Thanksgiving from Wampanoag Youth

Summary

This video reflects on the complex and often painful history surrounding Thanksgiving, particularly from the perspective of Native American communities. Descendants of the Mashpee Wampanoag share their personal stories, expressing mixed feelings about the holiday, with some viewing it as a day of mourning rather than celebration. They highlight the historical inaccuracies and colonial narratives surrounding Thanksgiving, emphasizing the resilience and strength of Indigenous peoples. The video calls for a deeper understanding of Native American history and its impact on contemporary issues, urging non-Natives to recognize the truth and to appreciate the ongoing contributions of Indigenous communities.

Takeaways

• 😀 Thanksgiving is seen by many Indigenous peoples, particularly the Mashpee Wampanoag, as a 'Day of Mourning' rather than a celebration, due to the history of colonization, genocide, and systemic racism that followed the Pilgrims' arrival.
• 😀 The myth of a harmonious first Thanksgiving between Pilgrims and Native Americans is challenged, with speakers emphasizing that it was more of a respectful encounter rather than a friendly feast.
• 😀 Indigenous communities, like the Mashpee Wampanoag, continue to show resilience despite centuries of trauma, maintaining their cultural traditions and fighting for recognition and justice.
• 😀 The concept of Thanksgiving should be reconsidered as a time for truth-telling, recognizing the painful history of colonization and the contributions of Native peoples throughout history.
• 😀 Many speakers feel that the portrayal of Thanksgiving in mainstream culture overlooks the darker side of the story and misrepresents the experiences of Indigenous peoples.
• 😀 The importance of remembering Indigenous peoples' connection to the land is emphasized, as it was cared for, loved, and protected by Native peoples long before settlers arrived.
• 😀 Thanksgiving should not just be a one-day celebration of gratitude, but a daily practice of acknowledging the struggles and contributions of Indigenous peoples.
• 😀 Intergenerational trauma remains a significant issue within Indigenous communities, with the trauma of colonization continuing to impact Native peoples today.
• 😀 There is a strong call for non-Native people to engage in learning the true history of Thanksgiving, understanding the suffering that occurred, and acknowledging the ongoing impacts of colonization.
• 😀 Native Americans are still here, and they remain an essential part of the fabric of American society, despite the historical erasure of their contributions and struggles.

Q & A

What is the significance of 2020 in relation to the Wampanoag people and the Mayflower?

2020 marks the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the Mayflower at Plymouth, a pivotal event in American history. This anniversary is particularly significant for the Wampanoag people, as they were the indigenous tribe that interacted with the pilgrims upon their arrival.

How do the Wampanoag people described in the transcript feel about Thanksgiving?

Many Wampanoag people see Thanksgiving as a day of mourning rather than a celebration. They reflect on the impact of colonization, the loss of their ancestors, and the trauma experienced by their people over the centuries. While some recognize the family gathering aspect, they emphasize the need for a more honest understanding of the history behind the holiday.

What role did the Wampanoag people play in the early survival of the Pilgrims?

The Wampanoag people helped the Pilgrims survive their first year by teaching them agricultural techniques, providing food, and sharing their knowledge of the land. However, this act of generosity ultimately led to devastating consequences for the Wampanoag people due to disease, land dispossession, and violence.

How is Thanksgiving viewed by the Wampanoag in terms of historical accuracy?

Thanksgiving is often seen by the Wampanoag as a mythologized event. The narrative of a friendly feast between Pilgrims and Native people is oversimplified and omits the complex and tragic realities of colonization. The 'first Thanksgiving' was more of a diplomatic meeting than a celebration, and many Wampanoag view the Americanized version of the holiday as misleading.

Why do some of the individuals in the transcript refer to Thanksgiving as a 'day of mourning'?

The term 'day of mourning' is used because Thanksgiving, as celebrated by many Americans, marks the beginning of a long period of suffering for Native communities. It is seen as a time to remember the violence, displacement, and cultural erasure that followed the arrival of European settlers.

What is the emotional impact of Thanksgiving on Native communities as described in the transcript?

Thanksgiving brings up complex emotions for Native communities. While some feel the holiday represents a time for family and reflection, others are reminded of the trauma, genocide, and systemic racism that followed the Pilgrims' arrival. There is a deep sense of loss and a need for recognition of the historical truths that are often ignored.

What do the Wampanoag people want Americans to understand about Thanksgiving?

The Wampanoag people want Americans to understand the true history of Thanksgiving, including the negative consequences of European colonization for Indigenous people. They urge people to acknowledge the ongoing struggles and traumas faced by Native communities, and to remember that the holiday has a painful history for many.

How does the concept of Thanksgiving relate to Indigenous cultural practices, according to the transcript?

While the Americanized Thanksgiving is viewed negatively, the concept of giving thanks for the harvest and showing gratitude is something that has been an integral part of Indigenous cultures for thousands of years. The difference is that Native communities' celebrations were grounded in honoring the land, ancestors, and the bounty provided by nature.

What impact did the Pilgrims' arrival have on the Wampanoag people, according to the interviewees?

The arrival of the Pilgrims had a devastating impact on the Wampanoag people. It led to the spread of diseases that decimated their population, the loss of land, and the onset of violence and systemic oppression. The interviewees express feelings of betrayal, as the Wampanoag people initially helped the settlers, only to face exploitation and violence in return.

How do the Wampanoag people feel about the way Native history is taught in schools?

The Wampanoag interviewees feel that Native history is often misrepresented or oversimplified in schools. They recall being taught a version of Thanksgiving that omits the darker realities of colonization and the consequences for Indigenous peoples. The interviewees emphasize the importance of teaching the truth about Native history to foster understanding and reconciliation.