It’s our job to see that the people coming ahead, the generations still unborn, have a world no worse than ours and hopefully better.
– Chief Oren Lyons, traditional Faithkeeper of the Turtle Clan

In the article, “How to Honor the Real Thanksgiving Story With Kids” on the Tinkergarten website, Meghan Fitzgerald offers a thoughtful guide for meaningful holiday conversations.

“We want our children to learn from and contribute to a world where all people feel seen, valued, and known…This is ongoing and important work to do all year round. Start by teaching children real stories and truths about Native and Indigenous peoples, both from the past and the present.” Fitzgerald suggests using resources like native-land.ca to explore the original caretakers of the land and reading books by Native authors to combat stereotypes and broaden children’s understanding.

The author points to outdoor play as an opportunity for learning. “As you are walking in a forest or along a river in your area, share something you’ve learned about the Native people who live/lived and what makes/made them special as a group or society.”

Acknowledging the tension between tradition and truth, she advises, “Don’t be afraid to share with children that there is more to the story. It’s important to help them understand that the familiar story that has been shared for a long time is over-simplified and, as such, can even be hurtful.” She encourages to help children ask, “Who is telling the story, and what is their perspective? How is this story different from other accounts and facts that we now know?” Fitzgerald underlines that this conversation need not replace gratitude, but can enrich it. “When we learn about the original caretakers of the land, we can express genuine thanks for their stewardship while practicing gratitude in our own ways.”