Six Antiracist Ways To Approach Thanksgiving In Your Classroom
Updated: Aug 7
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, many non-Native teachers and parents may be wondering how to ensure that this holiday (and I use that term lightly) is not celebrated in a harmful way, whether in the classroom, school-wide, or at home. While it is now widely understood that the traditional "Thanksgiving story" many of us learned was largely a lie, many non-Native parents and educators are often still unsure of what to teach in its place. Here are six antiracist ways to approach Thanksgiving in your classroom.
Six Antiracist Ways To Approach Thanksgiving In Your Classroom:
Read and discuss Indigenous perspectives about Thanksgiving.
Teach and discuss the National Day of Mourning.
Focus on cross-cultural traditions such as gratitude, family, and food.
Teach and discuss present-day Indigenous activism issues and cultural practices.
Learn about and cook with Native foods.
DO NOT use culture as a costume!! No paper headdresses, "Pilgrims and Indians," or other stereotypes that perpetuate historical myths and lies!
I'll break each point down into more specific suggestions, with some great book and resource recommendations below.
Looking for high-quality, developmentally appropriate, ready-to-print resources this November that doesn't just focus on turkey or harmful lies? Check out this Autumn-themed "November Is For Pies" Preschool/PreK resource from Love And Excellence!
Let's break each point down into some helpful specifics and action steps.
Antiracist Approach To Thanksgiving #1:
Read and Discuss Indigenous Perspectives About Thanksgiving
As a classroom teacher, whether my students were in 2nd grade or 6th grade, I loved reading this beautiful essay by Jacqueline Keeler as a class. It sparked excellent discussions and new understandings among the children, no matter what their age.
If you are looking for a picture book, a perfect place to start is with Keepunumuk by Danielle Hill, Alexis Bunten, Anthony Perry, and Garry Meeches, Sr. This text is an absolute gem, and offers readers an Indigenous perspective into the events leading up to the "First Thanksgiving." while centering both the Wampanoag people and the sacredness of our collective mother: Earth. I have had many valuable conversations with my own child based on this text, and I can't recommend it enough!
Antiracist Approach To Thanksgiving #2:
Teach and Discuss The National Day of Mourning
The National Day of Mourning has been recognized and observed every year since 1970. The United American Indians of New England describe the events on their website as "...a day of remembrance and spiritual connection, as well as a protest against the racism and oppression that Indigenous people continue to experience worldwide." Check out their website and tons more information about the National Day of Mourning here.
Antiracist Approach To Thanksgiving #3:
Focus on Cross-Cultural Traditions
Looking for a way to acknowledge the Thanksgiving holiday without perpetuating harm? Focus on gratitude, family, or food! Use picture books like We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell or Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Maillard as a launching point for literacy-based lessons and activities!
Antiracist Approach To Thanksgiving #4:
Center Current Indigenous Activism Issues and Cultural Practices
From the fight for clean water, to the Land Back movement, to the fight for authentic representation and the elimination of Native mascots, there are so many Indigenous activists and leaders calling us into solidarity today! Check out this great resource as a starting point for learning more about Native-led movements and Native-created work. Immerse yourself in learning, and it will naturally filter into your teaching!
Antiracist Approach To Thanksgiving #5:
Learn About and Cook with Native Foods
Whether growing, harvesting, cooking, or simply reading about it, centering Native foods in your Thanksgiving lessons and activities is a great way to uplift Indigenous traditions that still remain strong today. Check out the Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance and this article to learn more about the diverse Indigenous culinary world!
Antiracist Approach To Thanksgiving #6:
DO NOT Use Culture As A Costume!!
This really should be a no-brainer at this point, but yet, even in 2023, we see teachers facilitating activities that involve "Pilgrims and Indians," paper headdresses, DIY shirts with fringes, or even having a Thanksgiving "feast" that glorifies historical lies and the legacy of colonization. DON'T DO IT. If your school has problematic traditions, speak up! Ask why these activities are still deemed valuable, and question why the damaging effects of Native stereotypes on Native youth continue to be justified in the name of "tradition."
Looking for academic worksheets that are perfect for sub packs, take-home practice, morning work, centers, or Thanksgiving that don't encourage harmful stereotypes or historical inaccuracy? Check out this 2nd Grade Thanksgiving Skills Review Pack. Also available for 3rd Grade in the Love And Excellence TpT Shop!
Looking for antiracism resources to use with your students and children every single day? I would love for you to check out my Every Month Is For Antiracism resource!
Enjoyed these ideas and want some more free and meaningful resources?! I would love for you to check out the FREE Inclusive Toolkit for Early Childhood Classrooms and see how it inspires you to orient your classroom toward liberation and greater inclusivity!
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