As faith communities seeking unity in the midst of strife, we have a responsibility to reexamine even some of our most cherished traditions. While Thanksgiving is largely focused on gathering (in safer times) with family and friends and giving thanks by sharing a feast, it also serves as a nationalist celebration that warps our understanding of our past and harms Native communities. While we can and should celebrate and give thanks with those we love, we should make sure to do so without affirming harmful nationalist myths.

Mark Charles (Diné), co-author of Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery, offers his thoughts on the harm caused by the myth of the first Thanksgiving and why we should decolonize our celebrations: Watch

For more on how to spend the day in a respectful way that focuses on giving thanks and loving community in ways that support Native people: Read

Historian Philip Deloria (Dakota) explains the history of the Thanksgiving tradition and traces it to its roots in events of the 17th century: Read

To learn about the issues facing Wampanoag Nation in this, the 400th year after the Pilgrims' arrival: Read

For more on the history of Wampanoag people and their interaction with Pilgrims from the Wampanoag perspective, PBS's American Experience hosted a webinar this year: Watch

CUICNovember 23, 2020