The Argument

Schools still teach children that Thanksgiving marks the day that Pilgrims met helpful Indians who gave them food, farming techniques and other strategies to overcome the New England cold. It is now clear that is not what happened. In reality the Pilgrims brought diseases that wiped out some of the Native American population and overall they took over their land. 

The History 

The first official mention of a “Thanksgiving” celebration occurs in 1637, after the colonists brutally massacre an entire Pequot village, then celebrate their victory. Years later, President Washington first tried to start a holiday of Thanksgiving in 1789, but this has nothing to do with Indians and settlers, instead it’s intended to be a public day of “thanksgiving and prayer.”

The Current 

Many people question the celebration of Thanksgiving, and the reasons behind it. Many just live in ignorance of the issue, and use it as a day to celebrate, eat good food, and drink. The main concern at this point in time is ensuring everyone is aware of the origin of this holiday, and continuing to educate those, CORRECTLY.

The Future 

No matter where you are in North America, you are on indigenous land. There is no need to make Thanksgiving about a false past. Though we don’t necessarily celebrate the way the Native Americans were treated, we celebrate the time to come together with family.