The REAL History of Thanksgiving: Genocide, Resilience, and Decolonization

Thanksgiving is often celebrated as a time of gratitude and togetherness, but the story we’re taught is deeply rooted in myths and colonial narratives. In this episode of the 7th Generation Podcast, we’re decolonizing Thanksgiving by uncovering the real history behind this holiday and honoring the resilience of Native peoples.

We’ll explore:

• The myth of an 'empty land' and the thriving Native communities like the Wampanoag who lived along the Atlantic Coast.
• How European diseases and kidnapping devastated Native populations before the Pilgrims even arrived.
• The truth about the Pilgrims' survival, including their reliance on Native assistance and grave robbing.
• The shared meal between the Pilgrims and Wampanoag, and how it’s been distorted into a romanticized myth.
• The origins of Thanksgiving in the celebration of genocide after the Pequot Massacre in 1637.
• Why colonialism is not just a thing of the past, and how Native communities continue to resist today through movements like Land Back.

We also discuss two powerful events that take place every Thanksgiving:

1. The National Day of Mourning in Plymouth, Massachusetts—a march that honors Native ancestors and highlights ongoing struggles for sovereignty and justice.
2. The Indigenous Peoples’ Sunrise Ceremony on Alcatraz Island, which commemorates the 1969 occupation of Alcatraz and celebrates Native resistance and resilience.

This conversation isn’t about canceling Thanksgiving. It’s about reclaiming the truth, challenging settler colonial narratives, and shifting our focus to celebrate Native strength and survival.

Join me as we uncover the truth, honor Native history, and commit to supporting ongoing movements for justice and sovereignty.

Let’s decolonize Thanksgiving together. Share this episode to amplify the truth and celebrate the resilience of Native peoples.

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