Across the United States, numerous universities are taking significant steps to confront the historical and cultural narratives surrounding Thanksgiving, prioritizing initiatives aimed at what’s being termed ‘decolonization.’ This growing trend has universities hosting various events themed around recognizing and addressing the often-ignored aspects of historical colonization and its impacts on Native American communities.
Recent reports highlight universities like the University of Connecticut and Washington University in St. Louis, among others, focusing on events aimed at educating students on the darker aspects of Thanksgiving. These initiatives reflect a broader movement within academia to challenge traditional holiday narratives and to incorporate indigenous perspectives.
At the University of Connecticut, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion explicitly acknowledges the “National Day of Mourning” alongside Thanksgiving. This day serves as both a remembrance and recognition of the struggles of Native people, instigated by actions of genocide and colonial displacement. The university emphasizes the importance of recognizing Native and Indigenous contributions and resilience throughout the year, not just during this holiday period. The campus community is encouraged to engage with historical contexts to reshape their celebrations through educational initiatives.
“UConn recognizes Native and Indigenous resilience and strength every day of the year,” the university's offices stated, reflecting their commitment to ensuring these communities remain visible and honored within the broader cultural conversation.
Similarly, Washington University organized events where students could learn about the holiday's history from indigenous perspectives. These gatherings, such as one held on November 22, focused on discussions around the impact of colonization on Native American communities. The university’s event included various cultural presentations and traditional foods, aiming to offer reflections on how Thanksgiving celebrations can evolve to be more inclusive.
“This event encourages reflection and conversation on how we can reshape traditions to be more inclusive and mindful of historical contexts,” the university outlined, indicating the actions taken to engage students directly with these narratives.
Meanwhile, the California Institute of Technology became involved by promoting the concept of ‘decolonizing Thanksgiving.’ They also emphasized educating students about the land they occupy, urging them to reflect on Indigenous contributions and the historical erasure of Native cultures. Caltech's Center for Inclusion & Diversity highlighted the task as part of their call for action, encouraging students to engage with educational resources on these topics.
These initiatives are not limited to large research institutions; schools such as the University at Buffalo have also hosted discussions surrounding Thanksgiving and settler colonialism. Their event, titled “Decolonizing Thanksgiving,” is part of their efforts to create meaningful dialogues among students about the appropriateness of celebrating Thanksgiving and what it means to honor the mourning of Native communities.
Students engaged with challenging questions such as, “Is it right to celebrate Thanksgiving considering America’s history of settler colonialism?” This raises important discussions around memorialization and acknowledgment of indigenous histories, challenging students to redefine what Thanksgiving means.
Outside of celebratory events, the discussions also touch upon broader themes, such as the cultural appropriations of food and tradition, emphasizing representation and respect for original native practices. These dialogues intend to encourage students to move beyond traditional narratives and think critically about the history of the holiday.
The movement gained traction as more universities across the country joined the discourse, with many planning similar events to encourage student engagement with Native issues. Colleges across various states are now actively engaging their student bodies with projects and events intended to bring awareness to the historical repression faced by Indigenous groups.
“We celebrate Thanksgiving, but it’s also important not to overlook the impact of colonization on Native Peoples,” said one student during these discussions, pointing out the dual-edged sword of holiday celebrations.
On social media, leaders of these initiatives often highlight the need for allyship and advocacy, urging their communities to honor Indigenous histories genuinely. This aligns with the growing interest across campuses to deconstruct and understand the historical significance of the Thanksgiving holiday more critically.
At universities like the University of the Pacific and the University of Maine, similar themes appear. Both institutions have initiated events focused on discussing and redefining Thanksgiving through the lens of Native and Indigenous experiences, striving to create spaces where these voices are centered.
With these efforts, there is hope for shift toward greater inclusion and representation of indigenous narratives within American cultural practices.
It is clear university campuses are becoming focal points for challenging long-standing narratives and are pushing for comprehensive dialogue around the historical contexts and contemporary realities facing Native Americans. By hosting these events, these institutions are not only promoting education but are also facilitating spaces for healing and remembrance.
The push to 'decolonize Thanksgiving’ is more than just reexamining narratives associated with the holiday; it reflects growing societal recognition of Indigenous rights, histories, and the continual fight against cultural erasure. The 'National Day of Mourning,' for example, serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of colonization and the importance of advocacy for Indigenous voices.
Moving forward, the overarching hope within these university-led initiatives is to inspire students to navigate Thanksgiving and similar holidays with mindfulness and respect for the diverse cultural threads woven throughout American history.
