Paula Peters and Linda Coombs, Wampanoag scholars, discuss the real story of Thanksgiving from an Indigenous perspective. They explore the contrast between stereotypical American celebrations and Indigenous practices of gratitude. The episode delves into the fight for federal recognition and cultural revitalization for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. Additionally, it emphasizes the need to move beyond land acknowledgments and take concrete action towards supporting Indigenous communities.
Thanksgiving is rooted in historical fallacy and upholds settler colonial belief systems, highlighting the need for honest acknowledgement of our past and a better future.
Learning and unlearning how to give thanks in a good way involves understanding Indigenous history, supporting Native communities, and challenging harmful narratives.
Deep dives
The Myth of Thanksgiving
The podcast episode explores the myth of Thanksgiving and the distorted stories often taught in American culture. It highlights the importance of hearing the story from the perspective of Indigenous people, specifically the Wampanoag tribe. The episode discusses the historical inaccuracies, such as the peaceful narrative and the portrayal of happy interactions between pilgrims and Indigenous people. It emphasizes the need to acknowledge the sacrifices and struggles of Native Americans throughout history and challenges the harmful narratives perpetuated by the holiday. The episode also touches on the concept of land acknowledgments and the importance of taking action beyond simply acknowledging the Indigenous people and land in everyday life.
Reclaiming Indigenous Culture
The podcast episode delves into the efforts of Indigenous communities, particularly the Wampanoag tribe, to reclaim and revitalize their cultural traditions. It discusses the importance of learning Indigenous history, language, and arts, as well as the impact of colonization on Native communities and their ongoing fights for federal recognition and land rights. The episode highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of Indigenous people in preserving their heritage and passing it on to future generations. It also encourages non-Indigenous people to make genuine connections with Indigenous communities, become educated about their history, and take action to support Indigenous organizations and initiatives.
Moving Beyond Land Acknowledgments
The podcast episode challenges the notion of land acknowledgments as a mere symbolic gesture and advocates for meaningful action. It explores the concept of 'land back,' which encompasses returning land to Indigenous stewardship, honoring Indigenous knowledges, and building relationships with non-human relatives. The episode suggests ways to actively support Indigenous communities, such as donating to Native organizations, making space for Indigenous voices and perspectives, and engaging in self-reflection on personal biases and privileges. It emphasizes the need to move beyond performative acknowledgments and pursue long-lasting change in dismantling racism, promoting self-determination, and building positive relationships with Indigenous people and land.
Redefining Thanksgiving
The podcast episode encourages listeners to redefine their understanding of Thanksgiving and offers alternative ways to celebrate the holiday. It suggests shifting the focus from acquisition to giving and emphasizes acts of generosity and service to Indigenous communities and beyond. The episode highlights the importance of gratitude as a daily practice rather than a once-a-year event. It discusses the significance of learning from Indigenous practices of gratitude, such as ceremonies, prayer, and respectful interactions with the natural world. Ultimately, it prompts individuals and families to reflect on their own traditions, challenge harmful narratives, and actively engage in decolonial actions that foster authentic relationships and promote justice.
This episode talks with Wampanoag scholars Paula Peters and Linda Coombs, who tell us the real story of Thanksgiving, from an Indigenous Perspective.
Thanksgiving is a time for people to come together with their families and give thanks for the blessings in their lives; but the American holiday is rooted in historical fallacy and upholds tired settler colonial belief systems. Instead, let's begin to understand the real story of Thanksgiving and the complex history undergirding this event in relation to Indigenous people. The path to reconciliation starts with honest acknowledgement of our past, with open eyes, and open hearts for a better future. It is time for us to be in good relation with one another. We can do that by learning and unlearning how to give thanks in a good way.
Credits Executive Producer, Editor, Creative Direction: Teo Shantz Co-Producer: Matika Wilbur Jr Editing by Jon Alonso Music by Greg Kramer Speech captured by Sunny Singh Co-Host: Dr.Adrienne Keene
Follow us on Instagram @amrpodcast, or support our work on Patreon. Show notes are published on our website, Allmyrelationspodcast.com.Matika's book Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America is available now! T'igwicid and Hyshqe for being on this journey with us.
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