As they studied the “First Thanksgiving,” or the Harvest Celebration of 1621, the fifth grade learned about the Wampanoag people of present-day Massachusetts who met the English colonists. The Wampanoag were a society with a complex government, religious beliefs, and culture.
Part of their culture, shared with many other First Nation people, was to give thanks for creation. The class also learned about another Nation, the Haudenausonee, who passed down a daily ritual of thanksgiving. This powerful Thanksgiving Address is still used today at Haudenosaunee ceremonies and celebrations.
Each student made a painting inspired by one of the Greetings in the Address. These paintings are expressions of gratitude for creation and for the First People who continue to show us how to honor it.
Read the full Address here.