The widely shared narrative of Thanksgiving centers on a peaceful harvest celebration in 1621 between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people. However, this account omits critical parts of the Wampanoag experience and oversimplifies the relationship between Indigenous people and European settlers. The Thanksgiving story as we know it did not gain traction until the 1800s, when it became associated with American ideals, fueled by concepts like Manifest Destiny. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday, largely due to the advocacy of Sarah Josepha Hale, an influential magazine editor of the time.

The Wampanoag perspective reveals more of the story. While the Pilgrims celebrated their harvest with gunfire, it was the Wampanoag who investigated the disturbance, only then receiving an invitation to join the feast. They stayed for three days, marking a moment of peace that, unfortunately, would not last beyond the next few decades.

For nearly 40 years after that first gathering, the Wampanoag and Pilgrims coexisted peacefully. However, after the death of Chief Ousamequin in 1662, relations soured as the colonists continued to expand into Wampanoag land. This tension escalated into King Philip’s War in the 1670s, leading to devastating consequences for the Wampanoag and paving the way for English settlement expansion.

Incorporating this history into Thanksgiving allows us to honor a fuller picture of the holiday and the people it affects. This year, consider using resources like those from the Mayflower 400 Group to introduce family and friends to the Wampanoag’s story. Videos and educational materials can help illuminate the history often left out of traditional accounts. By sharing these perspectives, we don’t necessarily abandon the Thanksgiving celebration; rather, we enrich it, balancing gratitude with awareness and respect.

By engaging in these conversations, we can cultivate a deeper, more inclusive understanding of Thanksgiving—a day not only of gratitude but also of reflection on our shared history.