November 25, 2020
Exactly 400 years ago, the Mayflower was on its way to the shores of Turtle Island. Learn the story from the perspective of the Mashpee Wampanoag, who welcomed the settlers. As we celebrate and honor Native American Heritage Month, we know that the journey of learning right relationship, being an ally and accomplice, and doing the work of decolonization is a daily endeavor. We invite you to continue in your path of unlearning and learning, together in community, throughout this month and beyond.
The Mashpee are currently fighting for their land. Click here to read article: 400 Years After the 'First Thanksgiving,' the Tribe Who Fed the Pilgrims Continues to Fight for Their Land Amid Another Epidemic
Learning Right Relations is holding a special Thanksgiving Fundraiser, and inviting you to contribute towards a gift to the Mashpee-Wampanoag people. We are sending them 30# of smoked Nisqually salmon, a cost of $660. Please donate towards this effort by clicking here to donate via paypal or send checks payable to Learning Right Relations via mail c/o Doug Mackey, 5515 40th Ave SW, Olympia WA 98512. Please note "salmon" in memo.
Continue reading for related events & news:
Rethinking Thanksgiving: Taking Action for Indigenous Land Defense
Film & Discussion
Nov 26th - 12pm PST via zoom
Indigenous Solidarity Network and SURJ are hosting a call tomorrow, Thursday Nov. 26th on "Rethinking Thanksgiving: Taking Action for Indigenous Land Defense". They will screen the film Invasion, hear from special guest Molly Wickham, spokesperson of Gitdumden Clan, and connect and take action together.
Click here to register for this event.
Native America Series Screening
with Learning Right Relations
4 Sundays beginning November 29th
1:00pm PST via Zoom
Click here to register!
We are excited to be offering a special viewing opportunity with the Learning Right Relations of the recently released Native America PBS series. For four consecutive Sundays, we will be coming together to watch an episode from this series, followed by discussion. Click here for more information on this series, and stay tuned for further details!
2020 Womxn of Achievement Celebration POSTPONED
Please watch for announcement on new date & join us in honoring Earth-Feather Sovereign with our community for her amazing work!
DECOLONIZING "THANKSTAKING"
The holiday known as Thanksgiving has long been used to amplify false historical narratives that erase atrocities committed by settlers upon arriving on Turtle Island and perpetuate stereotypes of Native peoples. We can do better.
What can you do to take steps towards decolonizing your Thanksgiving this year?
One excellent place to start is to learn more of the real history. This will support you in starting conversations with friends and family about how we can shift our relationship to the myths surrounding this holiday. Click here to read article: On Thanksgiving: Why Myths Matter
For many Native Americans, this day is a reminder of the genocide of millions of Native people, the theft of Native lands, and the relentless assault on Native culture. It is observed as a National Day of Mourning, a day of remembrance and spiritual connection as well as a protest of the racism and oppression which Native Americans continue to experience. Click here for website for National Day of Mourning 2020.
For the Haudenosaunee (also known as the Iroquois Confederacy or Six Nations - Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, Onondaga, Seneca, and Tuscarora), Thanksgiving is a daily practice. The Ohen:ton Karihwatehkwen, or Thanksgiving Address, is their central prayer and invocation. This ancient message of peace and appreciation of Mother Earth and her inhabitants is said as a daily sunrise prayer and used to open and close every social and religious meeting. Click here to read more about Ohen:ton Karihwatehkwen.