Thanksgiving Invitation

“Wherever you are, if you are not on your own ancestral lands, learn more about the history of where you are, reflect on your own role in colonialism and structural inequality, do something to heal historical harms…”

– Corina Gould, spokesperson of the Confederated Villages of Lisjan

This Thanksgiving, as you reflect upon the multitude of reasons you are thankful, I invite you name gratitude for the native people who have cared for and nurtured the land on which you live. Acknowledging the ancient peoples of the land is a powerful way to remember our history and reclaim their presence in our community. Here is a simple land acknowledgment* you might consider sharing at your Thanksgiving table this year: 

We give thanks for the Ohlone people who have lived in and cared for this area for thousands of years. They continue to live in reciprocal relationship with the land, despite their recent history of enslavement and near genocide. May we learn from them what it means to be good guests on this land and live in harmony with all beings.

You can learn more about the Ohlone people and how you can support their efforts to rematriate the land and undo past harms at Sogorea Te’ Land Trust.

*If you are celebrating Thanksgiving in another area of the country, you can learn more about the native peoples of your region here.

Peace,

Pastor Allison