Reconciling Thanksgiving.
The sentiment of getting together with family is a beautiful one that we should embrace whenever, not just on a holiday in November. For years I've felt uncomfortable around Thanksgiving. I always found it strange that we celebrated a holiday that glossed over the erasure of Indigenous culture and the inaccuracy of the day in general.
For Indigenous communities, Thanksgiving is known as the National Day of Mourning. It's a day of protest to highlight the ongoing struggles of Native Americans and to dispel the myths of Thanksgiving. As someone who writes, talks, reads, and dreams about food, I feel like it’s my obligation to also stand in solidarity against this food-centered holiday.
I’m not saying to not eat + gather with family, but I do think we can still be allies for our neighbors + community members by being better informed and giving support when we can. I’ve compiled a few lists of articles + good reads that shed light on the work being done by Indigenous people + the plights that they are still facing.
Work In Indigenous Foodways
Tocabe Indigenous Online Marketplace
Foraging in the Sonoran Desert
North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NATIFS)
Social Justice Movements/Advocacy Work
Ongoing Injustice
Yurok Tribe Battling for Salmon
Alcohol Consumption Rates On Reservations
Cook. Eat. Repeat. In Solidarity.
Natalie
I hadn’t thought of this perspective before but it makes so much sense. Thank you for sharing this message