Friends & Neighbors,
Tomorrow, Americans across the country, myself included, will celebrate Thanksgiving as a moment of gratitude and appreciation. Coming together with family and friends to give thanks is a longstanding and joyful tradition in America, but we also need to talk about the darker history behind the holiday.
We can’t celebrate Thanksgiving without recognizing the harmful oppression of indigenous peoples and the colonization of indigenous lands that have taken place in this country. Native American tribes have overcome genocide and discrimination and still face unacceptable challenges today, such as high poverty rates and healthcare inequities.
As part of Native American Heritage Month, we must learn from our past and stay mindful of the present.
That includes understanding the struggles of indigenous people across America and acknowledging the role of European settlers in perpetrating genocide and oppression. Educate yourself about the tribes in your community and celebrate their vibrant culture and traditions. But also educate yourself about the role of systemic racism in devastating the civilizations that were here long before the pilgrims came from England.
So before we celebrate Thanksgiving, let's celebrate indigenous people and give thanks for the promising future we can have if we pursue knowledge, understanding, and reconciliation from our past.
Happy Native American Heritage Month!
Maggie
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Maggie Toulouse Oliver serves the state of New Mexico as Secretary of State, where she is dedicated to fighting for clean and fair elections devoid of dark money and outside influence.
Want to help Maggie protect our elections system and create a stronger democracy? Make a contribution today!
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