SEATTLE SCHOOLS: THANKSGIVING AS TIME OF MOURNING

Seattle schools warn staff about Thanksgiving 'mourning'
06:17 PM PST on Wednesday, November 14, 2007
By ERIC WILKINSON / KING 5 News

SEATTLE -- A letter from the Seattle School District is raising some eyebrows about Thanksgiving and how it should be handled in the classroom.

The letter tells school district staff that the holiday is seen by many Native Americans as a "time of mourning."

It all started three years ago when some Native American parents voiced concerns about how Thanksgiving was being observed in Seattle Schools.

"In terms of what they were seeing in some of the use of the feathers and those things because those are of spiritual and ceremonial significance to us," said Willard Bill, Seattle Public Schools.
Related Content

The list of Thanksgiving "myths" mentioned in the letter to school staff

For the past three years, the Seattle School District has sent a letter to teachers and staff, telling them "Thanksgiving can be a difficult time for many native students."

This year's letter references a Native American historical website that outlines what it calls myths about Thanksgiving.

Myth number 11 -- Thanksgiving is a happy time.

That's much more of a reality to parents we spoke to.

"I don't think that's a myth at all. I think anything you are thankful for is great," said parent D.D. Boutwell.

The letter also asks teachers to understand that Thanksgiving is a "time of mourning" for many Indian people and a "reminder of 500 years of betrayal."

Some parents say it's political correctness gone too far.

"I think it gets to be silly," said parent Deb Bush.

School officials are quick to say that this letter does not signify a first shot fired in a War on Thanksgiving, and they say teachers are not being told to do anything different in the classroom.

"We just want a more inclusive history taught in our schools. Not a feel good to a feel bad history but a more representative history of who our population is," said Bill.

Local Native American leaders add that not everyone in their community sees Thanksgiving negatively, but there is still plenty of hurt that can only be healed by a deeper understanding of our history.

"We need to free ourselves so that we can manifest that true love and kindness and compassion that's necessary to heal the wounds," said said Phil Lane, Jr., United Indians of All Tribes Foundation.

About 1,200 Native American students from 100 tribes are enrolled in Seattle schools.

http://www.king5.com/education/stories/NW_111407WAB_no_happy_thanksgiving_TP....

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