Tribal elders enjoy an afternoon of games, prizes and food on the Fort Berthold Reservation
I’ve heard so many stories over the years about the true origins of Thanksgiving. So, it is with interest that I read President Barack Obama’s proclamation that was issued today regarding the holiday. Obama tells us the day that began as “a harvest celebration between European settlers and indigenous communities nearly four centuries ago has become our cherished tradition of Thanksgiving. This day’s roots are intertwined with those of our Nation, and its history traces the American narrative.”
If anyone would like to read the full text of Obama’s proclamation, here it is.
Are we all in agreement with this narrative? How many Native people actually celebrate the day.
When I was a reporter at the Daily Camera in Boulder, Colo., I interviewed several Native students about the holiday. They said they didn’t celebrate it because it wasn’t part of their tradition. As for my experience, most of my Lakota and Mandan and Hidatsa relatives cook a turkey and enjoy the day with friends and family.
Jodi Rave
Jodi Rave Spotted Bear (Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation)
Founder & Editor in Chief
Location: Twin Buttes, North Dakota
Spoken Languages: English
Topic Expertise: Federal trust relationship with American Indians; Indigenous issues ranging from spirituality and environment to education and land rights
See the journalist page© Buffalo's Fire. All rights reserved.
This article is not included in our Story Share & Care selection.The content may only be reproduced with permission from the Indigenous Media Freedom Alliance. Please see our content sharing guidelines.
Tribal elders enjoy an afternoon of games, prizes and food on the Fort Berthold Reservation
Carmen O’Leary fights to help Indigenous survivors of violence amid budget cuts
Benefit Ride to raise awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples
Megan Treuer’s plan to improve Native justice is being realized with help of Bush Fellowship
The GAO made its recommendations after visiting several tribes and tribal organizations
A 456-mile journey of healing, remembrance and solidarity