Are our history books correct?

(Exerpts taken from John Two-Hawks)

Unfortunately the history books don't have Thanksgiving quite right.

Thanksgiving did not begin as a great loving relationship between the pilgrims and the Wampanoag, Pequott and Naragonsett. In fact, in October of 1621 when the pilgrim "survivors" of their first winter on Turtle Island sat down for the first "unofficial" Thanksgiving meal, the Indians who were there were not even invited! There was no squash, cranberries, pumpkin pie or turkey. A few days before this feast took place, a group of pilgrims led by Miles Standish actively sought the head of a local Indian leader and an 11 ft high wall was built around the pilgrims to keep the Indians out.

Officially the holiday we know as Thanksgiving actually came into existence in the year 1637. Governor Winthrop of the Massachusettes Bay Colony proclaimed this first official day of Thanksgiving and feasting to celebrate the return of the colny's men who has survived the slaughtering of 700 Pequot men, women and children in Connecticut. Mr. Winthrop decided to dedicate a day of thanksgiving and feasting to give "thanks" to their victory.

As hard as it is to conceive of, this is the actual origin of our Thanksgiving Day holiday. Many American Indian people do not observe this holiday. I do not see anything wrong in gathering with family to give thanks to our creator for all of his blessings and sharing a meal. I do however, hope that Americans as a whole will reflect on the pain, loss and agony of our indigenous people who suffered at the hands of the pilgrims.

I know my family will.