The Truth About Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Month

November marks Native American Heritage Month—a time to celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across the United States. But it’s also an opportunity to confront the darker truths often omitted from mainstream narratives, especially when it comes to Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is widely taught as a harmonious feast between Pilgrims and Native Americans, but the reality tells a story of colonization, cultural genocide, stolen land, and the erasure of Indigenous peoples from American history. Many students still complete an American education unsure about the place of Native people in the nation’s past—or in its present.

In fact, 87% of state-level history standards fail to mention Native history after 1900, leaving an incomplete understanding of the continuous contributions and struggles of Indigenous communities today. From young activists fighting for land rights and climate justice to historic representation in government, Native Americans are shaping the nation in powerful ways.

This November, let’s honor Native voices by uncovering the true history of Thanksgiving, celebrating Native culture, and taking actionable steps to support Indigenous communities. For more insights and resources, sign up for EcoBlvd’s newsletter.

Thanksgiving’s Dark History: Myths and Truths

The story of Thanksgiving as a peaceful meal shared between Pilgrims and Native Americans is one of America’s most enduring myths. However, the truth behind the holiday reveals a history of colonization, violence, and cultural erasure.

The Real History of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is often taught as a story of harmony—a shared meal between Pilgrims and Native Americans. The reality, however, is much darker, involving colonization, violence, and cultural erasure. Understanding the true history of Thanksgiving means unpacking the myths and acknowledging the impact of colonial practices on Indigenous communities.

The Wampanoag’s Role

The Wampanoag people are often romanticized as willingly aiding the Pilgrims during their first harsh winter in 1620. While it is true that the Wampanoag shared their knowledge of farming and survival, this narrative overlooks the devastating consequences of European colonization.

• European Diseases: Long before the Pilgrims landed, the Wampanoag and other Indigenous groups in the region were decimated by epidemics brought by earlier European explorers. Between 1616 and 1619, diseases like smallpox killed an estimated 75% of the Wampanoag population, weakening their ability to resist colonial encroachment.
  
  
• Displacement: As more settlers arrived, the Wampanoag faced the loss of their land and resources. Agreements made with the Pilgrims were often ignored or exploited to justify land theft.
  
  
• Violence: Over time, tensions between the Wampanoag and the settlers escalated into open conflict, such as King Philip’s War (1675–1678), which resulted in further destruction of Native communities.

The Thanksgiving narrative minimizes the Wampanoag’s suffering and frames their assistance as a voluntary act of friendship rather than a response to their precarious position after disease and displacement.

Colonial Conquest

Thanksgiving, as we know it today, is tied to colonial conquest rather than the peaceful celebration it is often portrayed as.

• Military Victories: Early Thanksgiving celebrations were not about gratitude or unity but were held to mark military victories over Native communities. In 1637, Massachusetts Bay Governor John Winthrop declared a “Day of Thanksgiving” following the massacre of over 700 Pequot men, women, and children during the Pequot War.
  
  
• Land Theft: The Pilgrims and subsequent settlers viewed the Americas as unclaimed wilderness, despite Indigenous peoples living on the land for thousands of years. The Doctrine of Discovery, a European legal framework, was used to justify the appropriation of Native lands and resources.
  
  
• Cultural Suppression: Indigenous spiritual practices, governance systems, and languages were systematically suppressed as part of colonization efforts. Thanksgiving, in this context, became a tool to reinforce settler narratives and erase Native agency.

The truth about Thanksgiving reveals its roots as a celebration of conquest and domination, erasing the voices and experiences of the Native peoples who were its victims.

Ongoing Erasure

The sanitized narrative of Thanksgiving perpetuates the idea that colonization was peaceful and justified, ignoring the systemic harm inflicted on Native peoples.

• Anglo-Centric Narratives in Education and Media: Thanksgiving is frequently taught and depicted from an Anglo-American perspective, centering Pilgrims while sidelining or erasing Indigenous experiences. This one-sided approach frames colonization as peaceful and justified, leaving out the systemic violence and displacement faced by Native communities. Such narratives deny students a complete understanding of history and perpetuate cultural erasure.
  
  
• Stereotypes: Thanksgiving often portrays Native people as static, historical figures frozen in the past, rather than as thriving, modern communities with unique cultures and traditions.
  
  
• Mainstream Celebrations: Modern Thanksgiving traditions rarely acknowledge the painful history behind the holiday. Instead, the focus remains on Pilgrims, reinforcing the false idea that Native peoples’ primary role was to assist settlers.

By continuing to celebrate Thanksgiving without addressing its true history, we perpetuate a false narrative that dismisses the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples. Efforts like “Truthsgiving” challenge this erasure, urging individuals to reflect on the holiday’s origins and acknowledge the resilience of Native communities.

How Thanksgiving Myths Harm Indigenous Communities

These myths contribute to the broader erasure of Native voices in education and public life. By framing Native Americans as a part of the past, they reinforce stereotypes that ignore the thriving, dynamic cultures of Indigenous communities today.

Reclaiming the Narrative

Indigenous activists and organizations are working to reclaim Thanksgiving as a day of education and reflection. Initiatives like "Truthsgiving" challenge the myths surrounding the holiday and promote a more accurate understanding of history.

What Is Native American Heritage Month?

Native American Heritage Month, officially recognized in 1990, is a time to honor Indigenous cultures, histories, and contributions. Its roots date back to the early 20th century when Native advocates began pushing for national recognition. Leaders like Dr. Arthur C. Parker and Red Fox James laid the groundwork by organizing the first American Indian Day observances in the 1910s.

President George H.W. Bush signed the proclamation that established November as National Native American Heritage Month. This month provides a platform for celebrating Indigenous resilience and advocating for the inclusion of Native histories in education and public discourse.

Native American Culture and Contributions Today

Despite centuries of systemic oppression, Indigenous communities have made profound and ongoing contributions to American society. Native American Heritage Month is an opportunity not just to honor the resilience of Native peoples but to highlight their influence in art, science, activism, and politics. Indigenous cultures are not relics of the past but vibrant, dynamic elements shaping the United States today.

Cultural Contributions

Native American cultural expressions have profoundly enriched art, music, literature, and environmental practices.

• Art and Literature: Louise Erdrich, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, is one of the most celebrated contemporary authors in the U.S. Her books, such as Love Medicine and The Night Watchman, explore themes of family, identity, and Indigenous life with depth and complexity. Meanwhile, artists like T.C. Cannon use bold, contemporary approaches to reclaim Native identity in visual arts.
  
  
• Music: R. Carlos Nakai, a renowned Native American flutist, has brought the traditional sounds of the Navajo and Ute nations to global audiences, blending them with contemporary genres to preserve and share Indigenous musical traditions.
  
  
• Traditional Knowledge: Indigenous ecological knowledge has been a cornerstone of sustainable practices. Native farming techniques, like the "Three Sisters" method—growing corn, beans, and squash together—are now recognized as models of biodiversity and soil health.

Modern Activism

Indigenous communities continue to lead in areas of advocacy, representation, and cultural revitalization.

• Youth Activism: Young Indigenous leaders like Autumn Peltier, a member of the Wikwemikong First Nation, have become global advocates for water rights. Known as a "water warrior," Peltier has addressed the United Nations to highlight the need to protect water resources and Indigenous sovereignty.
  
  
• Political Representation: Sharice Davids (Ho-Chunk Nation) and Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo) are two of the first Native American women elected to Congress. Haaland, as the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, is the first Native person to hold a Cabinet position, working on issues like public land management and tribal sovereignty.
  
  
• Cultural Preservation: Efforts to revitalize Indigenous languages and traditions are gaining momentum. For example, the Wôpanâak Language Reclamation Project aims to restore the Wampanoag language, which had been dormant for over a century, as part of a broader cultural revival.

From beadwork and storytelling to climate activism and political leadership, Native contributions are woven into the fabric of American life. Recognizing and celebrating these achievements is essential to building a more inclusive understanding of what it means to be American.

How to Celebrate Native American Heritage Month

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month authentically means taking meaningful steps to learn about, support, and honor Indigenous communities. These efforts should extend beyond November and become a year-round commitment.

1. Educate Yourself

Understanding Indigenous history and culture starts with education.

• Books and Authors: Explore works by Native authors such as Louise Erdrich (The Round House), Tommy Orange (There There), and Rebecca Roanhorse (Trail of Lightning), which delve into themes of identity, survival, and cultural preservation.
  
  
• Documentaries: Watch films like We Still Live Here, which documents the revival of the Wampanoag language, and Gather, which explores the food sovereignty movement among Native communities.
  
  
• Podcasts and Online Resources: Engage with Native-led platforms, such as All My Relations (a podcast exploring what it means to be Native) or organizations like Illuminative for educational content and advocacy resources.

2. Support Native-Led Organizations

Financial and economic support can make a significant impact on Indigenous communities.

• Donate: Contribute to groups like the Native American Rights Fund (NARF), which advocates for tribal sovereignty and legal rights, or the American Indian College Fund, which provides scholarships to Native students.
  
  
• Shop Native-Owned: Purchase art, crafts, and goods directly from Indigenous creators to support their businesses and cultural preservation. Websites like Beyond Buckskin and Eighth Generation showcase Native-made products.

3. Advocate for Change

Amplifying Native voices and pushing for systemic changes are crucial for long-term progress.

• Inclusive Curricula: Advocate for schools to adopt curricula that reflect the full scope of Indigenous histories.
  
  
• Social Media Awareness: Use your platforms to share Native-led initiatives, campaigns, and stories. Hashtags like #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth and #LandBack amplify these efforts.
  
  
• Legislative Advocacy: Support policies that protect tribal sovereignty, land rights, and Native access to healthcare and education.

4. Attend Cultural Events

Engaging directly with Indigenous culture fosters deeper connections and understanding.

• Powwows and Celebrations: Attend events like powwows, which celebrate Native music, dance, and traditions. Many of these gatherings are open to the public and offer an opportunity to learn respectfully.
  
  
• Museums and Exhibits: Visit Native American museums or galleries featuring Indigenous art, such as the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.
  
  
• Land Acknowledgments: Learn about and honor the Indigenous peoples whose lands you reside on. Begin gatherings or events with a land acknowledgment, recognizing their enduring connection to the land.

By incorporating these actions into your life, you can contribute to the recognition and celebration of Indigenous voices. Supporting Native communities isn’t just about learning the past—it’s about ensuring a better future for all.

Conclusion:

Native American Heritage Month is a time to honor the resilience, creativity, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. By confronting the myths of Thanksgiving, amplifying Native voices, and celebrating their ongoing impact, we can move toward a future that respects and uplifts all cultures. This November—and beyond—let’s take action to learn, support, and advocate.