1.13: The Untold Story of Thanksgiving
11/14/19 • 32 min
Thanksgiving is right around the corner and that means that us parents are faced with the question of what to tell our children about this (somewhat controversial) holiday. You probably remember having a part in the annual school play reenacting the “First Thanksgiving” and you know that’s no longer (and never was) appropriate because it paints a pretty inaccurate picture of what happened all those years ago. But if that’s not what happened, what did?
In this episode Jasmine shares what she’s learned about the untold story of what actually happened during that harvest festival in the autumn of 1621. She covers:
- The events leading up to the harvest festival, including the initial meeting between the Europeans and the Wampanoag people
- The role of Tisquantum (Squanto)
- The festival itself and the events that followed
- Sarah Josepha Hale-The Mother of Thanksgiving
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow-an American poet who carefully crafted the romanticized version of the Thanksgiving story
Be sure to tune in to the next episode for tips about how to use the untold story of Thanksgiving to paint a more accurate picture for your children.
Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode
“Why I’m Not thankful for Thanksgiving” by Michael Dorris
“Rethinking Columbus” (This book contains the article: “Plagues, Pilgrims, and the Truth About Thanksgiving” by James W. Loewen”)
Stuff You Missed in History Class podcast
Sidedoor: A Podcast from the Smithsonian, “That Brunch in the Forest”
Song Credit: “Away” by Geographer and “Beach Disco” by Dougie Wood
Thanksgiving is right around the corner and that means that us parents are faced with the question of what to tell our children about this (somewhat controversial) holiday. You probably remember having a part in the annual school play reenacting the “First Thanksgiving” and you know that’s no longer (and never was) appropriate because it paints a pretty inaccurate picture of what happened all those years ago. But if that’s not what happened, what did?
In this episode Jasmine shares what she’s learned about the untold story of what actually happened during that harvest festival in the autumn of 1621. She covers:
- The events leading up to the harvest festival, including the initial meeting between the Europeans and the Wampanoag people
- The role of Tisquantum (Squanto)
- The festival itself and the events that followed
- Sarah Josepha Hale-The Mother of Thanksgiving
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow-an American poet who carefully crafted the romanticized version of the Thanksgiving story
Be sure to tune in to the next episode for tips about how to use the untold story of Thanksgiving to paint a more accurate picture for your children.
Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode
“Why I’m Not thankful for Thanksgiving” by Michael Dorris
“Rethinking Columbus” (This book contains the article: “Plagues, Pilgrims, and the Truth About Thanksgiving” by James W. Loewen”)
Stuff You Missed in History Class podcast
Sidedoor: A Podcast from the Smithsonian, “That Brunch in the Forest”
Song Credit: “Away” by Geographer and “Beach Disco” by Dougie Wood
Previous Episode
1.12: The Face of DACA
In this episode we interview Ivan Aragon, a DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipient. Ivan is from Chihuahua, Mexico and came to the United States with his family when he was 9 years old. He shares his experience growing up as an undocumented immigrant in Phoenix, AZ. Listen to hear:
- Ivan’s powerful story of hope and hard work
- The difference between Hispanic & Latinx
- The DACA program, it’s requirements, and its impact on his life
- His experience in one of the top MBA programs in the country
- How parents can talk to their children about our neighbors who are undocumented
- How families can get involved in the Hispanic/Latinx community
- How we can be everyday activists and support people in our community who are undocumented
firstnamebasis.org
Song credit "Away" by Geographer and "Beach Disco" by Dougie Wood
Next Episode
1.14: How to Teach Your Children About Thanksgiving
So now that you know the untold story of Thanksgiving, how in the world do you teach your children about it?
Don’t worry one bit friend, I have 4 concrete things you can do to make sure you are being honest and inclusive this fall!
- Tell the real story of Thanksgiving.
- Share resources with your child’s teacher.
- Celebrate Native American Heritage Month.
- Research harvest festivals around the world.
Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode
First Name Basis Podcast, Season 1, Episode 13: “The Untold Story of Thanksgiving”
Harvest eBook and teacher resources by First Name Basis
American Indians in Children’s Literature blog
A list of books by and about Indigenous Peoples on the First Name Basis Bookshop
Song Credit: “Away” by Geographer and “Beach Disco” by Dougie Wood
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