For many in the United States, Thanksgiving is a cherished time to gather with loved ones, reflect on gratitude, and enjoy a shared meal. But beneath the surface of turkey, stuffing, and cranberries lies a narrative steeped in colonial history—one that marginalizes the voices and experiences of Indigenous peoples.
As awareness grows around social justice and historical accuracy, more people are asking: How do you decolonize Thanksgiving dinner? This question invites us to re-examine not only the foods we eat but the stories we tell, the cultural practices we uphold, and the ways we engage with the Indigenous history of the land we inhabit.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to decolonizing your Thanksgiving feast—from the food on the table to the conversations at the table—not by eliminating the holiday altogether, but by transforming it into an opportunity for healing, truth-telling, and respectful acknowledgment of the past and present.
Understanding Why Decolonizing Thanksgiving Matters
To decolonize Thanksgiving means to actively challenge the Eurocentric narrative of discovery, settlement, and harmony that has long dominated the mythos of the holiday. The common understanding of Thanksgiving—that Pilgrims and Native Americans gathered peacefully to celebrate a successful harvest—overlooks the trauma, displacement, and violence Indigenous peoples endured at the hands of colonial settlers.
Racial justice organizations, educators, and Indigenous activists have increasingly called for a re-evaluation of Thanksgiving traditions. They argue that decolonization involves not just learning a more accurate history but also making ethical choices in how we honor that history and shape our present actions.
Thanksgiving and the Colonial Narrative
The origins of Thanksgiving trace back to a 1621 harvest celebration between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people. However, this event was not the first such feast on the continent—and it was not a precedent for peaceful relations. Less than a century later, King Philip’s War (1675–1676) erupted, devastating Indigenous communities across New England.
By the 19th century, Thanksgiving was co-opted as a national holiday, with sanitized versions of the Pilgrim narrative that erased Indigenous resistance, disease, and dispossession. This myth of harmony persists today, reinforcing a false depiction of America’s colonial past and limiting awareness of Indigenous peoples’ ongoing challenges.
Why Representation and Responsibility Matter
Decolonizing Thanksgiving isn’t just about correcting historical accounts—it’s also about shifting practices. The foods, symbols, and language associated with the holiday often reduce Indigenous cultures to stereotypes or outdated portrayals, especially through costumes and décor that trivialize rich traditions and lived experiences.
A decolonized approach to Thanksgiving demands representation, accountability, and a deeper connection to land, history, and justice.
How to Decolonize Thanksgiving Dinner: Practical Steps
Thanksgiving traditions can evolve to reflect values of inclusion, education, and cultural sensitivity. Whether you’re hosting the dinner or modifying an existing meal, here’s how you can participate in decolonizing your Thanksgiving experience.
1. Reconsider the Menu
The traditional Thanksgiving menu includes foods that originated with Indigenous agricultural practices, such as corn, squash, Turkey, and cranberries. But commercialized versions often obscure these origins.
Here’s how to make your food choices more consciously rooted in truth while supporting equity:
- Source Indigenous Ingredients: Choose ingredients grown or distributed by Native farmers or organizations. Businesses like Sioux Chef and Foods of Native America support Indigenous food sovereignty and can connect you to native-grown products.
- Avoid “Pilgrim” Aesthetic: Move away from decorative cornucopias, headdresses, and faux-Indigenous imagery at the table. These can reinforce stereotypes and disrespect cultural appropriation.
- Highlight Traditional Indigenous Foods: Incorporate Indigenous dishes rather than treating them as add-ons. For example, wild rice, bison, Three Sisters stew (a mix of corn, beans, and squash), and fry bread (with non-colonial recipes adapted away from government-given commodities) can enrich the menu with authentic context.
Example: A Decolonized Main Dish
| Dish | Traditional Ingredients | Symbolism/Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Braised Bison | Bison, cedar, wild herbs | Bison is central to many Great Plains cultures and was nearly driven to extinction in the colonial era. |
| Three Sisters Soup | Squash, maize, and beans | These crops were traditionally cultivated together by Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) farmers and represented mutual support. |
| Native Cranberry Relish | Wild cranberries, wild honey, rose hips | Native to North America and used in traditional medicine and cuisine before colonization. |
2. Acknowledge the Land
Before the meal begins, consider a land acknowledgment that pays respect to the Indigenous peoples on whose ancestral lands you currently reside.
A land acknowledgment should not be performative. It should be informed, spoken with sincerity, and backed by ongoing efforts to support Indigenous causes.
Example acknowledgment:
“Our gathering today occurs on the traditional homelands of the [insert tribal nation(s)] people. We recognize their enduring relationship with this land, as well as the legacies and ongoing impacts of colonialism. We commit to learning, supporting, and uplifting Native communities.”
Use resources like Native-Land.ca to identify appropriate Indigenous territories relevant to your area.
3. Educate Yourself and Others
Thanksgiving offers a powerful opportunity for learning. Share accurate narratives of Indigenous experiences and the history of colonization to deepen the meaning of the holiday for yourself and loved ones.
Resources to Use
- “Rethinking Thanksgiving” by the Zinn Education Project – Offers lesson plans and historical materials for educators.
- Books: Look into Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer or An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz.
- Videos: The short documentary “Our Spirits Don’t Speak English” explores the impacts of residential schooling and cultural erasure.
4. Support Indigenous-Owned Businesses
One of the most direct ways to decolonize your Thanksgiving is through economic action. Instead of buying pre-packaged, industrialized versions of Indigenous foods, opt for Indigenous-made and -sourced products.
Examples of Indigenous-owned companies:
- Sioux Chef: Offers recipes and supplies rooted in the pre-colonial Indigenous North American diet.
- Red Lake Nation Foods: Offers wild rice, maple syrup, and more from Native producers.
- Native American Natural Foods: Known for its Tanka bar, a bison and berry product rich in historical significance and nutrition.
Make a commitment to use Thanksgiving as a way to redirect economic power to Native communities, many of which face chronic poverty and food insecurity.
5. Adjust the Language
The words we use during Thanksgiving can subtly reinforce colonial stereotypes. For example, referring to the Pilgrims as the sole heroes of the holiday discounts the survival and resilience of Indigenous peoples.
Replace the phrase “Pilgrims and Indians” with more specific and accurate terms like “colonists and Wampanoag people.” Avoid broad generalizations about “Native Americans,” and instead include references to specific tribes and their histories.
Use precise, respectful language to talk about history and food, and reject terms that minimize the real violence of colonization or reduce Indigenous peoples to costumes or caricatures.
Creating Spaces for Dialogue
A decolonized Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t just change the physical aspects of the event; it also invites conversation and reflection among guests.
Encourage Honest Reflection
Thanksgiving has become synonymous with gratitude. But in a decolonized framing, gratitude should not only include appreciation for food and family, but also for the land—and a deep awareness of the histories that made our lives possible.
Start a short discussion prompt at the table:
- What role has land played in our lives?
- How can we give back this season?
- Whose history is often missing from holiday narratives?
The goal is not to shame or silence, but to open minds to the realities of history and the obligations of settler communities living on Indigenous lands.
Shift the Gratitude Tradition
Instead of having guests go around the table and name individual things they’re grateful for, consider a more structured and meaningful approach that might include:
- What are you grateful for about the earth or local ecosystems?
- What are you grateful for about Indigenous cultures today?
- What commitment can you make to support Native communities this year?
This reframing transforms personal gratitude into a more communal and justice-oriented reflection.
Long-Term Action: Beyond a Single Weekend
Decolonizing Thanksgiving mustn’t be a one-day act of allyship. It’s the beginning of a deeper, sustained journey toward anti-colonial awareness and support for Indigenous self-determination.
1. Commit to Indigenous Causes and Organizations
Supporting Indigenous community causes should be a lasting commitment. Consider financially supporting organizations like:
- First Nations Development Institute – Invests in economic development on Native lands.
- National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center – Supports tribal sovereignty and efforts to end gender-based violence.
- Indigenous Environmental Network – Focuses on climate justice and environmental sovereignty.
If you’re unsure where to begin, research how your community has historic or current ties to Indigenous communities and find ways to support them directly.
2. Learn About Local Indigenous Histories
Colonization affected tribes differently across the continent. Engage with local histories by:
- Attending Indigenous-led cultural events (e.g., powwows, storytelling nights).
- Reading historical accounts of the land before colonization.
- Visiting Indigenous museums, such as the First Americans Museum (Oklahoma) or the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian (Washington, D.C.)
This investment can transform your knowledge and empathy in ways that resonate beyond the holiday.
Transforming Thanksgiving into a Day of Acknowledgment and Action
At its core, Thanksgiving remains a cultural ritual about gathering and gratitude. But a decolonized Thanksgiving takes these values further. It allows us to honor the truth, make space for Indigenous voices today, and commit ourselves to justice in the present.
A Final Invitation
Decolonizing your Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t mean rejecting tradition—it means reimagining it. It might look like adding indigenous foods to your centerpieces, reading land acknowledgments, or listening more deeply to stories from peoples whose histories are too often ignored.
By doing so, you recognize the ongoing legacies of colonialism and support a more just, accurate, and inclusive future.
Whether you’re preparing cranberry sauce or choosing your holiday table linens, each decision can be a step toward reclaiming Thanksgiving as a day that truly honors all people—and all histories.
Remember, decolonization starts at home—but doesn’t end there. It’s a lifelong commitment to education, allyship, and accountability that reaches far beyond the dinner table.
What does it mean to decolonize Thanksgiving?
Decolonizing Thanksgiving means critically examining the traditional narrative surrounding the holiday and acknowledging the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization on Indigenous peoples. It involves moving beyond the mythologized story of harmonious relations between Pilgrims and Native Americans to recognize the violence, displacement, and cultural erasure that followed European colonization. The goal is to challenge dominant narratives, honor Indigenous perspectives, and engage in practices that support truth-telling and justice.
By decolonizing Thanksgiving, individuals and communities can create space for deeper reflection and learning. This might include educating oneself about the specific Indigenous peoples of the region where one lives, acknowledging land and its original stewards, and actively supporting Indigenous sovereignty and rights. Decolonization isn’t about canceling Thanksgiving but reshaping it into a more honest, inclusive, and respectful observance that centers Indigenous voices and histories.
How can I respectfully honor Native American history and culture at Thanksgiving?
One way to honor Native American history and culture during Thanksgiving is to actively seek out and share accurate histories beyond the common myths. This can include reading works by Indigenous authors, watching documentaries created by Native storytellers, and learning about tribal nations’ pre-colonial life and resistance to colonization. Hosting discussions or sharing facts at your gathering can also elevate consciousness and shift the tone of the holiday toward education and respect.
Additionally, consider incorporating contemporary Native voices and values into your celebration. Invite Native community members to speak if possible, support Indigenous-owned businesses and artists by purchasing goods or sharing their work, and consider making donations to Indigenous-led organizations. This helps move the focus from a static, outdated version of Native culture to one that recognizes Native resilience, innovation, and cultural continuity.
Why is it important to acknowledge the harm of colonialism during Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving carries deep historical and emotional weight for many Indigenous peoples, as it marks the beginning of a long history of colonization that caused widespread suffering, dispossession, and cultural genocide. Acknowledging this harm is essential for truth-telling and reconciliation. Without recognizing the reality of colonial violence, it’s difficult to honor the experiences and continuing presence of Indigenous peoples, or to build a more just and inclusive society.
By confronting the darker chapters of the nation’s past, non-Indigenous people can better understand their own roles and responsibilities in the present. Recognition of harm fosters empathy, invites accountability, and opens the door for solidarity actions. It also helps dismantle harmful stereotypes and reminds everyone that Indigenous peoples are not historical artifacts but thriving communities with ongoing contributions to modern society.
How can I include Indigenous foods in a Thanksgiving meal?
To include Indigenous foods in your Thanksgiving meal, start by researching pre-colonial and regionally appropriate ingredients native to the area where you live. Traditional foods might include items like wild rice, squash, beans, corn (especially heirloom varieties), game meats, freshwater fish, nuts, and berries. Cooking with these foods not only connects you to the land but also honors the deep agricultural knowledge and foodways of Indigenous peoples.
You can also seek out cookbooks or recipes by Indigenous chefs and food historians, like Sean Sherman, the founder of The Sioux Chef, who promotes pre-colonial diets. Supporting Native food businesses or incorporating modern Indigenous culinary interpretations can add authenticity and depth to your meal. The goal is not just to change the menu but to understand and appreciate the cultural significance of these foods in Native traditions and survival.
What are some ways to support Indigenous communities beyond the Thanksgiving season?
There are many ways to support Indigenous communities year-round. Educate yourself on the current issues facing Native populations, such as land rights, water sovereignty, missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW), and environmental justice. Engage with Indigenous-led movements and support organizations working for Indigenous rights, like the National Congress of American Indians, NDN Collective, or local tribal historic preservation offices.
You can also make meaningful, tangible contributions by purchasing from Native artists and entrepreneurs, attending cultural events, advocating for policy change that supports Native communities, and amplifying Indigenous voices on social media platforms. Decolonization is not a one-day observance but an ongoing process that requires sustained attention, learning, and action in all aspects of life.
How can conversations at the Thanksgiving table be more inclusive and honest?
Conversations at the Thanksgiving table can be made more inclusive and honest by planning in advance and setting an intentional tone for the gathering. Consider starting the meal with a land acknowledgment that identifies the original inhabitants of the area. This can be followed by inviting discussion about Indigenous histories and contemporary experiences, using prompts or resources to guide respectful dialogue.
It’s also useful to anticipate potential pushback from guests who may see the topic as divisive and to gently remind others that truth-telling is essential to healing and growth. Providing books, fact sheets, or curated media may help guests engage more deeply. When dialogue is informed, thoughtful, and respectful, it fosters empathy and shifts the narrative of Thanksgiving toward a more meaningful and inclusive celebration.
What are some alternative ways to celebrate Thanksgiving that align with decolonization?
An alternative way to celebrate Thanksgiving is to transform it into a day of reflection, education, and action. Rather than focusing only on gratitude and feasting, consider organizing or participating in community service that directly supports Indigenous peoples or local Indigenous-led initiatives. Hosting a teach-in with documentaries, readings, or guest speakers can provide a deeper understanding of Native issues and histories.
You can also celebrate Thanksgiving by centering Indigenous voices through storytelling, art, and food. Some families choose to rename or reframe the holiday, observing it instead as a National Day of Mourning or an Indigenous Peoples’ Day of Reflection. Ultimately, the goal is to shift the focus from myth and passivity to truth, respect, and active solidarity, creating a new tradition that honors the full history of the land and its people.