A Royal Truth: Indigenous People's Take on Thanksgiving

We invited Native Americans to respond to the word "Thanksgiving." These are their responses.

The writers and content creators at ELLE invited Native Americans to do one word association with the word "Thanksgiving".  While many answered the call to associate the first word that came to their minds with the word "family", others gave more truthful responses, such as "romanticized", "horror", "massacre", and "lies".

As MANY black Americans have Native American roots, I am sure that MANY share the same sentiments as the individuals in the video.  The concept of celebrating gratefulness is beautiful.  However, the horrific origins of this national holiday's existence have more recently begun to overshadow that calling to be thankful.  

I hope that knowing a little more truth and personal perspective does not get you down on another day full of grace and mercies to celebrate your family.  Just keep the truth in the back of your mind.  

Source:

Video: Friedman, M. elle.com. "Watch This Important Reminder of Thanksgiving's Dark Origins". 11/25/2015. http://www.elle.com/culture/career-politics/news/a32138/native-americans-react-thanksgiving-christopher-columbus/ Accessed: 11/25/2015