My generation, the Baby Boomers, grew up with one version of Thanksgiving Truth: the Pilgrims joined with the Indians after a year of extreme hardship to share a meal in celebration of, and in gratitude for, their mutual survival. The Indians got religion; the Pilgrims got food. Good times!
Overlooked was the part that came next. Within 50 years, the Native American population of the Plymouth area was almost completely exterminated by war, sold into slavery, or driven from their land. So began the long, bloody, and sad history of America’s brutal dominance of those who came before us, a dominance justified with the words, Manifest Destiny. As a great-granddaughter of 19th century European pioneers to Colorado, my personal pride in a trail-breaking heritage mingles with great national shame. It’s a complex internal conflict not easily resolved.
Is there hope for more national healing and better understanding under an Obama Administration? There are some promising signs.
Obama’s October 24, 2008 statement on a Full Partnership with Indian Country:
"For 20 months now, I’ve traveled this country, often talking about how the needs of the American people are going unmet by Washington. And the truth is, few have been ignored by Washington for as long as American Indians. Too often, Washington pays lip service to working with tribes while taking a one-size-fits-all approach with tribal communities across the nation.
Overlooked was the part that came next. Within 50 years, the Native American population of the Plymouth area was almost completely exterminated by war, sold into slavery, or driven from their land. So began the long, bloody, and sad history of America’s brutal dominance of those who came before us, a dominance justified with the words, Manifest Destiny. As a great-granddaughter of 19th century European pioneers to Colorado, my personal pride in a trail-breaking heritage mingles with great national shame. It’s a complex internal conflict not easily resolved.
Is there hope for more national healing and better understanding under an Obama Administration? There are some promising signs.
Obama’s October 24, 2008 statement on a Full Partnership with Indian Country:
"For 20 months now, I’ve traveled this country, often talking about how the needs of the American people are going unmet by Washington. And the truth is, few have been ignored by Washington for as long as American Indians. Too often, Washington pays lip service to working with tribes while taking a one-size-fits-all approach with tribal communities across the nation.
That will change if I am honored to serve as president of the United States.
My American Indian policy begins with creating a bond between an Obama administration and the tribal nations all across this country. We need more than just a government-to-government relationship; we need a nation-to-nation relationship, and I will make sure that tribal nations have a voice in the White House.
I’ll appoint an American Indian policy adviser to my senior White House staff to work with tribes, and host an annual summit at the White House with tribal leaders to come up with an agenda that works for tribal communities. That’s how we’ll make sure you have a seat at the table when important decisions are being made about your lives, about your nations and about your people. That’ll be a priority when I am president.
Here’s what else we’re going to do. We’re going to end nearly a century of mismanagement of the Indian trusts. We’re going to work together to settle unresolved cases, figure out how the trusts ought to operate and make sure that they’re being managed responsibly – today, tomorrow and always.
Now, I understand the tragic history between the United States and tribal nations. Our government hasn’t always been honest and truthful in our dealings. And we’ve got to acknowledge that if we’re going to move forward in a fair and honest way.
Now, I understand the tragic history between the United States and tribal nations. Our government hasn’t always been honest and truthful in our dealings. And we’ve got to acknowledge that if we’re going to move forward in a fair and honest way.
Indian nations have never asked much of the United States – only for what was promised by the treaty obligations made to their forebears. So let me be absolutely clear – I believe treaty commitments are paramount law, and I will fulfill those commitments as president of the United States. . .
. . . And so I want you to know that I will never forget you. The American Indians I have met across this country will be on my mind each day that I am in the White House. You deserve a president who is committed to being a full partner with you; to respecting you, honoring you and working with you every day. That is the commitment I will make to you as president of the United States.” Read the entire statement here.
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Another example of Obama's outreach to Native Americans was reported by The New York Times in May, 2008 in a story that tells of his adoption by the Crow Indian Tribe in Montana. Obama was given the name “One Who Helps People Throughout the Land.” Read the whole article by Jeff Zeleny here.
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The Thanksgiving holiday is linked to America’s history. But as a modern, secular, national festival, it also stands on its own as a day to simply be grateful for what is good in our lives, and should be celebrated guilt-free – including second or third helpings of everything! As a nation, we should look to the past without blinders, and move forward vigilantly seeking the truth.
“To state the facts frankly is not to despair for the future nor indict the past.” ~ John F Kennedy
“To state the facts frankly is not to despair for the future nor indict the past.” ~ John F Kennedy
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