Important Thanksgiving History: Native Perspectives and Cultural Significance

As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s important to reflect on its complex history. While many Americans celebrate the holiday as a time of gratitude and togetherness, for many Native Americans, it is observed as a National Day of Mourning—a reminder of the lasting impact of colonization on their communities. We can use holidays like Thanksgiving to encourage our students and children to question simplified histories and acknowledge their broader implications through reflections and dialogue.

Thanksgiving’s Historical Background

Thanksgiving is often depicted through a single lens—the iconic 1621 feast. This event, commonly celebrated as a harmonious encounter, brought together the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribes. Historical records, however, present a more nuanced picture. The Pilgrims were newcomers, struggling to survive a harsh winter. The Wampanoag people, familiar with the land, played a critical role in their survival by sharing essential agricultural practices.

Moving beyond the celebration, we identify a collection of stories that portray the fraught relations post-celebration. Misunderstandings and mounting tensions eventually led to conflicts, such as the Pequot War, reflecting a darker side of this shared history. The simplistic tale of Pilgrims and Native Americans dining peacefully glosses over the significant losses experienced by Native tribes.

Thanksgiving, as observed today, remains intertwined with Native American experiences. For several Indigenous tribes, the holiday serves as a reminder of the struggles and suffering endured over centuries. Many Native Americans observe this time as a National Day of Mourning, shedding light on the injustices and the ongoing impact of colonization.

In classrooms, discussing food carries its own set of lessons. Traditional Thanksgiving dishes maintain a link to Indigenous contributions. Corn, beans, and other staples provided by Native Americans highlight the rich culinary heritage that has shaped American cuisine. Meanwhile, discussions on using headdresses and the dangers of cultural stereotypes in school activities open doors to a more respectful understanding.

For students in grades 6-8, this means learning to question simplified histories and acknowledge historical events’ broader implications. Teachers can foster critical thinking and discussions about whose stories are told and whose voices are silenced. This kind of inquiry invites a fuller understanding of gratitude and complexity, weaving Native perspectives into the broader account.

Native American Perspectives

Native American perspectives on Thanksgiving add valuable layers to our understanding of the holiday. For many Indigenous people, Thanksgiving is not merely a festivity but a complex occasion that stirs deep emotions and reflections on their ancestral history.

The National Day of Mourning serves as a powerful reminder of the suffering and injustices experienced by Native tribes following the arrival of European settlers. It is a time to honor the memories of ancestors who suffered massive losses—of land, culture, and life. For Native communities, this day encompasses more than mourning. It is also a declaration of survival, resilience, and a continued fight against ongoing marginalization.

The way Thanksgiving has been represented historically often neglects the significant contributions and the rich cultural diversity of Native peoples. Simplifying the story of Thanksgiving to a single amicable feast does not adequately honor the diverse and vibrant cultures that existed long before Europeans arrived on the continent.

Native Americans today advocate for greater inclusion of Indigenous perspectives in the school curriculum. Many Native peoples also work to ensure that their stories are told accurately and respectfully. They continue to challenge stereotypes and fight the erasure of their history. This advocacy combats harmful misconceptions and empowers Native youths, helping them find pride in their heritage.

As students learn about the perspectives of Native Americans, they gain a more inclusive view of history. By understanding the full context of Thanksgiving, students are encouraged to think critically about how historical events are presented and to consider whose voices may be absent.

Cultural Significance of Food on Thanksgiving

Food plays a crucial role in Thanksgiving celebrations, serving as a delicious centerpiece and a symbol of shared heritage. The iconic Thanksgiving meal, with its many dishes like turkey, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie, has deep roots in Native American agriculture and culinary practices. These foods symbolize the initial exchanges between Native Americans and European settlers, highlighting the Wampanoag people’s vital role in teaching the Pilgrims how to cultivate crops that were new to them in this landscape.

The Thanksgiving table is a testament to the rich agricultural knowledge of Native Americans. Corn, a staple brought to the dining table, was critical to the survival of early settlers who were unfamiliar with the land’s agricultural potential. This, along with other crops like beans and squash, collectively known as the “Three Sisters,” formed the backbone of Native agriculture. These ingredients, celebrated for their synergistic growth, are foundational elements of the Thanksgiving feast, showing a direct lineage to the sustainable farming methods practiced by Indigenous communities.

Modern Thanksgiving celebrations continue this tradition of appreciating bountiful harvests, drawing on flavors and techniques that transcend the boundaries of time and culture. The inclusion of these Native-derived foods is more than just a nod to history; it’s an acknowledgment of the depth and resilience of Native cultures.

Sharing food, a universal act of community and connection takes on added significance during Thanksgiving. As families and friends come together to partake in these meals, they participate in a tradition that spans back centuries, rooted in the values of gratitude and generosity. Food becomes a medium through which stories are shared, relationships are nurtured, and cultural identity is preserved.

The adaptation of Native ingredients into a cornerstone of American culinary heritage reflects an ongoing relationship with nature and the cycles of the earth. This aspect of Thanksgiving encourages the appreciation of food as not merely sustenance, but a profound cultural expression. Recognizing these contributions invites a richer understanding and respect for the diverse experiences that inform our collective history.

1. Dunbar-Ortiz R. An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States. Boston: Beacon Press; 2014.
2. National Museum of the American Indian. American Indian Perspectives on Thanksgiving. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution; 2009.
3. Reese D. American Indians in Children’s Literature. Nambe Owingeh: University of New Mexico; 2006.