What Indigenous Solidarity Means on Thanksgiving

As activists, we talk endlessly about how Trump and his allies gaslight us. Yet, if you think about it, celebrating Thanksgiving is the ultimate example of gaslighting. It whitewashes the historical and ongoing genocide and systemic oppression of Native Americans by white colonizers of this land.

Today my inbox has been flooded with emails from progressive organizations wishing me a happy Thanksgiving and telling me how thankful they are for my support. I recognize that these organizations are trying to solicit donations ahead of next week's "Giving Tuesday". Nonetheless, it's depressing to see progressive organizations embracing a holiday that is so hurtful to Native Americans.

In response, I've written here about how to be a better ally to Native Americans on Thanksgiving and throughout the year.

Acknowledge Whose Land You Are On

The United States exists on land stolen from Indigenous Americans. Find out more about tribes whose land you are on and honor them. There are two great websites for this research: Native Land Digital and Whose Land.

Talk with your family and friends tomorrow about what you learned from your research.
Prepare a meaningful land acknowledgement using these recommendations from the Native Governance Center.
Donate to the tribes whose lands you are on. Here on the North Shore, the Naumkeag and Pawtucket tribes no longer exist. However, they belonged to the Massachusett Nation, and you can donate to the Massachusett Tribe at Ponkapoag.

Pumpkin pie with orange frosting that reads, “This is Stolen Land”

Learn about the Real History of Thanksgiving

Here are some resources to learn more about the real history of Thanksgiving.

Teach This History to Kids

Also recommended: this educational toolkit for decolonizing Thanksgiving created by Lindsey Passenger Wieck.

Center the Voices of Native Americans

Livestream (or attend in person) the National Day of Mourning gathering held every Thanksgiving at noon in Plymouth. To learn more about this annual tradition, visit the United American Indians of New England website. Consider donating to UAINE to help them cover the costs of this event.
Read articles by Native Americans reflecting upon what Thanksgiving means to them.
- Kelly Hayes, “Must-Reads and Some Ways to Support Native People This Weekend”, Organizing My Thoughts, November 28, 2024.
- Mary Annette Pember, "Enough Thanksgiving Myths. Schools Should Teach Indigenous History." Truthout, November 22, 2018.
- Joseph M. Pierce, "Thanksgiving Is Dedicated to Erasing the Ruthlessness of English Settlers", Truthout, November 28, 2019.
- Amrah Salomón , "Thanksgiving Can Never Be Redeemed From Its Colonial Past. Let’s Abolish It", Truthout, November 24, 2022.

Support Indigenous Legislative Priorities

Visit the MA Indigenous Legislative Agenda (MILA) website to learn about the bills they have prioritized for this legislative season:

An Act prohibiting the use of Native American mascots by public schools in the Commonwealth. (H.575/S.312)
An Act establishing an Indigenous Peoples Day. (H.3292/ S.2113)
An act relative to celebrating and teaching Native American cultures and history. (H.628/ S.444)
An Act providing for the creation of a permanent commission relative to the education of American Indian and Alaska Native residents of the Commonwealth. (H.649/S.412)
An Act to protect Native American Heritage. (H.3597/S.2335)

Use this form to ask your state legislators to support these bills:

Support Native American Organizations

Here are Massachusetts-based organizations to support:

Here are organizations outside of Massachusetts to support (recommended by Kelley Hayes on her blog, Organizing My Thoughts):

Consider Skipping Thanksgiving

It is likely too late to call off Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow. But next year, consider celebrating a harvest festival on the autumn equinox or one weekend in November instead of gathering on Thanksgiving itself.