The Complex History of Thanksgiving: A Time for Reflection and Respect

Celebrate this year with respect and honor for Native Americans

A COLUMN By: Johanna Elattar, photo courtesy of the National Library of Congress

Thanksgiving, often viewed as a symbol of gratitude and unity, has a history far more complex than the idyllic narratives taught in school. For families like mine, who immigrated to the United States in search of opportunity and freedom, understanding this nuanced history deepens the holiday’s significance and sheds light on the sacrifices of Indigenous peoples that underpin the American story.

The traditional tale of the “First Thanksgiving” in 1621 often oversimplifies the relationship between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people. While historical accounts confirm a three-day harvest celebration at Plymouth Colony attended by 90 Wampanoag men and their leader, Chief Massasoit, the event was not a harmonious feast of friendship. The alliance between the settlers and the Wampanoag was born out of mutual necessity: the Wampanoag, ravaged by diseases introduced by Europeans, sought survival through an uneasy partnership with the Pilgrims. The settlers, in turn, relied on Indigenous knowledge to endure their first harsh winter in the New World.

Yet, the relationship between these two groups was fragile and deteriorated over time, giving way to violent conflicts. Subsequent “Thanksgiving” celebrations by settlers sometimes commemorated violent acts against Indigenous peoples, such as the 1637 Pequot Massacre and the 1676 execution of Metacom (King Philip), a Wampanoag leader. These events highlight the darker chapters of colonial expansion and its devastating impact on Native communities.

Thanksgiving as a national holiday came much later, declared by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 during the Civil War as a means to foster national unity. Over time, the narrative of Pilgrims and Native Americans dining together was romanticized, aligning with a vision of shared American identity that often erased the realities faced by Indigenous peoples.

For many Native Americans, Thanksgiving is a day of mourning rather than celebration. It is a time to remember the colonization, violence, and loss that followed the arrival of Europeans. Since 1970, the United American Indians of New England have observed the “National Day of Mourning” in Plymouth, Massachusetts, honoring Indigenous resilience and resistance. Similarly, California’s Indigenous People Sunrise Ceremony, held since 1969, provides a space for reflection and healing.

While Native Americans are integral to the nation’s past, their contributions to contemporary society are often overlooked. Approximately 87% of state-level history standards exclude Native American history after 1900. However, Indigenous leaders and communities continue to shape the nation today. Figures like Joy Harjo, the first Native American poet laureate, and young activists advocating for their communities exemplify the enduring impact of Native peoples.

Efforts to increase Native representation in government, arts, and education are paving the way for a more inclusive understanding of history. November, designated as National Native American Heritage Month, offers an opportunity to learn about the profound influence of Indigenous peoples and to challenge myths surrounding Thanksgiving.

As families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving with food, parades, and traditions, there are ways to honor Native Americans meaningfully:

• Learn about indigenous culture: Seek out resources that accurately portray Native American history, and share them with others.
• Celebrate Indigenous cuisine: Incorporate recipes from Native chefs, focusing on local, sustainable ingredients.
• Acknowledge Indigenous lands: Use tools to identify whose land you reside on and learn about the history and culture of those tribes.
• Support Native-led initiatives: Amplify efforts that preserve and celebrate Indigenous heritage.

For my European-Arabic family, Thanksgiving represents both gratitude for the opportunities we’ve found in this country and a responsibility to honor the resilience of Indigenous peoples. By embracing the holiday with a reflective approach, we can celebrate unity and generosity while acknowledging the complexities of its origins.

This year, let us gather around the table with a commitment to understanding, respect, and the shared values that can guide us toward a more inclusive future.