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Dear Gary,

Unitarian Universalist theology and values call us to confront false myths of Thanksgiving history and reimagine our traditions as we acknowledge historical and present-day truths of white supremacist theft, violence, and genocide. As we live into Thanksgiving traditions of gathering with friends and family and sharing a meal, we must also recognize this day as a National Day of Mourning for Indigenous peoples across North America.  

In an excerpt of a reflection from Braver/Wiser entitled, A Cause for Thanksgiving? the Rev. Daniel Gregoire observes:

The mythos attached to that fateful day serves as the basis for the Thanksgiving holiday many of us will celebrate this week — although others will rightfully mark the holiday with mourning, and with tributes to the peoples who were nearly wiped out by imperialism. 

All of this converges into history that is still present and impossible to escape. Most of us are not Pilgrims, Puritans, Colonists or even Christian, yet the legacy of those traditions are still with us. They compose the roots of the institutions we have built up and sustain... 

This intersection of history and culture leaves me with ambivalence and discomfort, but it feels generative...This is our opportunity to reimagine what Thanksgiving could be — and by extension, who we could be.

May our gatherings at this time of year be a source of hope and strength and reflect the love that is at the center of our faith. This email offers resources for reflection and engagement as we continue to center BIPOC voices and experiences in our work to build Beloved Community.  

With you on the journey,

Rachel

An annual tradition since 1970, the National Day of Mourning (NDOM) is organized by the Native-led coalition United American Indians of New England. This solemn day for mourning Indigenous ancestors, the genocide of Indigenous peoples, and the theft of Indigenous lands takes place each year in Plymouth, MA on the American Thanksgiving holiday. Alongside this time to mourn, this is also a day to build strength through action and solidarity in support of Indigenous struggles across the Americas. 

UU Mass Action has been working in solidarity with Indigenous coalition partners in Massachusetts – acknowledged to be the traditional and unceded lands of the Massachusett, Mohican, Nauset, Nipmuc, Pawtucket, Pocumtuc, Wabanaki Confederacy and Wampanoag peoples – to dismantle systems of oppression that continue to harm BIPOC people. They offer a resource for spiritual preparation and reflection to mark the National Day of Mourning.

Unitarian Universalist commitments to anti-racism, truth-telling, and centering BIPOC experiences call us to examine the myths surrounding the story of the first American Thanksgiving. In an excerpt from the essay, "Stolen Lands, Stolen Children," in the UUA's WorshipWeb online library, the Rev. Myke Johnson reveals how the actual history of the Thanksgiving story is a cause for mourning for Indigenous communities as well as the white, settler colonial population. Explore the true history of the Thanksgiving story that gave rise to the American holiday tradition.

UUs voted to pass the Business Resolution, "Thanksgiving Day Reconsidered,” in 2016, in part out of a recognition of the historical role that Unitarian Universalists had in developing the American Thanksgiving holiday, as well as a values-based commitment to work for peace and justice for all. From 2016-2021, UUs committed to education, careful reflection, and healing with special attention given to the suffering, indignity, and loss that Native peoples have suffered since the early 1600s.

At General Assembly in 2020, UUs voted to pass the Action of Immediate Witness, “Address 400 Years of White Supremacist Colonialism.” 2020 marked the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower voyage that brought white settlers to North America and led to the subsequent enslavement, removal, and genocide of Indigenous peoples across the continent. The vote expressed Unitarian Universalists' commitment to work for justice in solidarity with Indigenous communities and to examine narratives and practices regarding U.S. origins and holidays including Thanksgiving.

During this period of reimagination, reflection, healing, and truth-telling, Unitarian Universalists have created a variety of resources for use in worship, small groups, and beyond. Explore reimagined Thanksgiving spiritual content including prayers, songs, stories, and even a full worship service, available through the UUA’s WorshipWeb online library.