flip this coin, not only in classrooms, but in young and old minds alike.

By Madison Malecki

Published November 27 2023

Oshkosh West Index Volume 120 Issue II