The traditional narrative of Thanksgiving often evokes images of shared meals and gratitude between early European settlers and Native Americans. However, for a significant indigenous community, the Wampanoag people, this historical event and its commemoration represent a deeply complex and often painful legacy. Just over 400 years ago, the Mayflower arrived in Cape Cod, marking the beginning of a profound transformation for the indigenous inhabitants of the land. While the widely celebrated story suggests a harmonious feast in 1621, a different account is carefully preserved and shared by the Wampanoag, who have continuously inhabited the region for millennia. This differing perspective is critically explored in the accompanying video, shedding light on what is observed by many Wampanoag as a Day of Mourning rather than a day of celebration.
The divergence in historical understanding centers on the initial interactions between the colonists and the Wampanoag. It is understood that following a successful first harvest for the colonists, celebratory cannon fire drew the attention of the Massasoit Ousamequin, who, accompanied by 93 warriors, investigated the commotion. Subsequently, an invitation was extended to them to join the colonists’ harvest celebration. This event is frequently depicted as a grand, unifying feast where the Pilgrims expressed gratitude to the Native Americans. However, according to Wampanoag oral tradition and historical understanding, the interaction was less a direct invitation of thanks and more a matter of circumstance, where the Wampanoag happened upon a celebration already underway. This nuanced interpretation forms the foundation for the Wampanoag perspective on Thanksgiving, emphasizing the initial encounter before the widespread impacts of colonization unfolded.
The Devastating Impact of Colonization on the Wampanoag People
The arrival of European settlers heralded an era of immense hardship for the Wampanoag and other indigenous nations. A staggering 90% of the Wampanoag population is reported to have disappeared following their initial contact with Westerners. This catastrophic decline was primarily attributed to the introduction of foreign diseases, against which Native Americans had no natural immunity, leading to widespread epidemics. Furthermore, direct conflicts and wars with the settlers also contributed significantly to the loss of life and land.
The consequences of colonization extended far beyond population decimation. The Wampanoag, who are known as the “People of the First Light,” experienced drastic reductions in their ancestral lands. While they were eventually federally recognized in 2007, the territory granted to them as a reserve today constitutes less than 1% of their historical domain. Currently, the Wampanoag tribal lands, spread across parcels in Taunton, Mashpee, and Middleboro, collectively amount to approximately 300 acres. This significant loss of land, coupled with cultural suppression and systemic injustices, has left an enduring impact on the community, shaping their interpretation of historical events like Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving: A Day of Mourning and Remembrance
For many Wampanoag, the fourth Thursday in November, recognized by the broader American public as Thanksgiving, is observed as a National Day of Mourning. This tradition began in 1970 when Wampanoag leader Wamsutta Frank James was invited to speak at a bicentennial celebration of Thanksgiving. His prepared speech, which detailed the true history from a Native American perspective, was deemed too controversial and he was prohibited from delivering it. In response, James and his supporters gathered at Cole’s Hill in Plymouth, Massachusetts, to commemorate the suffering and resilience of their people, marking the first official Day of Mourning.
The Day of Mourning serves as a solemn occasion to remember the ancestors who perished, to reflect on the ongoing struggles for justice and sovereignty, and to highlight the true history of Native Americans. It is a day when the Wampanoag and their allies gather not for feasting, but for a powerful demonstration of resistance and remembrance. This annual event underscores the profound generational trauma inflicted by colonization and acts as a powerful counter-narrative to the romanticized version of Thanksgiving often taught in schools.
Preserving Wampanoag Culture and Identity
Despite the historical adversities, the Wampanoag people, numbering between 2,500 and 3,000 individuals living around Mashpee, are actively engaged in preserving and revitalizing their rich cultural heritage. Efforts are being made by tribal members, such as Talia Landry, a guidance counselor for tribal youth, and artisans like Ciara Oakley-Robbins, to sustain traditional practices, crafts, and the Wampanoag language. The making of traditional instruments from wood and horn, for instance, is an art form that has been passed down through generations. These cultural practices are not merely hobbies; they are vital acts of resistance and identity formation, ensuring that the ancient knowledge and skills of the Wampanoag continue to thrive.
Language revitalization is another cornerstone of cultural preservation. The Algonquian language of the Wampanoag, which was once considered long lost, is being given new life through dedicated programs and community efforts. This involves teaching the language to younger generations, as it is understood that language is intrinsically linked to culture, history, and a people’s worldview. Elders, like Darrel Wixon, are indispensable guardians of these memories and traditions, sharing their knowledge and stories to educate both tribal youth and the wider public.
The True Meaning of Giving Thanks in Wampanoag Tradition
It is important to acknowledge that the concept of giving thanks is deeply ingrained in Wampanoag culture, predating European contact. However, it is fundamentally different from the settler-derived holiday. For the Wampanoag, gratitude is an ongoing practice, observed daily and throughout the year in various ceremonies and gatherings, reflecting a profound connection to the land and community. Toddie Coombs articulates this beautifully by stating, “We’re thankful for waking up. We’re thankful that we’re able to see each other. We’re thankful that we’re still a people.”
Traditional Wampanoag thanksgiving ceremonies often revolve around harvests, births, and the renewal of life. These occasions are marked by communal meals, storytelling, and the reaffirmation of collective identity. Such events are seen as honoring the past, celebrating the present generation, and looking forward to the future, including the “babies who are not here yet.” The settlers, in fact, borrowed the tradition of harvest festivals from the Wampanoag, albeit adapting it to their own cultural context. For the Wampanoag, these are authentic expressions of gratitude for existence, community, and the natural world, untainted by the historical trauma associated with the colonial Thanksgiving.
Educating for a More Truthful Future
The journey toward federal recognition in 2007 was a significant, albeit late, step for the Wampanoag, symbolizing a partial acknowledgement of their inherent sovereignty and existence. Yet, the fight for justice and complete land restoration continues. The educational efforts undertaken by the Wampanoag are crucial for fostering a more accurate and inclusive understanding of history. Children are taught not only their ancestral language and traditions but also the critical importance of speaking up when historical narratives presented in schools are inaccurate or uncomfortable.
This proactive approach to education empowers Wampanoag youth to challenge prevailing myths and advocate for truth. It is a testament to their resilience and determination to ensure that the sacrifices of their ancestors are never forgotten, and that future generations are equipped with a complete and truthful understanding of their heritage. The enduring presence and activism of the Wampanoag serve as a powerful reminder that the story of Thanksgiving is far more complex than often presented, necessitating a deeper engagement with the indigenous perspective on this significant day of commemoration and reflection.
Thanksgiving: Festival or Mourning? Your Questions Answered
What does Thanksgiving mean to the Wampanoag people?
For the Wampanoag, the fourth Thursday in November is observed as a National Day of Mourning, reflecting a painful legacy rather than a celebration.
Why do the Wampanoag observe a Day of Mourning?
They observe it to remember the devastating impact of colonization, including widespread disease, loss of land, and conflicts that followed European settlement.
When did the Day of Mourning tradition begin for the Wampanoag?
This tradition started in 1970 when a Wampanoag leader, Wamsutta Frank James, was prohibited from sharing the Native American perspective at a Thanksgiving bicentennial event.
Do the Wampanoag have their own way of giving thanks?
Yes, gratitude is a central part of Wampanoag culture, expressed daily and through various ceremonies tied to harvests and community throughout the year, predating European arrival.