Can't Keep Us Down/ What's In a Name?

 For a lot of people, Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy food, family, and being thankful. But for many Native Americans, the holiday is a painful reminder of a dark history. The popular story of the "First Thanksgiving," where Pilgrims and Wampanoag people peacefully share a meal, leaves out the truth about what happened afterward. The arrival of Europeans led to centuries of violence, land theft, and disease that devastated Native communities.

For many Native Americans, Thanksgiving symbolizes the loss of their land, culture, and ancestors. The idea of a peaceful feast is in stark contrast to the violence and colonization that followed. Instead of celebrating, some Native Americans use this time to reflect on that history and remember their struggles.

Thanksgiving also tends to oversimplify Native cultures, turning them into stereotypes. These oversimplifications erase the diversity and complexity of Native peoples and their histories. That’s why many Native Americans observe the National Day of Mourning on Thanksgiving Day, gathering to honor their ancestors and raise awareness about the ongoing impacts of colonization.

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The arson of the Narragansett Indian Church in December 1993 is still one of the most disturbing and heartbreaking events in the community’s history. When the church was set on fire, it wasn’t just a building that was destroyed—it was a sacred space, a place where generations of the Narragansett people gathered for worship, cultural events, and connection. To watch it burn was an intentional attack on their history, their culture, and their identity. It was an ugly reminder of how, throughout history, Indigenous communities have been targeted, ignored, and erased. The loss was more than physical; it was a deep spiritual wound for the Narragansett Tribe, one that’s still felt today.

On the flip side, Indigenous naming ceremonies are such a beautiful and powerful tradition. These ceremonies are more than just a naming—they’re a spiritual event where individuals are honored for who they are, where they come from, and their place within the tribe. It’s an intimate connection to your ancestors, your community, and the land itself. The beauty of it is in how personal and meaningful it is, how it ties you to something bigger than yourself. I’ve been looking forward to receiving my own Indigenous name for a while now, but I’m a little bummed because I missed the most recent ceremony held by the Narragansett Tribe. I’ve been waiting for this moment, and now I’ll have to wait a few more years to receive my name. It’s hard to be patient, but I know it will be worth it when the time comes. Until then, I’ll keep holding space for that moment and appreciating the significance of these ceremonies for all who are fortunate enough to participate.