Belonging November Resource

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, we’d like to share two resources that offer deeper insights into the holiday’s origins and its contemporary significance to our diverse and dynamic campus community.

1. “The Invention of Thanksgiving” - A brief (5-minute) video from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian exploring how modern Thanksgiving traditions evolved and what makes the holiday meaningful to many.
2. “Truthsgiving: The True History of Thanksgiving” - A toolkit from DoSomething offering historical narratives, personal stories from Native/Indigenous perspectives, and guidance for supporting Indigenous communities.

As you review these materials, consider:

• What stories shaped your understanding of Thanksgiving, and how has your perspective evolved?
• How do we create inclusive spaces for dialogue about complex historical narratives?

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of belonging on our campus. As November draws to a close, let’s continue creating spaces where we can learn from each other’s stories and experiences.