Good Morning World!!
“To me, this is the point of Thanksgiving. The holiday is a time to share stories both of joy and pain and still be thankful for all life. Thanksgiving is a time for us all to share our mutual humanity. Without ignoring the historical truth of the big picture and the fate of the Native Americans, we can use the Thanksgiving holiday as continuous narrative for peace and friendship.” – Randy Woodley
As I grew older and became aware of the lies we were taught about Thanksgiving, I experienced a deep sense of inner conflict. Thanksgiving had always been a cherished time for me, a chance to gather with family and share love and gratitude. Yet, learning about this country’s history and the painful, racist origins of the holiday filled me with anger and sorrow.
Over time, I’ve come to reconcile these feelings in my own way. While the holiday’s origins are rooted in a history of oppression and violence, for me and my family, Thanksgiving has never been about that. Instead, it has always been a celebration of togetherness and thankfulness. So, I continue to embrace this tradition, not in ignorance, but with a conscious choice to redefine its meaning. I use this time to honor my ancestors and acknowledge the Indigenous people whose suffering remains a profound scar on this nation’s history.
It’s important to recognize that at no point has the massacre and injustice tied to this land been fully acknowledged or reconciled. As a society, we still have a long way to go in achieving racial justice. Until that day comes, we must keep fighting for equity and truth.
So today, as you share gratitude with your family and friends, take a moment to also remember the pain this holiday represents for so many. Honor their stories, their resilience, and their sacrifices. In doing so, we can hold space for both thankfulness and reflection, creating a deeper, more honest way to celebrate this day.
Happy Thankgiving!
~ Kai
