Yatibaey Evans. Photo from National Indian Education AssociationYatibaey Evans, an Alaska Native educator and the president-elect of the National Indian Education Association, urges a fuller teaching of Thanksgiving:
Like the misconceptions of Columbus, the truth about Thanksgiving is often left out of children’s education. Turkeys line hallways; happy Pilgrims and Wampanoag are featured in projects and glamorized in stories. Over the years, the real Thanksgiving story that included thievery and death of a people was recreated to tell only a happy story. A happy story makes us feel good. Is telling a lie perpetuating happiness or rather covering a frightful truth in hopes of creating assimilated citizens? Stopping to give grace or be thankful is not bad, but maybe by telling a fuller story we can open opportunities for healing dialogues. As a teacher, I know that the majority of my fellow educators have positive intentions and are required to follow the curriculum. It takes effort, time and energy to go above and beyond the requirements of today’s academic objectives. For all who endeavor to change what is taught in our schools, you must be willing to give of yourself, to stay up late, to think a little harder and bring forth that extra effort. We have grown up in a time where we know the truth, we know what injustices are, and we know we can make a difference. I call on teachers, parents and grandparents to share a fuller truth, shine light on a fuller picture. By tending the soil for deeper roots we sow the seeds of stronger plants; and we can transform a generation of people.Get the Story:
Yatibaey Evans: Let’s All Tell the True Story About Thanksgiving (The New York Times 11/25) More Room for Debate:
Esther Storrie: An Inquiry-Based Education Approach to Thanksgiving (The New York Times 11/25)
Robert Tracy McKenzie: Does Thanksgiving Even Belong in Schools? (The New York Times 11/25)
Richard Pickering: To Understand the Past, Visit a Living History Museum (The New York Times 11/25)
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