Let’s be real; I never bothered to teach my kids about Thanksgiving. As a homeschooling parent, I had the freedom to bypass the conventional Pilgrim story. My sons never experienced the joy of crafting black construction paper hats or learning the tale of Squanto showing the English how to plant fish heads with corn. We’ve dodged all the Mayflower nonsense, and for that, I’m genuinely thankful.
I didn’t sugarcoat it. I didn’t dance around the truth, and I didn’t serve up half-truths. I recognize my luck in steering clear of the Great American Myth. Instead, I told my kids the unvarnished truth: we were responsible for the devastation of American Indians. A rich continent filled with diverse cultures, love, and dreams was taken over by newcomers who thought they were divinely entitled to it. Many of the villages they encountered were empty, decimated by diseases like smallpox brought by earlier explorers. The English mistook the abandoned fields as a divine gift.
You can ensure your kids are informed, too. It’s simpler than you might think; it just requires a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.
Engage with Educators
Start by engaging with their teachers. Discover what they’re teaching about Thanksgiving this year. If it’s not aligned with reality, raise your concerns. Sometimes, teachers may not even realize that the Thanksgiving narrative is a myth, so approach the conversation kindly. Suggest credible resources like websites dedicated to the Wampanoag tribe and lesson plans that offer a more accurate perspective.
Avoid Harmful Stereotypes
Make certain their curriculum avoids harmful stereotypes. Dressing children as American Indians is offensive, often referred to as “redface,” and it’s just as degrading as blackface. It’s crucial to clarify that Thanksgiving involved just one tribe—the Wampanoag—and their leader, not a generic group of “Indians.” Each Native American tribe possesses its own unique culture and history. Squanto’s involvement with the Pilgrims stemmed from his own tragic experience of being kidnapped and enslaved in England, which enabled him to communicate with them. While some Pilgrims sought religious freedom, many were also driven by financial gain. This is not a time to glorify our land as a bastion of tolerance; the Pilgrims were far more dogmatic and intolerant, especially towards Catholics.
Discuss the Harsh Realities
It’s essential to discuss the harsh reality faced by America’s native peoples. There’s no need to detail the ongoing cultural genocide inflicted by white settlers, but it’s important to touch on key points such as warfare, diseases, land theft, forced relocations, and the poverty and struggles that continue today.
Year-Round Education
For my kids, these discussions aren’t shocking. We don’t tackle everything at once; instead, they learn about the experiences of American Indians throughout the year. We listen to documentaries about contemporary life on reservations, attend cultural heritage events, and delve into their historical lifestyles prior to European arrival. My son loves studying arrowheads, so we incorporate that into our learning. We meet them where they are, ensuring this part of history isn’t overlooked.
Celebrating Diversity
When Thanksgiving rolls around, we don’t celebrate with Pilgrims. Instead, we dedicate this time to exploring the rich diversity of American Indian cultures. Each tribe is unique; there are no one-size-fits-all representations like teepees or feathered headdresses. Your children can learn about the Wampanoag, but also dive into the histories of the Apache, Sioux, Cherokee, and Catawba. Discover which tribe has ties to your local area and start from there.
Rethinking Traditions
As for the holiday itself, there’s no need to overhaul your traditions unless they involve waving flags. The original Thanksgiving shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag was a harvest feast, not a day of religious reflection. While they might not have had turkey and cranberry sauce, they certainly celebrated for a whole week. That’s one aspect of the holiday we might want to get right. If you’re interested in more about home insemination techniques, check out this article on intracervical insemination.
Conclusion
In summary, educating our children about the truth of Thanksgiving is vital. By exploring accurate histories and celebrating the rich cultures of Native Americans, we can foster a deeper understanding of our past, paving the way for a more informed future.