Gratitude, Ok. But First: Truth (or "Some thoughts on a Conscious Thanksgiving")
Nov 10, 2019Dear Friends~
Part of my deepening into sacred days and seasons is looking with a kind and critical eye at the traditions and “sacred” things of my family, ancestry and culture. Many of you have witnessed how I've wrestled over the last few years with a growing dis-ease with the observance of Thanksgiving. I have been learning about and troubled by the actual history of Thanksgiving, which originally marked the horrific (but not isolated) massacre of the Pequot Indians. It is disturbing to me that I didn’t know this history until my 30s (if it’s news to you too, it’s not your fault, that’s one way whiteness and white supremacy works—through unconscious consent to historical erasure. You can amend that by reading on here). Friends, colleagues, and my own research and conscious have led me to realize that by ignoring the history of this day and white-washing it with gratitude we are contributing to the continued invisibility of the worldwide genocide of indigenous peoples.
So then what are some alternative ways to engage with this day? Here are some ideas that I’ve tried, considered, or that have been shared with me. Do note—I’ve numbered these for clarity, but I place no moral value on any one over another. As you read them, feel where they land in your body. Notice where you feel dissonance and resonance and be curious about that. Where do these land amidst your own racial identity and awareness, and/or other significant identity markers? You will know what’s right for you—and you may have other ideas, which I’d love to hear!
To be clear: I am white, non-native, and with marginal (but growing!) knowledge and peripheral (but growing!) engagement in indigenous history and issues. I am learning, unpacking my whiteness, ever inadequately, and no stand alone list can possibly be an adequate response to depth of harm and trauma that has occurred and continues to occur to our native communities. I am open to feedback and critique and being shown gaps in my awareness. May these be a start, an opening for conversation and more, and may we be called ever deeper into the sacred work and beauty of our collective healing.
1. Name the indigenous ancestry of the land you are on. Wherever you are gathering, with friends or family, do some research ahead of time. Check out native-land.ca/, or get the Native Land app. Consider lighting a candle and/or saying a word of acknowledgement to the indigenous ancestors of the land you are on at the start or end of your meal. You might even acknowledge that for some, this day is a National Day of Mourning.
2. Just opt out. The friend and educator who first taught me about the origin of Thanksgiving said that she and her family just treat it like another day. This is actually no small feat, against the powerful current of culture and family. Go for a hike and eat out or go to work or take a bath. Let it just be a da
3. Learn about and respectfully engage in the efforts of indigenous communities where you are. If you’re in my neck of the woods, do you know that indigenous folks from across the state, under the grassroots organizing body Protectors of the Salish Sea, have been camped out at the state capital for over a month? They marched to Olympia from on September 23rd, demanding that Governor Jay Inslee declare a climate emergency and respond with specific corrective actions. They have had public actions every Saturday since then, and though at the time of my writing of this details are not yet posted, there is an action being planned for Thanksgiving Day. Additionally, Puyallup Tribal leaders remain concerned as well with the liquid natural gas plant that has been constructed without tribal consent on tribal land in the Tacoma tide flats. Lastly, consider learning about and respectfully engaging with the creative beauty and resilience of Indigenous folks. For example: First Nations at the UW hosts “Take Back the Dinner” on November 26th, (details here) an event open to the public celebrating indigenous & international cultures. Try to stay engaged year round (not just when white guilt kicks in around this time of year).
4. Fast (or “Opt Out Option 2). Fasting has been a practice of spiritual formation as well as protest for generations of mystics and activists. It doesn’t have to be from food necessarily, particularly for anyone with a complex relationship with food; but if you can do so in a healthy way, consider: being at your family feast and abstaining. I did this last year, and you know, it’s one of those, “What difference am I really making?” kinds of practices—which in the end, like every act of resistance, may only be a prayer of solidarity, formative of who I choose to be and what choices I can make to be in my integrity. I will be fasting this Thanksgiving, and invite you to join me in any capacity (fast from media, negativity, alcohol, you choose something that’s meaningful for you)—and let me know so we can support each other!
5. Spend time with the land and listen. Really listen, with your body and your spirit and your senses. What is the land asking of you right now? How is the particular land upon which you live calling you into greater stewardship? If you are local, I’ll be doing a contemplative walk that morning at Point Defiance. It’s not a formal public event, just something I want to do for myself but I would welcome friends. E-mail me if you want to come and I’ll send you the deets.
I’m far from the first person to write about this, and there are so many other resources out there on this topic. I found “A Racial Justice Guide to Thanksgiving for Educators and Families” Compiled by Center for Racial Justice in Education particularly intriguing and useful!
What are your ideas? What’s beautiful and/or challenging about Thanksgiving for you? What are your intentions for this year’s observances? Please share in the comments below!
With warmth and persistence,
Kate
Indigenous People’s Day March and Celebration, October 11th in Downtown Seattle
