Why I Give Thanks

As the president of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians, I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve others and use my platform to advocate for the needs of those who are sometimes unable to do so for themselves.

We are in the season of gratitude. Thanksgiving is more complicated for the people at the center of the Thanksgiving story, Native Americans. There are 576 Native American tribal nations in the U.S. today, each with its own distinct traditions and culture.

As an Indigenous woman at this time of year, I am especially mindful of where our journey began, the lessons learned from what we have endured and what we have kept sacred despite all we have lost. For nearly 400 years, they have tried to erase us from the land without realizing how impossible that is. We are the land, the land is us, and we are still here.

Giving thanks is a longstanding, central tradition among Indigenous peoples that is still practiced today. Native traditions are distinct, complex and specific to each nation.

Thomas King said, “Most of us think history is the past. It’s not. History is the stories we tell about the past. That’s all it is. Stories. Such a definition might make the enterprise of history seem neutral. Benign. Which of course it isn’t.”

We can begin to write a new narrative. Today is a day to honor the first inhabitants and an opportunity to be grateful for Indigenous nations and their rich contributions to this country. By learning the real history of the land we occupy; becoming a friend, ally and advocate for tribal nations and their causes; and restoring our relationship with the natural world.

We can give thanks to the creator, for the bounty that we’ve been given. We can give thanks to our families, for their health and their good well-being. We should also look for ways to continually show gratitude for one another and the land that sustains us. Look among our friends slightly to the west, the Haudenosaunee, the Iroquois nations. They say that the Thanksgiving address is a very formal enumeration of all the gifts of life from the earth to the plants, the animals, the winds, the waters, the sun, the moon, the stars and the creator.

One original purpose and agreement was to be in sync with Mother Earth. We are meant to appreciate and respect all life, knowing our part is within the circle, not above creation. This practice can be implemented every day, especially during the season of gratitude. The dominant culture of the United States encourages people to practice gratitude only at special times, neglecting it as a daily ritual.

I cannot emphasize how grateful I am for our youth. I watch as each new generation breaks paradigms and overturns old ways of doing things as a matter of course. This isn’t gratuitous — it’s how we move forward as a society. Each generation of young people will remake the world, and we’ll gain all kinds of new discoveries today and every day.

Also central to what I am grateful for are the sacrifices made by our patriots or veterans who helped forge a path of our survival but fought for our U.S. citizenship and rights. Native Americans have historically served at the highest rates of military service per capita among all ethnic groups in the United States. Tribal veterans hold a wealth of knowledge, experiences and memories that deserve to be honored, remembered and safeguarded for future generations. The sacrifices of tribal veterans and all who have served are never forgotten. Every day, we benefit from your contributions to our nation.

What has always made America great, and what will always make us exceptional, are the patriots who, generation after generation, dedicate themselves to building a stronger nation — a little freer, a little more perfect every day. I am grateful for you.

I am grateful for the work and dedication of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians, our tribal citizens and staff for their important contributions. I hope their communal spirit will spread.

I am grateful to my parents and grandparents for the beautiful teachings and examples they provided me growing up. As I walk the path of self-discovery, weaving the threads of my identity with the wisdom of my ancestors. I honor the strength and resilience of those who came before me and the love and guidance by fully embracing and celebrating the person I am becoming.

May all of you have continued good health and blessings, Na’kaawthe xaangaap onamanitheyaak (I hope that you all be well/healthy). My heart is full of gratitude for the many reasons I have to be hopeful and grateful for. Anushiik (Thank you).

Shannon Holsey is president of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians.