Thanksgiving is observed annually in November. It is a widely-celebrated event filled with family, friends, food and football.

It is important to recognize that this holiday is not celebrated equally among all groups in the country. Thanksgiving is based on the colonial Pilgrims' 1621 harvest meal in Plymouth. History claims and what had been learned that a Thanksgiving meal was shared between English colonists and the Wampanoag people.

However this story of a peaceful encounter is a false narrative and can be very harmful to the Wampanoag communities as the truth is the settlers forcibly and violently took control over their land and communities. The lasting damage is apparent as Wampanoags today remember the Pilgrims’ entry to their homeland as a day of deep mourning rather than a moment of giving thanks.

Thanksgiving, without acknowledging colonialism and its violent history, only furthers the myth that the Wampanoag community conceded the land willfully.

How to Observe Thanksgiving in the Workplace

• Think about Thanksgiving through a DEI lens: Acknowledge that Thanksgiving promotes the idea that USA was “discovered” and that it was peacefully handed over to the European settlers.

• Offer an alternative day off: Thanksgiving can be harmful to your Indigenous employees and Indigenous communities. In general, it can amplify feelings of hurt and anger and can feel like a celebration of colonization. We encourage you to offer your employees an alternative day off instead. You may also find our free guide on How to Craft a Land Acknowledgment useful as well.

• Team Activity: Here is a great article on 10 ways to celebrate Thanksgiving at work including food, donations, and volunteer suggestions.

Communication Template for Thanksgiving

[Subject: Thanksgiving]

Hi everyone,

Thursday, November 23 is Thanksgiving. This year, we are thinking about Thanksgiving not just as a time for family and friends but as a broader community.

We acknowledge that Thanksgiving promotes the idea that the United States of America was “discovered” and that it was peacefully handed over to the European settlers. It is important to understand that Indigenous peoples were victims of violent colonialism and its traumatic effects that are still felt today.

We encourage you to read this Smithsonian article about The Myths of the Thanksgiving Story to further educate ourselves and how we can all become better allies.

As we won’t see you on Monday, we hope you have a relaxing weekend filled with family and potentially some reflection from your reading.

Thank you for learning with us.

[Signature]