UCBA Observes Alternative Thanksgiving

Wednesday, November 13 was a day of “Alternative Thanksgiving” for the UCBA Office of Multicultural Affairs.
The event, held in Walters 100, began with a brief group discussion of what each person’s Thanksgiving family traditions were.
It also touched on media and societal influences on our perception of that first Thanksgiving meal with the pilgrims and native Americans in 1621.
Two student ambassadors read from “A Haudenosaunee ‘Thanksgiving’ Prayer,” which included mother-nature centered phrases of praise, such as “Mother Earth,” “The Trees” and “The Creator.”
A catered lunch of authentic native foods, such as rice pilaf and beef stew, as well as warm apple cider and pumpkin bundt cake, was provided.
The general consensus was that the reality of Thanksgiving events that occurred were much different from what our media has depicted. Videos, including a reenactment of the European invasion, were also shown.
All videos shown at the event are available on the UCBA website.