Why I'm Never Celebrating Thanksgiving Ever Again!
After doing some extended research, reading, and viewing several documentaries, I have decided that I will no longer be participating in what we call Thanksgiving.
On this particular day, I will no longer participate in family Thanksgiving gatherings...
On this day, I will no longer uphold the traditional teachings and meaning of Thanksgiving…
Most people just follow along, close their eyes, and never question, read, or research anything further than what is presented to them.Tiffany Tene’
My true spiritual awakening in 2015, caused me to not only question everything that I had been taught,(because I have questioned before) but actually take the necessary steps that I personally need to take, while on my journey, to get rid of certain questionable habits and beliefs, that have been deeply ingrained within me.
Looking back over the past few years, I had really gotten tired of doing the same thing every Thanksgiving!
In the medical field, people always call off, and senior facilities are always extremely short on Holidays.
After so many years of getting called in on my off holidays, I started to actually look forward to making extra money, by working double and overnight shifts, during the Holidays.
When I started my small private senior care business, I used to always love assisting clients on Thanksgiving.
Also, in the past, my immediate family and I started to experiment, by eating non-traditional meals on Thanksgiving.
We began to try and make it a habit to feel blessed and thankful every single day.
So, I have already been getting prepared to cut the traditional story and ways of Thanksgiving completely off, but I guess at the time, I couldn’t quite understand the nagging feeling of not wanting to celebrate Thanksgiving anymore.
Book Source: The American Indian by Colin F. Taylor
I am one who can talk about the injustice of a people without feeling or showing hatred for a certain race, because I understand that it was not the whole entire race that individually lied, betrayed, cheated, stole, and murdered the original settlers of the Unites States.
I am not against Europeans, as I was raised in a predominantly caucasian neighborhood.
I have never experienced racial discrimination of any kind.
All of my European co-workers, friends, managers, and clients have always treated me as an equal, and have highly respected me as a business owner.
In my own personal life and experiences, my race has never been an issue.
Source: Movie-Dances with Wolves
But as far as historic facts are concerned, I personally feel as if I am betraying my Native American brothers, sisters, and family, if I know that something in their history has been twisted, and misleading.
Some may say and think that was a long time ago, let's just move on, “carry on now,” and forget about it.
History molds and shapes the future. It cannot be forgotten. Without understanding the past of any nation or tribe, we are lost.
While it is never healthy to constantly live and dwell in a sorrowful past, there are ways in which we can show respect.
What I will be doing on this day, and what you can also do in remembrance of the slaughtering of Native American Tribes:
I will bring out all of my Native American artifacts, including clothing, dolls, dream catchers, and feathers.
Burn Incense.
Sage would be ideal, but I just made this decision, so I am using what I have. Sandalwood.
Meditate and listen to Native American tribal music.
I have been doing this on a regular for a while now, but I imagine my mediation will be stronger, as I remember the lost and often forgotten tribes.
Gather around or dance by a fire.
Native Americans always seemed to gather by night fire, after a battle had been won, or while making crucial decisions.
Watch a Native American Documentary.
There are many great Native American Documentaries on PBS.org.
Watch a Native American classic or contemporary movie.
I just watched Dances with Wolves again. I love this movie! Lakota Woman is also good.
Eat a Native American Meal.
Native American staples are corn, beans, deer meat, cornbread, squash, pumpkin, wild rice, berries, and buffalo stew.
Place a picture of my great great grandmother by a candle.
My dad always tells me that in our family, the Cherokee women were just as strong as the Cherokee men, and that I have certain ways like my great grandmother.
Think of how I can live a more sustainable and natural life.
Native Americans are experts when it comes to preserving and living off the land.
Smoke a pipe!
Smoke a cigar, if you can't get a hold of a pipe!
Eat nothing.
Fast in remembrance of all of the slain Native American Tribes.
Do nothing as if it is a normal day.
Eat a normal meal, or dine out.
Support a Native American tribe by purchasing an authentic piece of jewelry, art, or artifact-or by visiting a Native American supported business.
Read books and articles written by Native Americans.
Read, and see things from the eyes of many different Native American tribes and leaders.
I met a 100% Apache Indian in Corpus Christi, Texas who worked at a store I used to always go in.
One day, as I was checking my items out, he said, “Every time you walk into the store, you remind me of my sister. You look just like her.”
Run-ins like this, in my eyes are not coincidental.
It's my ancestors letting me know that they are still with me.
Did you know that November is Native American Heritage Month?
