Demythologizing Thanksgiving

 This American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, we are delighted to share this guest post by OPI Indian Education for All specialist Mike Jetty.

Hau Mitakuyapi – Hello My Relatives,

Happy American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month!  As we celebrate and honor the ongoing contributions of American Indians it is important for educators to bring in authentic and accurate perspectives regarding what is known as the “first Thanksgiving”.  Teaching Indigenous perspectives on Thanksgiving is crucial for developing a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of American history. By including Indigenous viewpoints, we can foster a more nuanced appreciation of the holiday's origins and its place in American culture. It's important to recognize that the modern Thanksgiving holiday, established as a national observance in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln, was indeed intended to unite a country divided by the Civil War. But over the years the holiday morphed into an almost mythological event and in classrooms across the country well intentioned teachers would often perpetuate inaccurate and stereotypical information such as having students dress up as Indians and pilgrims as part of a classroom activity.  

As educators it is important that we present a more accurate and inclusive history of our country, and this includes deconstructing the myth surrounding the “first” Thanksgiving in 1621. By teaching a more inclusive history, we can honor the resilience of Indigenous peoples, promote cultural understanding, and encourage critical thinking about the narratives we inherit. This approach doesn't aim to eliminate Thanksgiving celebrations, but rather to infuse them with greater historical awareness and cultural sensitivity. 

“Correctly taught, the issues of the era of the first Thanksgiving could help Americans grow more thoughtful and more tolerant, rather than more ethnocentric.” (Quote from James Loewen).

Here are some links to great resources that can aid in this infusion:

1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving

American Indian Perspectives on Thanksgiving from the National Museum of the American Indian.

“Thanksgiving from an Indigenous Perspective” Smithsonian Magazine

Wopida Tanka! The IEFA Unit extends a big thanks to Montana educators as you continue to implement IEFA in a culturally responsive manner.