Public Awareness and Advocacy Committee: Advocating for a Decolonized Thanksgiving

Abstract

Thanksgiving is deeply ingrained in North American culture, often associated with family gatherings, delicious food, and expressions of gratitude.

But the history of Thanksgiving is also intertwined with colonialism, oppression, and violence against Indigenous peoples. It is crucial that children’s librarians take steps to decolonize Thanksgiving and promote a more accurate and inclusive understanding of the holiday. The lived experiences and ongoing struggles of Indigenous peoples need to be acknowledged and honored.