Embracing Gratitude and Justice: Partaking in Thanksgiving through an Anti-Oppressive Lens

Acknowledging indigenous perspectives is an important aspect to participating in the Thanksgiving holiday through an anti-oppressive lens. For those looking to decolonize and acknowledge indigenous people, it is crucial to recognize and respect their histories, cultures, and ongoing struggles. I find it important to approach this day with an awareness of the diverse narratives and histories that shape our communities. It can be helpful to take the time to educate yourself and others about the true origins of Thanksgiving, as understanding that the traditional narrative often overlooks the complex and painful history of colonization.

As aligned with our value of being anti-oppressive, we believe in cultivating an inclusive environment that welcomes diverse perspectives and experiences. We celebrate diversity and believe in creating opportunities for everyone to heal and thrive together.

Here are a few resources that I found helpful in learning about the history of the day, and seeking out tools for decolonizing Thanksgiving:

• Honor indigenous people by engaging in a moment of silence before you eat your meal. Thanksgiving becomes a powerful vehicle for recognizing and appreciating the unique contributions of people from different backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, and abilities. Create a space that welcomes diverse voices and stories to foster inclusivity.

• Honor the land you occupy by incorporating local foods into your Thanksgiving meal. You can consider sourcing your ingredients locally and supporting businesses that prioritize ethical and sustainable practices. By making conscious choices about what we consume, we contribute to a more just and equitable world.

• Learn about land acknowledgement and acknowledge the land your home sits on. Our office is in Mvskoke (Muscogee) territory. 

• Support indigenous people by donating your time or money to important causes. Here are a few organizations we suggest: 

• Women Empowering Women for Indigenous Nations: Their mission is to strengthen and sustain tribal cultures for the benefit and destiny of the children; To educate about tribal cultures, the history of native people, the inherent rights we exercise for the good of our people and others, and of current issues that affect our well being; To promote honest dignified tribal leadership who reflect pride for those we represent; To support and encourage tribal leadership; To install a balance between service and solitude and between fulfilling responsibilities and devotion to loved ones. To express encouragement, understanding, and joy to others dedicated to following the guidance of our creator and serving our communities as role models.

• Spirit of the Sun: They are an Indigenous womxn-led nonprofit located on Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute), Tséstho’e (Cheyenne), Hinono’eino’ biito’owu’ (Arapaho), and 48+ other tribes' sacred land, working to empower Native communities through farming, education and rematriation.

• Indigenous Justice: This organization works to end the incarceration of living native peoples in jails, prisons, and group homes across the state, to end the incarceration of our Salmon relatives impacted by dams on our rivers, and to end the incarceration of our ancestors' skeletons locked away in basements of universities. 

• COPE: They are a Native-controlled non-profit organization working to promote healthy, prosperous and empowered American Indian/Alaska Native communities. They  are patient-focused and community-based. 

• Read an article, pick up a new book, or watch a documentary.  Here are a few I suggest: 

• The Thanksgiving Tale We Tell Is a Harmful Lie. As a Native American, I’ve Found a Better Way to Celebrate the Holiday 

• Learn & Unlearn: Anti-racism Resource Guide

• Decolonizing Thanksgiving: A Toolkit for Combatting Racism in Schools

• This Land Is Their Land: The Wampanoag Indians, Plymouth Colony, and the Troubled History of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving, when viewed through an anti-oppressive lens, becomes an opportunity to cultivate awareness, empathy, and compassion. By acknowledging the complex history of this holiday, celebrating diversity, and taking meaningful actions to address social issues, we can cultivate inclusivity and justice-oriented celebrations.

 Let this season be a reminder that gratitude and activism can coexist, fostering a spirit of unity and compassion for all. At Grounded Wellbeing, we aim to center healing experiences for queer, trans and gender expansive people, and we value spaces that center this for ultimate betterment of our whole community.