It’s Crucial to Share the Real Story of Thanksgiving with Our Children

I’ll be honest: I never introduced my children to the traditional Thanksgiving narrative. Being homeschooled, I had the freedom to bypass the typical tale of Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a turkey feast. My kids have never worn black construction paper hats or crafted paper feathers. They haven’t learned the familiar story of Squanto showing English settlers how to plant fish heads with corn. We sidestepped all the Mayflower myths, and I’m truly grateful for that.

I was straightforward about it. I didn’t sugarcoat or gloss over the harsh realities. Instead of perpetuating the Great American Myth, I explained to my children: We harmed Indigenous peoples. They were a diverse group with rich cultures, dreams, and lives, and when the Pilgrims arrived, many had already suffered from diseases brought by earlier explorers. The settlers mistakenly believed they had a divine right to the land, thinking it was unoccupied when, in reality, it was a graveyard of lost lives due to smallpox and other ailments.

You, too, can ensure your children understand the truth. It’s really not that complicated. It just requires some courage and a willingness to confront tough realities.

Communicate with Educators

Start by talking to your children’s teachers. Inquire about what they’re learning about Thanksgiving this year. If the information is misleading, don’t hesitate to share your concerns. Remember, the teacher might not even realize that the typical Thanksgiving story is a myth, so approach the situation with kindness. You can also suggest resources, such as websites about the Wampanoag and lesson plans that present a more accurate narrative.

Avoid Harmful Stereotypes

It’s essential to steer clear of harmful stereotypes. Dressing up as Native Americans is a form of cultural appropriation, often referred to as “redface,” and is just as offensive as blackface. Avoid generalizing Indigenous peoples as merely “Indians.” Thanksgiving primarily involved the Wampanoag tribe and their leader. Each Indigenous group has its own unique culture and history. Squanto, who helped the Pilgrims, was not an all-encompassing figure but a man who had endured kidnapping and enslavement in England.

Share the Truth About Native Peoples

It’s crucial to educate your kids on the historical experiences of Native Americans. The ongoing cultural genocide inflicted by European settlers cannot be ignored. Key points include the devastation from wars and diseases, land dispossession, forced relocations, and the lasting impact of poverty and alcoholism that many Indigenous communities face today. My kids don’t find this alarming; we discuss these topics throughout the year. We listen to documentaries about life on reservations and attend cultural presentations to learn about local tribes.

Explore Genuine Native Cultures

Instead of celebrating Thanksgiving with Pilgrims, we dedicate November to studying diverse Native American cultures. Each tribe is distinct, with their own customs and histories, from the Wampanoag to the Cherokee. Find out which tribe has roots in your area and start from there, being honest about their narratives.

Emphasize Family Gatherings

While you might not need to change how you celebrate the day, remember that the original Thanksgiving was a mutual feast to rejoice in the harvest—not just a day of solemn reflection for the Pilgrims. They may not have enjoyed turkey and cranberry sauce, but they did have a week-long celebration. Perhaps we could reflect that joyous aspect in our own traditions.

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Summary

In summary, it’s essential to enlighten our children about the true history of Thanksgiving and the impact it had on Indigenous peoples. By fostering open dialogues, avoiding stereotypes, and celebrating genuine cultures, we can create a more informed and empathetic generation.