Thanksgiving
Primary Sources
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Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address Greetings to the Natural World |
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Harvest ceremony: beyond the thanksgiving myth A study guide "Summary: Native American people who first encountered the “pilgrims” at what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts play a major role in the imagination of American people today. Contemporary celebrations of the Thanksgiving holiday focus on the idea that the “first Thanksgiving” was a friendly gathering of two disparate groups—or even neighbors—who shared a meal and lived harmoniously. In actuality, the assembly of these people had much more to do with political alliances, diplomacy, and an effort at rarely achieved, temporary peaceful coexistence. Although Native American people have always given thanks for the world around them, the Thanksgiving celebrated today is more a combination of Puritan religious practices and the European festival called Harvest Home, which then grew to encompass Native foods." |
Lessons
An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People
by Roxanne Dunbar Ortiz, adapted by Jean Mendoza and Debbie Reese Explore the colonization and settlement of Indigenous lands and expansion of the United States at the expense of Indigenous people through a narrative centered on the story, experiences, and perspectives of Indigenous peoples. www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/read-across-america/find-your-book/indigenous-peoples |
Teaching Thanksgiving in a Socially Responsible Way
"Educators have an ethical obligation to teach accurately about Thanksgiving. Here are some online resources that can help." www.learningforjustice.org/magazine/teaching-thanksgiving-in-a-socially-responsible-way |
Article: Native educators say Thanksgiving lessons can be accurate, respectful, and still fun- here’s how
www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/native-educators-say-thanksgiving-lessons-can-be-accurate
www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/native-educators-say-thanksgiving-lessons-can-be-accurate