Post by Okwes on Dec 21, 2006 11:38:14 GMT -5
A Woman Speaks on a Holiday
The Affect of Thanksgiving on Some Native Americans
Posted: 4:09 PM, Nov. 24, 2006
Last Updated: 4:10 PM, Nov. 29, 2006
By Kalani Pe'a
As many people celebrated Thanksgiving, some from one cultural group didn't partake in the festivities.
A group of Native Americans in Massachusetts opposed to celebrate Thanksgiving because of historical oppression against their culture. KJCT News 8 Alex Shabad conversed to a local Native American to get her opinion on this traditional holiday.
After eating all of the turkey and mash potatoes and associating with friends, families and showing the feeling of thanks, there's one truth about Thanksgiving some Native Americans feel has been forgotten.
Shabad interviewed Marilyn Wounded-Head and her husband Randy Higgins to get their perspective about Thanksgiving. Shabad didn't only interviewed this couple to hear their perspectives, but he interviewed them to gain a lot of insight as some Native Americans refuse to celebrate this holiday. "Why they (Some Native Americans) don't celebrate is because of the annihilation of many tribes," Wounded-Head said. "It's a reminder other people are here have it up as a protest," her husband said.
Wounded-Head sympathizes with Native Americans who refuse to celebrate Thanksgiving. She knows this group of people hold the sign saying, "This is Indian Country" and know it's a calling, moreover from a culture of people who feel ignored.
This particular group of people who hold this sign may feel Native Americans should be celebrated for their contribution in the country. Some Native Americans were force to learn the Christianity and not sustain their cultural and spiritual values. Wounded-Head understands the historical violence, but she said her Christianity allows her to not forget, but to forgive.
"Native Americans talk about demise of the tribe and about forgiveness," she said.
Wounded-Head teaches her children a cultural lesson and that is to be grateful on a daily basis. Wounded-Head and her husband do not only celebrate Thanksgiving Day, but they celebrate on a daily basis. "I try to tell the girls to share not only on this day, but other days too."
Wounded-Head is mindful and strong about her Lakota heritage and has perpetuated her culture through her husband and children. She is an art professor at Mesa State College and has established numerous cultural art sculptures and loves to be around her family on a daily basis.
The Affect of Thanksgiving on Some Native Americans
Posted: 4:09 PM, Nov. 24, 2006
Last Updated: 4:10 PM, Nov. 29, 2006
By Kalani Pe'a
As many people celebrated Thanksgiving, some from one cultural group didn't partake in the festivities.
A group of Native Americans in Massachusetts opposed to celebrate Thanksgiving because of historical oppression against their culture. KJCT News 8 Alex Shabad conversed to a local Native American to get her opinion on this traditional holiday.
After eating all of the turkey and mash potatoes and associating with friends, families and showing the feeling of thanks, there's one truth about Thanksgiving some Native Americans feel has been forgotten.
Shabad interviewed Marilyn Wounded-Head and her husband Randy Higgins to get their perspective about Thanksgiving. Shabad didn't only interviewed this couple to hear their perspectives, but he interviewed them to gain a lot of insight as some Native Americans refuse to celebrate this holiday. "Why they (Some Native Americans) don't celebrate is because of the annihilation of many tribes," Wounded-Head said. "It's a reminder other people are here have it up as a protest," her husband said.
Wounded-Head sympathizes with Native Americans who refuse to celebrate Thanksgiving. She knows this group of people hold the sign saying, "This is Indian Country" and know it's a calling, moreover from a culture of people who feel ignored.
This particular group of people who hold this sign may feel Native Americans should be celebrated for their contribution in the country. Some Native Americans were force to learn the Christianity and not sustain their cultural and spiritual values. Wounded-Head understands the historical violence, but she said her Christianity allows her to not forget, but to forgive.
"Native Americans talk about demise of the tribe and about forgiveness," she said.
Wounded-Head teaches her children a cultural lesson and that is to be grateful on a daily basis. Wounded-Head and her husband do not only celebrate Thanksgiving Day, but they celebrate on a daily basis. "I try to tell the girls to share not only on this day, but other days too."
Wounded-Head is mindful and strong about her Lakota heritage and has perpetuated her culture through her husband and children. She is an art professor at Mesa State College and has established numerous cultural art sculptures and loves to be around her family on a daily basis.