By Alexandra Noad Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Since the early 1600s, Thanksgiving has been celebrated by settlers of Canada and the United States, however many Indigenous people have a complicated relationship with the holiday due to its colonial history. Alvin Mills a member of the Blood Reserve, says he wasn’t always aware of the colonial history of Thanksgiving. “I was totally ignorant to the roots of Thanksgiving,” said Mills. Mills added that Indigenous cultures, including Blackfoot, believe they have always had Thanksgiving, even before the settlers arrived. “We would gather, especially after hunting, and have a feast. So, we were probably practicing Thanksgiving without even knowing it,” said Mills. While Thanksgiving may have good intentions, many Indigenous people associate Thanksgiving with the stealing of their lands and the colonization of…
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