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As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us prepare for family gatherings, festive meals, and reflections on gratitude. However, this season also invites a deeper exploration of the complexities surrounding the holiday—especially its intersection with National Native American Heritage Month. For Indigenous communities, Thanksgiving can evoke painful reminders of colonial history, stolen lands, and collective trauma. Recognizing these truths is essential to fostering empathy and understanding during a season often focused on connection.
National Native American Heritage Month: Honoring History and Resilience
November is a time to reflect on and celebrate the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples in the U.S. It also challenges us to confront the ongoing impacts of colonialism, including land theft, broken treaties, and cultural erasure—issues that continue to shape Indigenous experiences today.
While Thanksgiving is often portrayed as a harmonious gathering of Pilgrims and Native Americans, this narrative distorts history and ignores the systemic oppression that followed colonization. For many Native communities, Thanksgiving represents a reminder of displacement, loss, and cultural erasure. Understanding this context helps us hold space for the resilience and strength of Indigenous peoples while acknowledging the historical and ongoing harm.
This month, and throughout the year, we can honor Native voices and histories in meaningful ways. Learn about the land you live on and its original stewards. Engage with local Indigenous artists, advocates, and organizations. Support Native-led businesses and amplify efforts that center Indigenous leadership and sovereignty.
Some resources to explore include:
Unthanksgiving Day: Reclaiming the Narrative
One way Indigenous communities and allies reframe Thanksgiving is through Unthanksgiving Day, commemorated annually on Alcatraz Island. This tradition began in 1975 to honor the Indigenous Peoples’ Occupation of Alcatraz (1969–1971), a protest asserting Native sovereignty and treaty rights.
The event, also known as the Indigenous Peoples Sunrise Gathering, centers on reflection, solidarity, and prayer. It is a powerful reminder of Indigenous resilience and an opportunity to challenge historical erasure while uplifting ongoing struggles for justice and self-determination.
The Intersection of Thanksgiving and Collective Trauma
For Indigenous communities, the cultural narratives surrounding Thanksgiving can feel like a perpetuation of historical erasure. This collective trauma—the emotional and psychological wounds passed down through generations—has profound effects on mental health, often manifesting as anxiety, depression, or a sense of disconnection.
Holiday stress amplifies these challenges. Expectations to participate in celebrations that ignore or romanticize painful histories can create inner conflict, not just for Indigenous individuals but for anyone striving to honor this truth. It’s essential to recognize the weight this season carries and to approach it with care and mindfulness.
Holiday Stress and Mental Health: Navigating Challenges
The holiday season is a time of heightened emotion for many, and holiday stress can significantly impact mental health. This year, the stress is compounded by global and national issues: ongoing war in Gaza, post-election and the uncertainties in the coming years, and a general sense of instability. Balancing these realities with personal and family expectations can feel overwhelming.
Recognizing these pressures is a vital step in addressing them. Holidays are often seen as a time for joy and connection, but they can also bring up feelings of grief, anger, or exhaustion. Making space for these emotions is an act of compassion, both for ourselves and those around us.
Rethinking Gratitude and Connection Beyond Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving traditionally focuses on gratitude, but what if we practiced it daily, untethered from the holiday’s trappings? True gratitude and reflection can extend beyond turkey and tradition, creating opportunities for connection, healing, and care.
Reframing Thanksgiving might include engaging in collective healing: acknowledging historical truths, supporting Native-led initiatives, and fostering inclusive practices that honor Indigenous perspectives. Minneapolis, for example, hosts events like Decolonizing Thanksgiving 3.0 (Nov. 29) that encourage such reflection and action.
Strategies for Caring for Mental Health During the Holidays
Focus on Collective Healing:Self-care doesn’t have to mean treating yourself in isolation. Instead, consider ways to connect with others. Share a meal, volunteer, or support mutual aid efforts. Healing happens in community, where collective care becomes a powerful force.
Be Gentle with Yourself and Others:The holidays can bring up complex emotions. Be patient with yourself and those around you. Offer space for open conversations about history, current events, and personal challenges without judgment.
Create Inclusive Practices: Look for ways to make the season more inclusive. This might involve acknowledging Indigenous perspectives in your celebrations, donating to Native-led organizations, or learning about local tribal histories. Small, intentional actions can make a significant impact.
Conclusion
This holiday season, let’s embrace compassion, reflection, and connection—not just for ourselves, but for the communities around us. By acknowledging the broader cultural and historical contexts of Thanksgiving and practicing collective care, we can navigate holiday stress in ways that promote healing and resilience.
Together, we can honor both the struggles and the strengths of those who came before us, creating a path toward a more inclusive and caring future.
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