Add Wampanoag Culture for Thanksgiving FUN!
Last modified on 2009-09-14 14:37:07 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
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At some point during the day you might choose to add New England Native Indian games or legends for a great touch of indigenous America. Plus, don’t forget to add captivating Algonquin Native customs to the way you greet family as they come in, or how you seat your guests. You can even charm your guests with an authentic Wampanoag place setting (or two) at the table. (Who will be the lucky guest to use the setting?
)You also might want to teach a few choice Wampanoag words so your guests can entertain one another throughout the day!
Then, just enjoy observing how a new enthusiasm for Thanksgiving comes alive with the addition of historical reality.
All the cultural ideas, how-to’s, and resource suggestions you’ll need are found in The American Patriot’s Treasury of Historical Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas, Second Edition.
The best part about participating in this Reality Thanksgiving Revolution is that in taking the opportunity to include Wampanoag culture on Thanksgiving, you’re proactively helping to end the native stereotypes long held in our public mind. In time our Native Peoples will thank you for reaching out in this way.
Tags: american indian cultural, legends native, native american culture history, native american and culture, traditions american
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Historical Tie-ins: African & Spanish Culture
Last modified on 2009-10-10 21:45:32 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
AFRICAN
No mention is made in primary historical source documents of any African persons in attendance during the 1621 Plymouth feast. However, Africans were present on American soil as a result of the slave trade.
The first recorded slave ship to make port in the English colonies was a Dutch vessel that conducted trade in Jamestown in 1619. However, Africans could have arrived on American soil even earlier since there was a well established 56-year old Spanish settlement at that time located southward in what is now modern day Florida.
Some ways to creatively acknowledge this part of our American story might include making, wearing, altering, or trading items that would have been used to purchase slaves at African ports. Such things as:
- Trade beads, which were large glass beads, not seed beads
- Pewter or silver spoons
- Iron and brass items such as pots and pans
Side table decorations might also include these items, or shockingly highlight “the price of a man in 1621.”
In our family we do not hesitate to shock with the historical truth. It honestly makes us more grateful for our social progress on Thanksgiving Day!
SPANISH
Mary and Phillip, courtesy Wiki Commons
Although the Spanish were also not present at the 1621 thanks-giving feast of Plymouth, in that time period they were well established in what is now Florida. It is a misnomer that Plymouth is our second surviving American settlement, and that 1607 Jamestown is our first. Our true first surviving “colony” on present day American soil was/is Florida’s St. Augustine, which was founded in 1565 by the Spanish.
Spain’s widowed King Phillip, who had been married to “Bloody Mary” of England (in 1554 for political purposes only), sought to claim territory in the Americas in order to expand his crown, and promote Catholicism.
With this in mind, some tie-ins for Reality Thanksgiving remembrances might include period Spanish decor, costumes (which looked essentially like the English), or early Catholic symbolism.
Note: Elaborate and beautiful 17th century Spanish flintlock pistol replicas are available on the market today. You can google to find them, or you may be able to find them on eBay. We found this replica at: A2armory.com/flintlocks/spn17flt.htm
17th Century Spanish Flintlock Pistol, courtesy A2Armory.com
Tags: ideas thanksgiving, spanish thanksgiving, happy thanksgiving spanish, ideas thanksgiving, america diversity in, alternative thanksgiving, unique thanksgiving, african american thanksgiving, all american thanksgiving
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Ancient Pottery Techniques, Southwest
Last modified on 2010-03-19 14:49:29 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
One of the activities encouraged for Thanksgiving cultural exchange is the making and use of Wampanoag-style clay cooking pots. It is a unique alternative for Thanksgiving arts and crafts, and fun for all ages.
The following video sampling depicts clay gathering in the desert southwest. Clay sources will be different in different parts of the country, however the paddling and forming technique demonstrated here is very similar to that used by early Wampanoag pot makers.
The following video is an informative introduction clip. The full instructional DVD can be purchased by emailing artist Tony Soares directly at Native Clays [ @ ] yahoo . com (remove spaces and brackets). You can also contact him through Myspace.com/NativeClays.
It is possible to make a round or egg-shaped pot base without a form pot to start with (as shown in the video). It just takes more patience and time. Coil pinching will get the job done.
If gathering natural clay in your area is a mystery, you can begin with buying modern clays through art supply chains. Which food-safe clays to use, and where to buy them online are provided in The American Patriot’s Treasury of Historical Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas, Second Edition
Tags: decorating ideas thanksgiving, activities for kids thanksgiving, thanksgiving unique, alternative thanksgiving, native american and culture, make clay pot, art projects for thanksgiving, ideas thanksgiving, american living history, new england native american, algonquin native
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The Thanksgiving Voice of Native America
Last modified on 2009-09-20 14:36:48 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
For quite some time now, American Indian groups have been asking Euro-centric America to please include Native history in school textbooks, and in Thanksgiving holiday “remembrances.” Native America is also asking Americans to be aware of the differences between the 500+ indigenous tribes, and to understand the difficulties imposed by the Plains Indian stereotype perpetuated, in part, by the traditional observances of the national Thanksgiving holiday.
Additionally, Euro-centric America is being asked to extend a little more as good neighbors.
The problem is that while most Native persons in US territories express appreciation for the good will that stems from the national Thanksgiving holiday observance, if we listen to what Native Peoples are saying the rest of the year, we find that Thanksgiving hasn’t really been an effective platform for good will; we still have a large segment of our Native population that feels forgotten and ostracized.
Let Thanksgiving take on a new assignment of honoring and blessing our Native Peoples. Take the time to look in on your Native neighbors, and get to know their current concerns. And by all means, learn the controversial history that has so long been withheld in our K-12 classrooms.
Most importantly, listen. Yes, what Native America has to say to Euro-centric America might be critical, but constructive criticism is always valuable. For example, it is Native America who has pointed out to Euro-centric America that we are generally ignorant of our national history. Being first to listen may be uncomfortable, but it is the beginning of wisdom, and potentially the beginning of better cross-cultural relationships in this country.
We can do this America!
Tags: native stereotypes, american indian today, traditions american
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Support New Native American Heritage Day
Last modified on 2009-11-02 13:48:28 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
After a short-notice officiation of a one-time-only Native American Heritage Day observance on the Day after Thanksgiving in 2008, many Native groups lost hope for recognition of their contributions to American society. The disappointment was profound in the blog-o-spere.
As of October 2009 few Americans at all – be they Native or Euro-centric – have heard the good news that as of June of 2009 Congress enacted the holiday as a permanent observance.
This is a wonderful cause for celebration among our Native Peoples!
Ways to show your kind support might include postponing “Black Friday” to “Black Saturday”; attending celebrations put on by American Indians in your state; making a poster to hang in a home window (being mindful of Plains Indian stereotypes); and giving gifts, cards and words of congratulations to Native friends.
To learn more about our Native Peoples visit:
Squidoo.com/OurNativeAmericanNeighbors
# # #
Tags: no columbus day, columbus day protest, american indian today, national heritage day, indigenous peoples day, native american heritage day
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Making Our “All-American” Holiday All-American
Last modified on 2009-09-15 00:58:12 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
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Today there are aired concerns that Thanksgiving is no more than a white supremacist holiday, and hardly “all-American.” But it sure doesn’t have to be that way.
One way to make our “all-American” Thanksgiving holiday truly all-American is to re-introduce our real American history, warts and all. American living history in the home for Thanksgiving is a FUN way to do just that!
The best part about a holiday makeover (Reality Thanksgiving Revolution) is that it can spark curiosity where interest in our history is otherwise dormant or dead. Hands down, curiosity is a better way to learn history.
Get great multi-cultural living history ideas for Thanksgiving in The American Patriot’s Treasury of Historical Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas , Second Edition.
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A Gift to Our Native Neighbors
Last modified on 2009-09-15 15:20:01 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Just as on certain famous early occasions when Native Peoples chose not to judge harshly, but to help European settlers in trouble, so can Euro-centric America return like-kindness today for Thanksgiving.
Ideas Thanksgiving .com is sponsoring an annual drive to support Nation Relief Charities, The American Indian Education Foundation, and other programs serving our American Indian populations, primary among the 40% still living on reservations.
As we are not a 501K non-profit we cannot take straight donations, but we can sell goods and donate half our proceeds to good causes (50% is the maximum allowed by IRS for a for-profit organization).
At our Cafepress.com/SetThePastFree shop you can get great stuff that spreads awareness all year long, and that blesses Native folks in need.
Set The Past Free http://www.cafepress.com/SetThePastFree.387856575
PS – When we make donations we will always include a written note expressing our love and concern for Native Peoples, and we will sign it from our site visitors across America. Then we’ll come back here to this post and let you know what has transpired.
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Squidoo.com/OurNativeAmericanNeighbors
Last modified on 2009-09-24 00:48:10 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
As it is impossible to include all of our American history here, especially as it relates to our Native Peoples, IdeasThanksgiving.com has provided a free public service lens which focuses on the Euro-American- to- American Indian relationship. It opens with a concise explanation of our historical breakdown, and then explores ways to bridge the divide between modern cultures.
One thing that is particularly useful on the lens is a “best of the best” list for recommended reading.
Our 5/5-star free public service Squidoo lens is available at www.Squidoo.com/OurNativeAmericanNeighbors .
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Join Facebook Discussion Group on American Indians
Last modified on 2009-09-28 21:15:38 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
September 28, 2009: We have opened a new Facebook discussion group titled, American History & Interracial Hope. This discussion group explores the Euro-centric American – to – American Indian relationship. We tackle the tough topics, like genocide, A.I.M. activities, and K-12 history textbook whitewashing.
To view or join in the discussion you will need to have a Facebook account. Once in use the search field to look for our group title.
Native America believes “Nobody cares,” when in fact Euro-centric America simply doesn’t know how to cross the divide. Through honest and open discussion we can begin to build bridges, and create new beginnings for this great multi-cultural country.
We do care about you Native America. We want to see you healed, and assured that a better, more tolerant Euro-centric America has emerged and finally turned her eyes toward you.
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America’s First Permanent Slave Ship Museum
Last modified on 2009-10-04 23:25:12 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
America has quite a few slave plantation museums in the south, but we have yet to open a permanent slave ship museum, or a national museum dedicated to slave trade history (although the Amistad, which is a replica of the famous cargo ship used in the slave trade, is a close contender).
If there’s any issue that America needs to better understand and talk about, it’s the slave trade. Not only did it touch the Thanksgiving story, but it has wounded us more than just about any other issue in our history.
Since Squanto learned to speak English because of his brush with the slave trade, and because his English is what made the 1621 feast possible, I would love to see a permanent floating slave ship museum right next to our beautiful Mayflower II at the Plimoth Plantation in Massachusetts.
What do you think? Take our opinion poll here:
(Please only vote once per email address – thanks!)
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Lacrosse or Football on Thanksgiving?
Last modified on 2009-09-15 15:43:17 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Oh, America does love her football! Football on Thanksgiving Day would be a hard tradition to break for some, especially given how boring the traditional holiday is otherwise.
Even though we love our football, wouldn’t it be awesome if we could alternatively watch old-world Lacrosse tournaments instead?
Not only would I personally enjoy it as much as football, but I would especially love to see Native youth from across America benefit by the financial opportunities that it could bring.
What do you think? Share your opinion here:
(Please only vote once per email address – thanks!)
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Native Legends for Thanksgiving
Last modified on 2009-10-04 20:40:26 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Real Native legends make great Thanksgiving stories for kids, although adults can be equally as fascinated by them. As the 1621 feast lasted three full days, I can fathom the likelihood that Native legends were shared around camp fires. Language barriers would not have prevented their telling, any more than certain English activities were halted by language barriers. So tell away!
As IdeasThanksgiving.com finds sources of Native legends or traditions that have relevance to Thanksgiving we will post them here. These tribe traditions or legends may originate from tribes other than those of the Wampanoag. Do remember to differentiate when you share as it helps raise awareness of tribal diversity, which in turn helps dispel Plains Indian stereotyping.
Iroquois and Seneca Legends of Corn Husk Dolls:
http://www.snowwowl.com/naartcornhuskdolls.html
The Legend of the Gift of Maize (from a historical New England document):
The American Patriot’s Treasury of Historical Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas (Second Edition), page 88.
A List of 1400 Native Legends, Classified by Tribe or Nation
http://www.firstpeople.us/FP-Html-Legends/Legends-AB.html
Tags: legends native, tribe traditions, american indian cultural, ideas thanksgiving, native stereotypes, native americans stereotypes, wampanoag thanksgiving
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Tags: american indian cultural, legends native, native american culture history, native american and culture, traditions american, native stereotypes, american indian today, wampanoag thanksgiving, algonquin native, the amerindians, wampanoag music, euro centric, ethnic and diversity, thanksgiving african
Posted August 31, 2009 by Admin
