Feast of Gratitude: Embracing Thanksgiving with Native Americans for Sovereignty and Preservation (NASP)!

It is a privilege to engage with the Native Americans for Sovereignty and Preservation (NASP) during this Thanksgiving season—a festive time steeped in the American tradition that champions values of community and generosity. This period resonates with sharing and commemorating the varied histories that compose the fabric of our nation.

Historical figures like Tisquantum and Ousamequin exhibited the earliest form of hospitality to the pilgrims, a trait that continues if you think about it. In contemporary times, this welcome extends to embracing global influences, including everything from highly caffeinated drinks to binge-able streaming services, fast fashion, social media platforms, and popular gas station snacks. And with our casino buffets proudly offering Thanksgiving specials, it’s clear that we will continue to cherish and celebrate this holiday for many years to come. It is a modern continuation of outsider consumption.

Jokes aside, Thanksgiving is more than a mere harvest celebration; it symbolizes a long-standing tradition of gratitude and unity. This principle aligns with the vision of the Native Americans for Sovereignty and Preservation. As we indulge in our family favorites feast, let us remember the intention of this day was reserved for a Day of Thanks to God by President George Washington on November 26, 1789.

President Abraham Lincoln institutionalized Thanksgiving as an annual holiday in 1863, amidst the strife of the Civil War, designating it as a time to celebrate unity and the Union Army’s victory at Gettysburg. His proclamation was a call to gratitude and an aspiration for a united, peaceful nation. As we gather today, let’s reflect on the tenacity and collective strength that such unity and gratitude can foster.

Thanksgiving prompts us to count our many blessings—the love of family, the support of the community, and the expanding horizons of opportunity and access we are dedicated to enhancing. It reflects our united history and ongoing efforts toward a welcomed seat at the table and a prosperous future for all. We honor the physical harvests and the spiritual season of giving thanks to our Creator and the Holy Ones.

So, do Native Americans celebrate Thanksgiving? – Yes, we do. As we observe this Thanksgiving, we do so with a spirit of full-heartedness and an understanding that while we respect our traditions, we also embrace the varied contributions that enhance our nation. It’s an occasion to review our past transparently and approach our future with hope.

Together, we have much to be grateful for and aspire to. This Thanksgiving, let’s continue to express our gratitude and collaborate toward the sovereignty, preservation, and prosperity of all communities within our nation.