Speaker discusses the origins of Thanksgiving traditions

Thanksgiving came early this year for more than 80 students who attended "The Real Thanksgiving: The Past, Present and Future of Native Americans."

The event, co-sponsored by the Carolina Indian Circle and the Connor Residence Hall community, featured a speech by Margaret O'Shaughnessey and a catered dinner by Boston Market.

O'Shaughnessey is a professor in the Department of English who teaches a literary diversity class focusing on Native American issues. Her speech highlighted the origins of Thanksgiving traditions.

She said the story of the harmonious relationship between Pilgrims and Indians is not completely accurate.

"Thanksgiving is a story that tells us who we want to be as a culture, even though it's not who we have been," O'Shaughnessey said. "National myths say something that we want to be as a nation: equal."

Derek Oxendine, president of the Carolina Indian Circle, said this is the second year of this Thanksgiving celebration. Last year, the theme was dealing with stereotypes about American Indians.

This year's event focused on the true meaning of Thanksgiving as opposed to the myths, said Oxendine.

Brandi Brooks, treasurer-elect of the Carolina Indian Circle, said, "We are trying to get our culture represented and allow more people to know about us to break down stereotypes."

She said the event was especially important during this time of year. While Thanksgiving is Thursday, the entire month of November is Native American Heritage Month.

"By doing this event, we get our organization's name out there and things that Native Americans stand for," said Danielle McLean, secretary of CIC. "It's important to let students know our presence on campus because we are in such a small number."

The Carolina Indian Circle has almost 40 members and is celebrating its 30th year as a campus organization. Even though North Carolina has the largest American Indian population east of the Mississippi River, representing nine different tribes, the group represents the smallest portion of the University population.

While the audience came to enjoy some turkey, it also learned about the culture of the holiday.

"I'm interested in learning about the history of Thanksgiving," said Blake Stroh, an exchange student from Australia. "We know Americans celebrate it, but we're not exposed to it in Australia."

One of the things Oxendine would like to see change after this event is the stereotype that Indians do not like to celebrate Thanksgiving.

"We don't protest it," Oxendine said. "We celebrate Thanksgiving like everyone else. I like eating my turkey, gravy and stuffing too."

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.