Summary
This module will introduce you to ideas that “unsettle” Thanksgiving by showing its connections to harmful historical narratives. It is important we understand the history of colonization behind the holiday, the foundation of which Thanksgiving is built upon. During the next Thanksgiving celebration you participate in, or gathering of family or friends, you may have the opportunity to engage in these conversations. Take your time with these resources and come back to them often. These conversations may not always happen on the first try, but this module can be a helpful starting point.
Before beginning, take a moment and reflect on your own experience with Thanksgiving. What words would you use to describe this holiday and traditions and how have you taken part in Thanksgiving celebrations in the past?
History of Thanksgiving
The following resources start to describe the history of Thanksgiving. These are by no means exhaustive, rather, use them as a starting point to explore a variety of perspectives, some of which speak to some of the harm of colonization and the first iterations of Thanksgiving.
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The odd, complicated history of Canadian Thanksgiving (read 10 mins)
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How to Decolonize your thanksgiving dinner (read 5 mins)
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Thanksgiving has roots, complicated history in Indigenous communities (read 2 mins)
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National Day of Mourning (read 5 mins)
The Indigenous Perspective
In the context of Canadian Thanksgiving (and North America in general), it is crucial to bring forward the Indigenous perspective on Thanksgiving due to the history of this holiday being rooted in colonization. Use the resources below as a starting point to explore these lived experiences, stories and perspectives.
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Thanksgiving – Native American – One Word – Cut (watch 2 mins)
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A Thanksgiving Message from Seven Amazing Native Americans (read 15 min)
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Serving Up Resilience: Indigenous Chefs Preserve Native Foodways – and Create New Ones (read 7 mins)
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Decolonizing Thanksgiving and Reviving Indigenous Relationships With Food (read 5 mins)
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Chef Katsi’tsyo Tanya Brant About, Indigenous Food Sovereignty, Turkey Meat, Corn, and Beans (read 5 mins)
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Decolonize Thanksgiving (watch 5 mins)
Reflect
Are these perspectives ones that you have considered before in the context of Thanksgiving? Reflect on 1-2 examples with your peers, friends or family! How can you honour the roots and history of these traditions this year during the holiday season?
What’s Next?
Now that you have started to explore the history and a variety of perspectives on Thanksgiving, how can you speak to others about this and continue to engage with these topics on a continuous basis? Use the following resources to help you take action on this topic:
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How to Talk to Your Family About Race & Social Justice (read 10 min)
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Ontario Indigenous Leaders hope Thanksgiving celebrations bring unity, reflection (read 2 mins)
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Do Not ‘Decolonize’ . . . If You Are Not Decolonizing: Progressive Language and Planning Beyond a Hollow Academic Rebranding (read 15 min)
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Action
The best way to better understand these concepts and spread awareness is to begin to talk about them with our social circles. Using the resources above, try to incorporate topics like colonialism, decolonization, Indigenous sovereignty, etc. into your conversations with family and friends.
