The following piece contains mentions of racism, forced assimilation, and violence. Here at FUNKY BROWN CHICK, we are committed to providing informative and respectful information. We recognize we live in a distressing world. As such, when we bring attention to injustices that you may or may not be aware of, please proceed cautiously and prioritize your well-being. Your mental and emotional health are important to us.
Ah, November! For many, this month is all about Thanksgiving and connecting with friends and family, marking the beginning of the holiday season. The holiday’s traditional narrative centers on that famous 1621 feast shared between the Pilgrims and Indigenous Americans – a moment often painted as the beginning of a harmonious relationship between European settlers and Indigenous peoples. But history tells a far different story.
We at FUNKY BROWN CHICK, Inc. understand that much of US history has been whitewashed, carefully curated to comfort rather than confront. The Thanksgiving story is perhaps one of the most striking examples of this selective storytelling. The reality that followed that first feast reveals a pattern of displacement, disease, and cultural destruction that would reshape the American continent.
The Untold Story of Thanksgiving
The aftermath of that first Thanksgiving unfolded like a slow-moving storm. European settlers, including those same Pilgrims who shared the feast, began a systematic process of colonization that pushed Indigenous peoples from their ancestral lands. This wasn’t simply a matter of newcomers seeking space – it was a calculated campaign of displacement that often turned violent. Communities that had thrived for generations found themselves forced from their homes, their sacred spaces, their hunting grounds.
The land theft came hand in hand with an invisible enemy: disease. European settlers brought more than their dreams and determinations to these shores – they carried pathogens like smallpox, against which Indigenous peoples had no immunity. These epidemics ravaged Indigenous communities, sometimes wiping out entire villages. The devastating loss of life made it even harder for Indigenous peoples to resist the increasing encroachment on their territories.
Even when Indigenous nations attempted to protect their rights through official channels, they found the system stacked against them. Treaties were signed with great ceremony, with Indigenous peoples often ceding vast tracts of land in exchange for solemn promises of protection and provision. Yet time and again, these treaties were violated, the promises broken as easily as autumn leaves underfoot.
Perhaps most insidious was the campaign of forced assimilation that followed. The U.S. government, building on European colonial practices, implemented policies designed to erase Indigenous cultures entirely. Children were torn from their families and sent to boarding schools, where they were forbidden from speaking their languages or practicing their traditions. The message was clear: survive by becoming like us, or don’t survive at all.
Reframing Our Understanding
This history doesn’t negate the modern celebration of gratitude and family that Thanksgiving has become for many Americans. Rather, it demands that we approach the holiday with eyes wide open, understanding that our present-day gatherings sit atop a complex and painful past. This recognition is why we now also observe Native American Heritage Month in November and why many communities have embraced Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Moving Forward with Awareness
Understanding this history isn’t about carrying guilt – it’s about carrying responsibility. As we gather around our tables this November, we have an opportunity to acknowledge the full truth of our shared history and consider how we can contribute to a more just future.
We encourage you to explore this history further at institutions like the National Museum of the American Indian and the Museum of Indigenous People. These spaces not only preserve the past but actively work to tell the complete story of Indigenous experiences in the United States – both the triumphs and the tragedies. Although this post specifically focuses on the history of Indigenous people, we also recommend you expand to many aspects of history and consider the following:
- National Liberty Museum
- Museu do Aljube
- Civil Rights Museum
- The Legacy Museum
- The National Memorial for Peace and Justice
Museums offer history, art, and culture and put the traditions of various groups on display. Our firm supports arts for social change – museums are the epitome of that. In some cases, particularly the museums mentioned that focus on resistance and freedom, attendants can partake in education for themselves and others to make a difference in the future. As the philosopher George Santayana said, “Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.”
We close our doors on Thanksgiving to celebrate and honor this important day. Our team hopes that as you celebrate Thanksgiving, you’ll do so as a lifelong learner in pursuit of justice and equity for all. If your organization is seeking to effect social change through the arts and education, we invite you to connect with us to explore how we might work together.
Your truth-seeking journey matters. Together, we can build a future that honors all our histories.
