Hey Barnyard Besties, Whew, what a whirlwind these past few...Read More
BLOG
How To Talk To Kids About Thanksgiving And Indigenous Peoples’ Day
SHARE THIS POST WITH A FRIEND
Thanksgiving is often celebrated with cozy meals, laughter, and a spirit of togetherness, but its history and deeper meaning offer an opportunity to teach our kids the values of gratitude, acknowledgment, and connection to the land. As we gather around our tables this season, let’s take a moment to reflect on the origins of this holiday and how we can honor the Indigenous peoples whose history is inseparable from the story of Thanksgiving.
What Thanksgiving Really Represents
Thanksgiving is rooted in stories of harvest and gratitude, which resonate deeply with farm life. However, the story often told—of Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a peaceful feast—leaves out the complexities and hardships Indigenous peoples endured.
We have a beautiful opportunity to explain that Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey and pumpkin pie. It’s a time to appreciate the land, celebrate community, and recognize the resilience of those who came before us. We can honor Indigenous peoples by teaching our Barnyard Besties about the rich cultures, traditions, and the challenges Indigenous people faced—and still face today.
Connecting Gratitude to Agriculture
Life on the farm is a perfect metaphor for Thanksgiving. Just like farmers tend to crops with patience and care, we nurture relationships and express gratitude for the abundance in our lives. Explain to your Barnyard Besties that the food on their plates doesn’t just appear—it’s the result of hard work, dedication, and a deep respect for nature.
Share stories of Indigenous agricultural practices, like the “Three Sisters” planting method (corn, beans, and squash), to help them see how communities historically worked with the earth to sustain themselves. These lessons instill respect for food, farmers, and the environment.
Starting the Conversation
Discussing the history of Thanksgiving can feel tricky, but our Barnyard Besties are naturally curious and open-minded. Honoring Indigenous peoples on Thanksgiving and beyond can be simple yet impactful. Here are a few family-friendly ways to do so:
- Learn Together: Read books or watch age-appropriate documentaries about Indigenous cultures and contributions.
- Support Indigenous Communities: Purchase crafts, artwork, or food from Indigenous artisans.
- Give Back to the Land: Spend part of the day outdoors planting seeds, collecting leaves, or starting a small garden as a tribute to the harvest.
Here are some tips to start the conversation:
- Start with Gratitude:
- Ask your Barnyard Bestie: “What are you most thankful for?” Use this as a way to connect the idea of gratitude to the land and the people who have cared for it for centuries.
- Share how Indigenous peoples have long practiced gratitude through ceremonies and respect for nature, offering thanks for their harvests.
- Talk About the Land:
- Explain that the land we live on has its own history. Use https://native-land.ca/ to find out together which Indigenous nations originally lived where you are now, and share this with your kids.
- Highlight how Indigenous peoples cared for the land sustainably, ensuring future generations could benefit from its resources.
- Reframe the Thanksgiving Story:
- Discuss how the story we often hear about Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a meal isn’t the full picture.
- Use kid-friendly books or videos that present a more accurate history of Thanksgiving. For example, “Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story” by Kevin Noble Maillard introduces kids to Indigenous culture through food and family.
Bringing the Conversation to Life
Kids learn best through hands-on activities. Here are a few ways to make the discussion engaging and meaningful:
- Storytelling Around the Table: Share tales of Indigenous agricultural practices, like the Three Sisters (corn, beans, and squash), and how they reflect teamwork and balance in nature. Use this as a metaphor for working together as a family.
- Craft a Land Acknowledgment: Help your child write a simple land acknowledgment, like: “We honor and thank the [local Indigenous Nation] for caring for this land before us.” Share it as part of your Thanksgiving meal.
- Create an Indigenous Recipe: Explore a recipe together that features ingredients like corn, squash, or beans, and discuss how these foods were cultivated by Indigenous peoples.
- Create a Gratitude Jar: Help your little ones connect gratitude with the season by creating a “Gratitude Jar.” Every family member can write something they’re thankful for on a slip of paper and add it to the jar. As you go through the notes, talk about how agriculture and Indigenous wisdom have shaped the food and traditions you enjoy today.
Thanksgiving is an opportunity to reflect on our history, embrace gratitude, and foster deeper connections with the land and each other. By teaching your kids about the true meaning of the holiday and honoring Indigenous peoples, you’re planting seeds of empathy, respect, and understanding—values that will grow for years to come.
So, this year, let’s celebrate more than just the season. Let’s celebrate the lessons, the land, and the legacy that make Thanksgiving truly meaningful.
What are you doing this Thanksgiving to teach your Barnyard Besties about gratitude and history? Share your ideas in the comments below!
