The Truth in Giving Thanks

Did you know that the United States is home to more than 500 different tribes? Each one with their own dialect or separate language. Each one with their own history and mythology. They dress differently, believe differently, speak differently and would be very insulted to be mistaken for a member of another tribe. To lump all Native Americans into one feather wearing, ugh-speaking heathen is such a loss, both to the indigenous people, our history, and to yourselves, because under the stereotypes there is a wealth of information central to the development of the United States of America and to what has become to all of us, our beloved country.


Okay my bloggy peeps, let us get this straight. The Native Americans who met the pilgrams when they arrived are Wampanoag. They live here:



Their homes look like this:



The men traditionally dress like this:



The women traditionally dress like this:



On the other hand, the most stereotyped of all the Native Americans are my very own people of the plains. Although if you want to be even more specific, the Lakota

We live/d here:



And traditionally, our homes were buffalo hide tipis.



The women traditionally dress like this:



And guess what? Our tribe is the one with the long eagle feather head dresses. This is one the traditional outfits for the men:



Our traditional clothing is never called a costume. It is either an outfit, or regalia. Many of the things that are worn are of a religious nature, so never touch someone's outfit without asking permission first.
And for a bit of etiquette, since you are asking. Yes, many Native Americans find people wearing "indian costumes" offensive. That leads back to the above. Because it is often religious in nature, it is not respectful to wear it in "costumed" activity.

If you love the truth, if you love your Jo, if you want to expand your mind, then if you are going to discuss Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims, and the Indians with your family, do it in a historically accurate fashion. You will be glad you did. I even gave you the linkies to make it easy for you! Happy Thanksgiving!