Giving Thanks, Listening & Learning
GUEST BLOG by Heather Hendrie and Julia Bursey
As the crisp autumn air settles in and leaves begin to fall, it’s a time when many of us pause to reflect on gratitude—what we have, what we’re thankful for, and how we can honour those who came before us.
In Canada, many people are preparing for the upcoming Canadian Thanksgiving holiday. Many Canadians are starting to think about family and friends near and far, as they plan to gather to share the warmth of a meal. It may also leave many people feeling disappointed, or alone, as can happen with holidays.
And for Indigenous communities in Canada, the holiday holds a deeper meaning—a time-honoured tradition of giving thanks that predates European settlers by thousands of years.
Brian Rice, a professor and member of the Mohawk Nation, reminds us that Thanksgiving, at its core, is rooted in Indigenous ceremonies of gratitude. “All of our ceremonies, all of the things that we do, have to do with giving thanks,” he shares, highlighting how central gratitude is to Indigenous cultures.
The familiar story of the “first” Thanksgiving in 1621…
…a moment where British colonists in Plymouth, Massachusetts, struggling with starvation, received help from members of the Wampanoag nation—is part of a much larger, complex history and often overlooks the vital role that Indigenous peoples played in helping colonists survive. The Wampanoag Nation, familiar with the land’s bounty, generously shared their knowledge and food—corn, beans, squash, and turkey. But while that meal symbolizes unity, what followed was far more layered. Colonization brought disease, death, displacement, and heartache to Indigenous communities. It’s not surprising that today, some people feel ambivalent about the holiday.
Thanksgiving offers a chance to acknowledge this history while focusing on the power of gratitude.
Just as Indigenous cultures have long known, giving thanks is more than a holiday tradition—it’s a practice that connects us to ourselves, to each other and to the land. And while history may be painful, there’s an opportunity for all of us to honour that past with hope, by creating a future rooted in respect, understanding, and care for all communities.
True Nature Wilderness Therapy operates in Whistler and Squamish on the traditional territories of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations, communities that have long practiced gratitude and stewardship of the land. The team at True Nature Wilderness Therapy strives to honour the wisdom and history of these lands by walking with awareness and reverence, seeking to collaborate, to listen, and to learn.
Every trail we walk and each quiet moment in nature is a reminder of the deep connection between land and community—a relationship Indigenous peoples have nurtured for thousands of years.
As we sit down to our meals or head out into nature this Thanksgiving, let’s take a moment to reflect on the full scope of this holiday’s history. Gratitude, at its core, is about recognizing both the gifts we’ve received and the responsibility we hold to honour those gifts. For settlers and descendants of settlers, this means acknowledging the Indigenous communities who have cared for this land and considering how we can give back—through learning, listening, and meaningful action.
Wherever you may find yourselves, we wish a Happy Thanksgiving to all, from all of us at True Nature Wilderness Therapy. May this season bring you connection, peace, and deep gratitude.
Sending warmth and connection this weekend.
With respect, and our deepest gratitude,
A descendant raised on Beothuk and Mi’kmaq land, living and playing on the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and Líl̓wat7úl (Líl̓wat7úl Nation) land.
Descendant of settlers from England & Scotland raised by the Great Lakes, acknowledging the privilege of living and working on Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and Líl̓wat7úl (Líl̓wat7úl Nation) land. I honour and am grateful for those who stewarded this land with reverence prior to my arrival and ongoing and I am committed to continuing to listen, learn and act accordingly.
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