Thanksgiving as a Time of Reflection

tansi ninôtemik,

Both European and Indigenous cultures have a history of holding celebrations during the fall, being thankful for food. For example, in European culture, there would be celebrations for the fall harvest.[1] In some Indigenous cultures, they would hold communal feasts for gratitude for the fall harvest.[2] These celebrations predate Canada. However, now, Thanksgiving in Canada is designated an annual event and statutory holiday in most provinces and territories due to the European celebration that consists of a North American turkey, squash, and pumpkin. [3]

Canadian Thanksgiving is rooted in the idea of celebration. However, for some families, it can be hard to celebrate Thanksgiving when it is based on the Euro-centric concept of Thanksgiving. When you look at the origins of Thanksgiving, it can be difficult to distinguish the celebration from a celebration of harvest, or a celebration of colonialism. We discuss these difficult truths and how people choose to celebrate in a previous blog. [4]

In the spirit of keeping any holiday light, it can be hopeful to look at some people who recognize Thanksgiving as a time of joy and being with family. 

In an interview with Global News, Marshal Crowchild discusses Thanksgiving and his perspective on it as an Indigenous chef.[5] Crowchild gives us a beautiful quote that we should use as a reminder this Thanksgiving:

“It’s important to learn the heritage of your people and to know the passing of knowledge brought down to you by generations.” [6]

So, as we take this day off from work and school, whether we celebrate Thanksgiving or not, let’s use this time off as a reminder to listen to stories from our Elders or previous generations and be mindful of the Indigenous people’s land that we inhabit. 

 ekosi.

The ReconciliACTION Team

Citations

1. David Mills et al, “Thanksgiving in Canada” in The Canadian Encyclopedia (The Canadian Encyclopedia, 2019) online: <thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/thanksgiving-day>.

2. Ibid.

3. Ibid.

4. ReconciliACTION YEG, “Thanksgiving: Thanks, Giving, or Neither?” (11 October 2021) online: <reconciliactionyeg.ca/post/thanksgiving-thanks-giving-or-neither>.

5. Global News, “Alberta First Nations celebrate culture, tradition instead of Thanksgiving” (10 October 2024) online (video): <globalnews.ca/video/10806682/alberta-first-nations-celebrate-culture-tradition-instead-of-thanksgiving/>.

6. Ibid.