Megan Tusler

Hey fellow Natives! On this most unsettling of “holidays,” a few gentle suggestions:

1. People will probably be showing up at your house today. I understand your reluctance to let them in. But this time they’ve almost certainly brought food! And no pestilence. Or maybe just less pestilence.

2. Should anyone say, “Hey, I didn’t know Indians celebrated Thanksgiving!” remind them that we invented the whole concept. The “holiday” is based around a harvest celebration, remember?

3. If anyone expresses ambivalence about celebrating a holiday that reminds them of how “we” killed “all” the Indians, feel free to retreat to the kitchen to stab some pies.

4. Give thanks for the things that are important to you, however you see them. I, for one, am thinking of you and all my fellow tribespeople today.

[Blog 13 of Native American Heritage Month, by Megan Tusler, first daughter, Wahk-O-Apa]