Hello everyone! I send you blessings and gratitude this day. If you are a part of our community, the chances are you know about the white-washed story of Thanksgiving. I know it can be challenging to disrupt traditions that have become so deeply embedded. And yet we must discover new pathways.
The following is a story I made up in the moment between a grandmother and a granddaughter as they wrestle with the idea of telling a more true story of this day. There are tons of references to find the actual story. I’m not gonna tell that one today. Today I’m giving a story of inter-generational disruption. And yes, we started this in our family many years ago.
Now that my mom Caron, has passed, I’m not a usually a part of any traditional rituals on the day. I definitely miss the days when my entire family was together, but now I’m in the future, and I spend a lot of time by myself, but in the spirit of creation. Having an animistic worldview means that you’re always surrounded by your siblings and ancestors, the trees, the rocks, the water, the sun, the moon.
Here is my stand:
I don't believe in this holiday the way, it is told historically.
(Many pieces of the story are missing from the narrative)
I do believe in giving thanks (and having feasts)
I don't accept the dominant narrative about this day.
I accept the Native American story of this day.
I don't tolerate the cruelty of this myth as a holy-day, it isn't.
I do tolerate a wide range of responses to what this day means to each person who has considered the story in earnest.
I do not acknowledge supremacy behaviour that justifies genocidal behaviour as anything but pure destruction.
I do acknowledge that many Native Americans keep this feast their way, and they know what is right for them, not me.
I will not allow for the bypassing of what this day 'means' just so we can meet with family and friends and have a good time, without conversation about the roots.
I will allow for people to adjust to the new reality which is the old reality, that this day is a day that has been harming to the original stewards of this land. It takes time to understand turkey and cranberry for what it is.
Why not...talk about what's real with our family? The facts are NOT hard to find, although they once were hidden. The youth of today will likely not have this day celebrated this way for long - they are wiser than their years due to what they have endured and will endure on-goingly in the US (c-ov-id) (cli-mate)etc.
Now for a cup of tea and breathing through the ridiculous narrative that we have endured for hundreds of years.
And still I can love us for you doing what we do and have always done in the manner that is right for each of us as we see it. And pay attention to what that actually means. And thanks for reading and considering taking some other kind of action with our full bellies.
I do not welcome lack of awareness about history.
I do welcome full belly laughing all along the way!
Pumpkin pie is a worthy point of gathering.
This is a time of both/and.
I was taught by my Matriarch, Sue Hoya Sellars to honor this day for what it is, the echo of colonization that persists as if it just happened. It isn't old, it's new, all the time, becuase it never ended. Just ask ANY of your Indigenous friends, if you have some. I have a precious few and I believe their right to self-determine, and challenge me in all the ways I am not understanding.
Okay so I know that was more harsh than my usual but I just had to get it said. But if you have Native American friends, they will not find my words harsh.
Want to do something - here's 4 things:
Sign the pledge https://www.change.org/p/citizens-of-the-united-states-good-relations-pledge and share it
Read the stories of this day from a Native perspective with your family - share links and be a part of the conversation that alters.
Donate to the local Native American organization or tribe. Subscribe to their newsletter and posts, and learn where you live - be able to say their names.
Write your own Land Acknowledgement and read it with turkey and friends.
May we do right by our ancestors and the ancestors of this land.
Wherever you are, whatever you are up to, sending blessings!
Shiloh Sophia
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