Thanksgiving is a holiday filled with family, food, and gratitude, yet its origins and traditions differ between Canada and the United States. It’s also worth noting how Thanksgiving intersects with the acknowledgment of Indigenous peoples in both nations. Let’s explore the history, cultural differences, and the interesting fact that Thanksgiving in the U.S. and Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Canada share similar timings, even if their purposes diverge.
Thanksgiving in Canada: October 14, 2024
Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated annually on the second Monday of October, which aligns more closely with the conclusion of the harvest season in the northern hemisphere. Its origins date back to European settlers, specifically English explorer Martin Frobisher, who in 1578 held a formal ceremony in Newfoundland to give thanks for his safe journey. This early thanksgiving was about survival, gratitude for life, and the blessings of a bountiful harvest. While Canadian Thanksgiving has evolved over the centuries, today it is primarily seen as a time to gather with family and friends and enjoy a meal focused on the harvest season.
For Canadians, Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the harvest and the natural cycle of seasons. Since it occurs earlier than the American version, the holiday feels quieter and more focused on the simple pleasures of food and family. There’s no large-scale commercialization, no equivalent to Black Friday, and fewer parades or national events surrounding the holiday. The emphasis is placed on giving thanks for the abundance of nature.
Thanksgiving in the United States: November 28, 2024
In contrast, U.S. Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, is rooted in the 1621 Plymouth feast shared by Pilgrims and members of the Wampanoag tribe. However, the broader cultural narrative surrounding Thanksgiving in the U.S. has long simplified or romanticized this history, often overlooking the complexities and the lasting impact of colonization on Indigenous peoples.
The U.S. Thanksgiving tradition became officially established during the Civil War when President Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday in 1863. The holiday, which began as a means to foster unity in a fractured country, has since grown into one of the most widely celebrated American holidays. U.S. Thanksgiving today is associated with grand feasts, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, NFL football, and the launch of the holiday shopping season with Black Friday.
While both Canadian and American Thanksgivings revolve around gathering with loved ones, gratitude, and food, the U.S. holiday has become much more commercialized and tied into national traditions. The scale of celebration in the U.S. far surpasses that of Canada.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day: A Day of Reflection
United States: Indigenous Peoples’ Day (October 14, 2024)
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is celebrated in the United States as an alternative to Columbus Day, a federal holiday that commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas. Many states and cities have chosen to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead, celebrating the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous communities and challenging the colonial narrative of “discovery.”
Indigenous Peoples’ Day often falls on the second Monday of October, the same day as Columbus Day, which in 2024 coincides with Canadian Thanksgiving. This overlap provides a powerful juxtaposition between two different narratives—one that honors the land and its original peoples, and one that, for many, celebrates a problematic colonial past.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a growing movement in the U.S., intended to acknowledge the often overlooked, misunderstood, or erased histories of Indigenous communities. Its rise in prominence highlights the importance of reframing history to reflect the experiences and contributions of Indigenous peoples.
Canada: National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21)
In Canada, National Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated annually on June 21st, the summer solstice, a day of significance for many Indigenous cultures. First proclaimed in 1996, this day is dedicated to celebrating the heritage, culture, and achievements of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. The timing in June provides a distinct space for Indigenous celebrations, separate from any other major holiday, allowing Canadians to focus on Indigenous cultures, contributions, and the ongoing path toward reconciliation.
Unlike the U.S., where Indigenous Peoples’ Day shares the same date as Thanksgiving in Canada, National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada is set apart in its own season, focusing purely on Indigenous culture and heritage without being tied to any colonial narratives of thanksgiving or harvest celebrations.
Why Are These Dates Different?
The separation of Thanksgiving and Indigenous Peoples’ Day reflects each country’s unique history and approach to these holidays. The U.S. celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day in opposition to Columbus Day, aiming to reclaim the narrative and recognize the harm caused by colonization. By placing it in October, the U.S. creates a direct contrast between the celebration of Columbus’s arrival and the ongoing efforts to honor Indigenous peoples.
In Canada, Thanksgiving’s earlier timing is tied to the northern harvest season, while National Indigenous Peoples Day in June aligns with the summer solstice, a time of significance for many Indigenous cultures. This separation gives space for each holiday to be acknowledged and celebrated independently.
The shared date of October 14 in 2024 for Canada’s Thanksgiving and U.S. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a coincidence, but it creates a moment for reflection. While Canadians are giving thanks for the harvest, Americans may be reflecting on the history and culture of Indigenous peoples, reminding us that giving thanks must also include acknowledgment of the lands we inhabit and the histories tied to them.
Happy Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving, both in Canada and the U.S., is a time for gathering with loved ones, sharing a meal, and giving thanks. But as we celebrate, it’s important to also reflect on the land we stand on and the history that shaped it. As Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving on October 14th, and as many in the U.S. observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the same date, there is a shared opportunity to consider how we can extend our gratitude to Indigenous peoples, whose histories are deeply intertwined with these lands.
Whether it’s through Thanksgiving’s harvest traditions or the growing recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, both holidays offer moments to reflect on the importance of land, culture, and the stories that have shaped our countries. As travellers during these holidays, we can think beyond the destinations and meals and consider the deeper meanings of giving thanks—both to the earth and to its first peoples.
As you embark on your travels, remember that our journey leaves an impact. Embrace eco-friendly accommodations, support local communities, and reduce plastic use. Respect wildlife by observing from afar and conserve resources like water and energy. Choose sustainable transportation, leave no trace behind, and participate in conservation efforts. Educate yourself and others about the environment you’re exploring. Let’s ensure that we tread lightly on our planet, leaving only footprints of kindness and taking home memories that inspire others to protect our beautiful world. Happy responsible travels!