Decolonizing Thanksgiving: Ethical Celebrations and Indigenous Rights

Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture

In this candid and thought-provoking episode, Becky and Taina tackle the complexities of Thanksgiving—a holiday deeply rooted in colonialism and one that many now see as a day of mourning for Indigenous peoples. From exploring the history of the Land Back movement to dissecting the capitalist takeover of the holiday season, this episode is full of reflections, insights, and actionable ideas for listeners who want to align their celebrations with their values. Becky and Taina discuss ways to decolonize Thanksgiving traditions, support Indigenous rights, and rethink consumerist habits like Black Friday shopping. They also share personal anecdotes and commitments for making this time of year more meaningful.

Discussed in This Episode

• The history and myths of Thanksgiving
• The Land Back movement and its implications
• Why Thanksgiving is a day of mourning for Indigenous peoples
• Decolonizing Thanksgiving celebrations with small but meaningful actions
• Ethical considerations around Black Friday and consumerism
• How capitalism shapes Thanksgiving traditions
• Practical ways to support Indigenous businesses and organizations
• Intersectional feminism and its connection to Indigenous rights
• Teaching kids about the true history of Thanksgiving
• Small steps listeners can take to honor Indigenous communities

Resources Mentioned

• Native-Land.ca
• An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
• Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer