Thanksgiving can be a time for seeking further truths and building accountability

A reckoning about Indigenous peoples’ histories has been unfolding across the United States in the past few years. Many states and municipalities have begun to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of or in addition to Columbus Day. Some companies, universities and governments are also issuing statements to acknowledge that the land we take for granted was once the homelands of Indigenous peoples. And now most Americans know that the story of a harmonious first Thanksgiving is a dangerous myth. The truth of what Indigenous people suffered, and endured, is finally coming to light, due to tireless efforts by Indigenous people themselves.

What comes next? Perhaps we can use Native American Heritage Month (November) and especially Thanksgiving as a time for seeking further truths, building accountability and promoting reconciliation.

One of the most disturbing truths to surface recently is our nation’s history of ripping Indigenous children from their families and sending them to boarding schools.