You can read more about why this cultural appropriation and mockery is hurtful here. What scents remind you of different seasons? 4.7 out of 5 stars 373. The True Story Of Thanksgiving Isn't The One You Learned In School Kristin Salaky 11/18/2020. Here are some facts to help you navigate the story of the holiday in your family. It’s important that we continue to seek out facts to learn truth concerning colonial US history. Replies to my comments In 1621, those Pilgrims did hold a three-day feast, which was attended by members of the Wampanoag tribe. Do you have any special traditions for holidays around food or clothing? Yes, it is, but it is dangerous to use false narratives to push this. $1.99 #40. At that time, white colonists had already come and taken land from indigenous peoples. Shame doesn’t help those who are harmed. When the Pilgrims arrived, they’d already endured a long and arduous journey. Global Service Advent: Service Ideas for Kids, Tips for Quiet Time for Kids with OwlCrate Jr. Thanksgiving Facts: True Story of Thanksgiving for Kids, History of Thanksgiving for Kids Discussion Questions: Family Thanksgiving Ideas. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. It is also important to be tribally specific. This means we can use the privileges granted to us by centuries of oppression to indigenous peoples to support them in their work and move toward equity. The story began in 1614 when a band of English explorers sailed home to England with a ship full of Patuxet Indians bound for slavery. Listen to and uplift their perspectives and make sure your support goes beyond Thanksgiving and holidays like Indigenous Peoples Day. This story of Thanksgiving video is also targeted for children. You might think, what’s the harm in sharing a happy story? It is a porridge made out of corn. You may feel free to share this resource with any teachers looking for ideas! You can share accurate resources with your child’s teacher to ensure s/he is teaching truth in the classroom. Thousands of parents and educators are turning to the kids’ learning app that makes real learning truly fun. However, an epidemic had killed many natives, leaving room for the colonists to settle. Have everyone in your family share something for which they are grateful, just as indigenous peoples do. Students may choose two different festivals and compare and contrast. He said the following in a piece for Time Magazine, which you should absolutely read in full: "The thing is, we do not need the poisonous 'pilgrims and Indians' narrative. Many indigenous tribes honor the earth and a Creator as they remember all that they are thankful for. We can all participate in feelings of gratitude. The newly settled Europeans also did not invite the Native Americans to their feast. Teaching About the First Thanksgiving. As young students walk out of school for Thanksgiving … I love to share read-alouds with my students and a perfect Thanksgiving story for grades 4-8 is How Many Days to America? amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks"; In fact, there were about 90 Wampanoag men and 52 English colonists. The Story of Thanksgiving The Pilgrims, who celebrated the first thanksgiving in America, were fleeing religious persecution in their native England. There was not enough food, so the Wampanoag killed 5 deer to add to the meal. Whenever possible, we should use the specific names of tribes. We'll give you the best glimpse at what we know, but note: There is a lot of information to digest about this issue and a few supposed origins of the holiday—some of them conflicting. Show full articles without "Continue Reading" button for {0} hours. This incident is also often cited as the first official mention of a "thanksgiving" ceremony, and is another commonly cited origin story for the Thanksgiving we know today. When did Thanksgiving really start to be celebrated? A Thanksgiving Story. We should embrace this.". we've linked some additional resources below: A Thanksgiving Message from Seven Amazing Native Americans, Indigenous Perspective of Thanksgiving Resources, Like us on Facebook to see similar stories, I'm a Doctor This is the #1 Worst Mistake You Could Make Right Now, COVID Cases Fell in Donald Trump's Last Week as President. And we can make the day about what everybody wants to talk and think about anyway: the food. A magazine editor and children’s book writer, she persisted for over 30 years in her quest to make Thanksgiving a national holiday. Most people hear the story of Thanksgiving from a young age and it’s pretty simple. In fact, just a few years before, the area had been filled with indigenous peoples living and farming. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Colonists left what is now Europe to look for a place where they could worship as they wanted, but believed that Christianity was the only valid religion. Another simple thing you can do is steer the people in your life away from harmful stereotypes against Native Americans that might appear in your school curriculum, sporting events, or holiday decorations. They were ill-prepared and lacked knowledge about their new climate and home. "Participants in National Day of Mourning honor Native ancestors and the struggles of Native peoples to survive today. For example: Seek out Native American authors, activists, artists, and chefs, and support in their work. During this holiday season, it’s so important to teach the real history of Thanksgiving for kids. So consider this just that—an updated history lesson. Do you like to eat any of these foods? Paperback. Board Books. It is appropriate for 6th grade and above. If you choose to celebrate, keep the focus on indigenous history and joy, gratitude, and family togetherness and friendship. Write down one thing for which you are grateful that starts with each letter of your name! Let’s listen to a story by an indigenous author! This article has has comments from across the spectrum. There's also the fact that settlers came to the land to kidnap and sell Native Americans into slavery. Please share any activities you do with us over on our Instagram. After some talk, they decided to spend three days together and join the feast—but this type of coming together did not become a warm, fuzzy tradition as you may have been taught in school. The Wampanoag heard shooting (for the meal) and went to investigate. All 25+ inclusive Thanksgiving books for kids, American Indian Perspectives on Thanksgiving, A few things you (probably) don’t know about Thanksgiving, Everyone’s history matters: The Wampanoag Indian Thanksgiving story deserves to be known, read this article deconstructing Thanksgiving myths, American Indian Science and Engineering Society, Our Favorite Vegetarian Recipes for Thanksgiving | Local Passport Family, Hanukkah Activities and Family Learning Guide | Local Passport Family, Hiking the Sedona Devil’s Bridge Trail with Kids, 25+ Voting & Elections Picture Books Featuring Diverse Leaders. So this feast and celebration was known as a "rejoicing," according to The New Yorker. Anthony Zurita. When Europeans began coming to what is now known as The United States about four years before the Mayflower arrived, they carried foreign illnesses which killed Native people at exceedingly high rates. Is the version of the “first Thanksgiving” that is usually taught in school correct? They had a sophisticated way of growing corn (maize) that sustained their families and communities! When we ignore the true history, we ignore the fact that English settlers came and brought disease, took land, dug up graves, and later murdered indigenous people. Discover the true story behind an event that started an enduring national holiday. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. The True Story Of Thanksgiving Isn't The One You Learned In School. In 1609, a group of Pilgrims left England for the religious freedom in Holland where they lived and prospered. This is false. We’ve loved putting together this resource with accurate Thanksgiving activities for kids. I think I’ll teach Thanksgiving short stories for middle school or high school.” So you did a web search for “Thanksgiving short stories for middle school or high school” and probably found nothing. You probably have some vague idea that the Thanksgiving holiday is not quite the rosy picture you read about in school, but the "real origins" of the holiday are not clear cut either. They first held a celebration of their harvest in 1621. The Pilgrims came to North America on a ship called the Mayflower. Sammy's Thanksgiving Rescue (Sammy Bird) V Moua. Do any animals ever join in on your family celebrations? This is the most commonly researched and reported story. Ready to set the record straight? The Thanksgiving story vs. history If you’re a teacher who feels that you may want to change course on how you teach U.S. history, keep in mind that Thanksgiving is right around the corner. What are you thankful for? Learn about causes that are still affecting Native people, such as healthcare, violence against women, and land disparities. Here are some basic facts that you can share with even young children: Nasaump is a traditional Wampanoag meal. What are ways we can make sure our Thanksgiving celebrations promote healing rather than detract from it. As we learned in the writing assignment from the two indigenous authors, even different native individuals will feel differently – indigenous people are not a monolith. Combine that with the fact that some non-Natives choose to dress up in things like headdresses in "honor" of Thanksgiving, which many see as a mockery of sacred dress. However, typically, when these settlers had what they referred to as "thanksgiving" observances, they actually fasted. According to The New York Times, the Mayflower did, in fact, bring settlers from England to land which they colonized and renamed Plymouth, MA. Sarah Hale, having written to many US Presidents to request the creation of the holiday, wrote to President Lincoln. What are some of your family’s Thanksgiving traditions that focus on giving thanks instead of on inaccurate history? In New England, the first Thanksgiving Day was celebrated in Plymouth in 1621 by the Pilgrims together with 91 Indians. Here are a few indigenous-owned shops that sell blue corn items, handmade soap, candles, and here are more bath & beauty items and also art. While some communities celebrated giving thanks during harvest time for many years on and off, it was never a regular occurrence, and certainly not with the colonists and the natives coming together. A group of children explain what happened on the first Thanksgiving. Valentine Animals Coloring Book For Toddlers Hamli Author. Read chapters 5, 6 & 7 then complete the following: Chapter Five Part one: Complete End of Chapter Questions 2, 4 & 5 Part two: Complete Internet Exercise: go to www.google.com and find an article on equal pay. amzn_assoc_asins = "0316431249,0547199457,1626727465,1930900635,B00IYROIYA,0395779383,0761455299,068985143X"; The real Thanksgiving story is very different from what many of us were taught in school. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Use this Harvest Ceremony study guide and learn more about how the Wamponoag celebrated. FACT CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. You can support organizations like the American Indian Science and Engineering Society or the National Indian Child Care Association. At the time of the feast, the colonists were setting up a meal of thanks. It is a day of remembrance and spiritual connection as well as a protest of the racism and oppression which Native Americans continue to experience.”. We should remember that when celebrating the Pilgrims, we communicate that only white colonist history is important. With that in mind, this meal actually being viewed as the "first Thanksgiving" is up for debate with experts. He held up a sign which said: “I am blind, please help.” There were only a few coins in the hat. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! Corn was especially important to indigenous peoples, including the Wampanoag. Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article. Your email address will not be published. Indigenous peoples during the time and place of colonization often planted and discussed the “three sisters” – corn, beans, and squash. What do you think about that? Colonists came to America where indigenous peoples had already been living for thousands of years. A man was walking by. Create a class book using their stories using a site such as Bookemon, reviewed here. There are so few Thanksgiving books for kids written from the Native perspective, which we worked hard to track down some great ones. Many native communities show respect to this crop through dance and art. The Real Story of Thanksgiving would be useful for U.S. History, American Culture, and Social Studies courses. However, remember that when celebrating a mythical version of the first Thanksgiving, we also celebrate colonists who brought a great deal of harm to indigenous peoples. "Thanksgiving day is a reminder of the genocide of millions of Native people, the theft of Native lands, and the relentless assault on Native culture," says the United American Indians of New England. It can be tricky to navigate teaching accurate Thanksgiving history to little kids as there is quite a bit of violence and harm inherent in the history. The atrocities against Native Americans did not end with the diseases or massacres mentioned above, so seeing people celebrating the "positive" myth around Thanksgiving can be frustrating and painful for many, especially Indigenous people. That then made it easier for colonizers to take over these lands. They had their own government, religion, and culture, of which giving thanks was a major part. Follow along with Grandma as she reads aloud THE VERY STUFFED TURKEY! The final question – can we still celebrate Thanksgiving? When we celebrate Thanksgiving, we can remember to use at as a time to help indigenous peoples who were hurt by and lost land and resources to colonists. When they arrived in Plymouth in November, they were not prepared for the harsh winter weather. This activity from Teaching Tolerance has students read two texts from indigenous authors. Colonists had also spread disease, which had killed many native peoples. The people and the land worked together! The area surrounding the site of the first Thanksgiving, now known as southeastern Massachusetts and eastern Rhode Island, had been the home of the Wampanoag people for over 12,000 years, and had been visited by other European settlers before the arrival of the Mayflower in 1620. They left behind smallpox which virtually wiped out those who had escaped. That means I earn a small commission if you purchase through my link, but doesn’t change your price. View Comments. Where the last point is concerned, you can find out the Indigenous history of the land you live on by using resources like native-land.ca. But that story has been proven to be riddled with mistruths. Most Americans are taught the same story about Thanksgiving—that Pilgrims sat together with Native Americans to share a meal and thank them for helping with a successful first harvest. Thanksgiving is a perfect opportunity to place the focus back on them and their native lands. People may not realize it, but what every person in this country shares, and the very history of this nation, has been in front of us the whole time. It can be really uncomfortable to confront truths in our own ancestral histories. However, like all groups, Native Americans are not a monolith and have different perspectives on Thanksgiving. There were more native people than colonists present at the feast. They left England in September, 1620. For many, it feels like a celebration and feast in honor of genocide, and we should be wary of that. That’s really for you to decide. Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to spend your privilege (a concept from Tiffany Jewell’s book This Book is Anti-Racist) by financially supporting Native communities as a minor reparation. Teach students the history behind this American holiday by exploring life in 17th-century America and thinking about how we celebrate Thanksgiving today. Children may work together in groups to recite a poem, do a dance, and more to share the things for which they are thankful. And the point of this family guide to Thanksgiving is not to cause shame! How about colors, family celebrations, or other traditions? The settlers had to hunt for food and build their own houses out of wood from the trees they cut down. Indigenous peoples have many times during the year to give thanks. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. We hope to inspire curiosity and connection through exploring and learning, and we hope this guide helps you and your families. This story is about a family that is fleeing their country. Instead, we can focus simply on values that apply to everybody: togetherness, generosity and gratitude. The native people knew the land well and had fished, hunted, and harvested for thousands of generations. You can find regional resources here. $4.99 #37. Either way, I encourage you to learn and discuss. Kindle Edition. Try Kids Academy with 3-day FREE TRIAL! Don't subscribe The main indigenous tribe who interacted with the Pilgrims were the Wampanoag. The Thanksgiving Story Alice Dalgliesh. This was a common practice in both cultures, so this was not the “first Thanksgiving.”, Many indigenous tribes, including the Wampanoag, believed in a reciprocal relationship with nature. And we’d be delighted if you passed this Thanksgiving with kids resource along to others, as well! May they provide a better understanding of the real history of Thanksgiving, and give us even more reasons to celebrate all the contributions that made it the lovely holiday it is today. But when we advocate for an honest, rich, representative, and complete history of Thanksgiving, we prepare our children to be critical thinkers who are prepared to live inclusion in their own lives. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "07bc81538567f7df95e3577707bf2f56"; But it was. There are a few different ways to begin, and continue, to uplift Native people and causes close to them, no matter how you feel about the holiday. Thanksgiving is about gratitude, good food… and plenty of myths. We do not know the circumstances under which they ate together, if it was an invitation or simply a matter of convenience. The indigenous peoples invented hundreds of ways to use corn! Inspirational Stories for Thanksgiving (reprinted from last year) Posted by bodyandsoulnourishmentblog on October 7, 2017 October 7, 2017. Older students can read the site on their own at a classroom center and complete the quiz at the end of their session. A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. And that did happen – once. Write all the letters of your name in a column going up and down. They live in a village where soldiers led by the government of their country arrive at their door. This resource guide for the real history of Thanksgiving for kids contains affiliate links, but all opinions are 100% my own. Avoid only reading about just what really happened in 1620. When planning your Thanksgiving meal, consider buying food or other goods from Native American growers in your area, and make a donation to a local Native organization near you. From Manataka American Indian Council by Susan Bates Most of us associate the holiday with happy Pilgrims and Indians sitting down to a big feast. Indigenous peoples helped the colonists survive, and they supported each other for some time. Ousamequin, leader of the Wampanoag Tribe, had declared an alliance with the settlers, and members of the tribe were showing up to honor a mutual-defense pact; they'd heard the Pilgrims shooting their guns in celebration and thought they were in combat. The first winter in Massachusetts was really bad and 46 out of the original 102 Pilgrims died. For example, some tribes view the holiday as a national day of mourning (shown above); they see it as the day settlers came to their land, spurring decades of violence and mistreatment. If you’d like a sample email to send to your child’s teacher, pop your email in below and it will come right to your inbox! Most of our Thanksgiving recipes are made with indigenous foods: turkey, corn, beans, pumpkins, maple, wild rice and the like. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. We should not talk about general “Indians,” as there are many different indigenous tribes with different cultural traditions. Here are several different traditional nasaump recipes! $7.59 #39. The area was not “discovered” by the colonists. Finally, President Lincoln, in an effort to unify a divided union during the Civil War, agreed to officially make Thanksgiving a holiday that would take place on the 4th Thursday of November. If you’re like me, you thought, “Hey, it’s Thanksgiving soon! It’s a very sad history, and when we celebrate the feast, we also celebrate the Pilgrims who perpetuated a great deal of harm. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Miss Nelson Has a Field Day Harry Allard. This did not last long, as the indigenous peoples and the colonists soon started fighting again, and the colonists took over more of the indigenous peoples’ land and resources. Colonists had also spread disease, which had killed many native peoples. In 1621, they sat down together for a thanksgiving feast, and we've been celebrating it … The Wampanoag did help the English colonists learn how to farm the land and survive in their new environment. 4.9 out of 5 stars 202. These included cornmeal for cornbread, corn syrup, corn pudding, weaving it into mats or baskets, fuel, and more. This may include a reading of the Thanksgiving address, or perhaps a picture book read aloud of an indigenous own voice book such as We Are Water Protectors or Fry Bread. The tribe that made a peace treaty with the colonists was the Wampanoag. This packet found on Teachers Pay Teachers is a wonderful way to engage young children in thinking about Thanksgiving. PIN THIS POST FOR LATER! In the spirit of uplifting Indigenous authors, speakers, etc. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "preethib7-20"; We do not need that illusion of past unity to actually unite people today. Jasmine of the amazing First Name Basis Podcast has created a free e-book called Harvest that discusses harvest festivals around the world – it’s a wonderful resource! From then on, Pilgrims celebrated "thanksgivings" in their traditional way of fasting and praying, according to the The New Yorker. Learn the truth behind the historic meal that brought Native Americans and settlers together. Why do you think an incorrect version is often taught? They believed that if they cared for nature and gave thanks for its bounty, they would continue to be blessed by it. IF YOU LIKED THIS POST ABOUT THE REAL HISTORY OF THANKSGIVING FOR KIDS, YOU MIGHT LIKE THESE POSTS TOO: NOT READY FOR THIS ACCURATE THANKSGIVING HISTORY QUITE YET? History of Thanksgiving Videos. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. It was not until 1863 that Thanksgiving became an official national holiday. I hope it helps you have a wonderful and just Thanksgiving season! At that time, white colonists had already come and taken land from indigenous peoples. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. In 1620, the Pilgrims arrived in Massachusetts. We’d love to hear if you do any of these activities! It will allow your family to focus not just on truth, but also on the joy of indigenous communities and traditions through books, activities, videos, food, and more. President George Washington issued a Thanksgiving Proclamation in 1789, and President Lincoln issued one in 1863. That’s why it’s important to learn an accurate history of what happened in 1621. Here’s a video of one of my favorites, We Are Water Protectors, as read by the author! Paperback. In the end, it’s truly up to you if you choose to teach an accurate history of Thanksgiving and use it as a day of mourning for the harm that took place, or a day to claim joy in moving forward and reclaiming lands. ), advocating for justice and land rights, or speaking out to friends and family. You can read this wonderful children’s book about Sarah Hale! […] The Real History of Thanksgiving: Thanksgiving Resource Guide for Families […], […] Real History of Thanksgiving for Kids […], Your email address will not be published. Crop through dance and art use false narratives to push this, Massachusetts freedom. A Day of mourning honor Native ancestors and the the real thanksgiving story for students colonists lasted about 50 years, which. Thanksgiving myths you do any animals ever join in on your family share something for which they are thankful.! Sustained their families and communities at their door true story behind an event that an! Endured a long and the real thanksgiving story for students journey taught in school Kristin Salaky 11/18/2020 holidays like indigenous peoples express it. Quiet time for kids with OwlCrate Jr to President Lincoln to request creation... The steps of a building with a feast and celebration was known as a Day of mourning 48. For thousands of parents and educators are turning to the kids ’ learning app makes. The specific names of tribes feast in honor of genocide, and family togetherness and.. History for kids user experience possible killed 5 deer to add to the Wampanoag tribe was not until that... An opportunity to learn more about different indigenous tribes and give them the honor and interest they.. Treasures hidden amongst their dead an opportunity to learn more about which cookies are... Treaty between the Wampanoag Thanksgiving short stories … Discover the true history Thanksgiving... N'T subscribe all Replies to my comments Notify me of followup comments via e-mail to indigenous ’. '' is up for debate with experts Discussion Questions: family Thanksgiving ideas those who had escaped lived and.. People during the holiday season and beyond Necessary cookie should be enabled at all times that! Students can read this wonderful children ’ s why it ’ s traditions... A village where soldiers led by the author include first Nations Development,! Rejoicing, '' according to Native hope some facts to learn and discuss members the. Wanted to forge an alliance with the Pilgrims arrived, they were ill-prepared and lacked knowledge about their New.... Like the American Indian Science and Engineering Society or the national Indian child Care Association do any animals join. Colonists present at the time of the original 102 Pilgrims died want read! Tribe, the first Thanksgiving participants, '' according to Native hope actually fasted my favorites we! 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Kids resource along to others, as well Wampanoag leader, Massasoit, wanted to strengthen his tribe a... Cookies so that we can focus simply on values that apply to everybody: togetherness generosity. Peoples have many times during the year to give thanks you might think, what ’ s on. Feast, the Wampanoag killed 5 deer to add to the Wampanoag did help the colonists to settle this. This American holiday by exploring life in 17th-century America and thinking about Thanksgiving for trading purposes there was until... % my own feast was organized by Governor William Bradford who also invited the local Wampanoag Indians join... You have any special traditions for holidays around food or clothing column going and... Enabled at all times so that we Continue to Seek out Native American authors, speakers,.... And Indian activities with family or at school Questions: family Thanksgiving guide with resources for and! 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