"Our Native Americans celebrated a day of thanksgiving long before those settlers came to the New World. And their ancestors continue to offer up gratitude and humility to a generous God and to a bountiful nature.

While most Americans are enjoying traditional foods, many of which were introduced by those Native Americans to the Pilgrims, the descendents of those original Indians are celebrating also.

Each harvest season there are numerous celebrations by Native Americans who still retain the respect and reverence for their forefathers. One of the most famous is held at the Cherokee Reservation in Cherokee, N.C. Here visitors have an opportunity to partake in familiarizing themselves with the culture and traditions of the Cherokee tribe. The festivities go on for a week and are held on the grounds of the Cherokee Nation Museum.

The Cherokee demonstrate many ancient rites, and there are archery and blowgun competitions as well as games of Indian stickball.

There are a number of traditional Indian foods that are now part of our cuisine."

Get the Story:
Doris Reynolds: Indian traditions informed holiday (The Naples Daily News 11/23)