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\u2019t always aware of the colonial history of Thanksgiving. \u201cI was totally ignorant to the roots of Thanksgiving,\u201d said Mills. Mills added that Indigenous cultures, including Blackfoot, believe they have always had Thanksgiving, even before the settlers arrived. \u201cWe would gather, especially after hunting, and have a feast. So, we were probably practicing Thanksgiving without even knowing it,\u201d said Mills. While Thanksgiving may have good intentions, many Indigenous people associate Thanksgiving with the stealing of their lands and the colonization of… <\/p>\n
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\u2019t always aware of the colonial history of Thanksgiving. \u201cI was totally ignorant to the roots of Thanksgiving,\u201d said Mills. Mills added that Indigenous cultures, including Blackfoot, believe they have always had Thanksgiving, even before the settlers arrived. \u201cWe would gather, especially after hunting, and have a feast. So, we were probably practicing Thanksgiving without even knowing it,\u201d said Mills. While Thanksgiving may have good intentions, many Indigenous people associate Thanksgiving with the stealing of their lands and the colonization of... <\/p>\n