Native American Girls Describe the REAL History Behind Thanksgiving | Teen Vogue

Summary

In a thought-provoking message for Thanksgiving, a speaker reflects on the true history of the holiday, challenging the sanitized narratives taught in schools. They highlight the tragic events faced by Indigenous peoples, including the mass execution of Dakota men under President Lincoln. The speaker expresses gratitude for their Indigenous heritage, culture, and resilience, emphasizing the importance of remembering those who suffered and the reality behind the celebrations. This reflection encourages viewers to understand the holiday's origins and recognize the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous communities.

Takeaways

• 🦅 The true history of Thanksgiving differs significantly from what is commonly taught in schools.
• 🔪 European settlers celebrated Thanksgiving after violent acts against Native American villages.
• 📜 Abraham Lincoln officially established Thanksgiving as a holiday, following the execution of 38 Dakota men.
• 🌽 The holiday is a time for reflection on the loss of Indigenous lives and cultures.
• 🙏 The speaker expresses gratitude for their Indigenous heritage and the resilience of their culture.
• 🍽️ Family gatherings often include traditional Native American dishes during Thanksgiving.
• 🗣️ The speaker feels frustration over the misrepresentation of Thanksgiving history in mainstream culture.
• ✨ There is an emphasis on remembering and honoring the elders who suffered due to colonization.
• 🤝 The message encourages unity and standing strong together as a community.
• 🎉 The speaker wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving while advocating for awareness of its true origins.

Q & A

What is the main assertion made by the speaker regarding the traditional story of Thanksgiving?

The speaker claims that the traditional story taught in schools about Thanksgiving is not true and highlights a darker history involving violence against Native American villages.

How did Thanksgiving become an official holiday in the United States?

Thanksgiving became an official holiday during Abraham Lincoln's presidency when he declared it, after a period of violence and the execution of Dakota men for war crimes.

What significant event does the speaker mention in relation to Abraham Lincoln and the Dakota people?

The speaker notes that Lincoln ordered the hanging of 38 Dakota men, which is part of the tragic history surrounding the Thanksgiving holiday.

What personal traditions does the speaker mention regarding Thanksgiving?

The speaker mentions that their mother usually prepares a Native American dish, and they take time to pray in remembrance of those who lost their lives due to the events associated with Thanksgiving.

How does the speaker feel about the general public's understanding of Thanksgiving?

The speaker expresses annoyance that many people do not know the true history of Thanksgiving and are unaware that they are celebrating the deaths of many Indigenous people.

What themes does the speaker emphasize about their identity?

The speaker emphasizes themes of gratitude for their Indigenous identity, cultural resilience, and the importance of remembering their elders who preserved their culture.

Why does the speaker feel thankful on Thanksgiving?

The speaker expresses thankfulness for being Indigenous, for their culture, for their elders who kept the culture alive, and for the collective strength of their community.

What message does the speaker convey about unity and resilience?

The speaker conveys a message of unity, resilience, and the importance of standing together as Indigenous people, particularly in the context of the history surrounding Thanksgiving.

How does the speaker's perspective on Thanksgiving differ from the mainstream narrative?

The speaker's perspective contrasts sharply with the mainstream narrative by highlighting the violence against Indigenous peoples rather than focusing on family gatherings and gratitude.

What call to action does the speaker imply regarding the celebration of Thanksgiving?

The speaker implies a call to action for people to educate themselves about the true history of Thanksgiving and to remember the struggles of Indigenous peoples during this holiday.