This Land Is Their Land: The Wampanoag Indians, Plymouth Colony, and the Troubled History of Thanksgiving

I say this is hard to read because it’s one of those awful truths that make you ashamed. I love history, and I’m a Mayflower descendant, so this was right up my alley. I was surprised at how sad this book made me over the plight of the Native Americans. I didn’t know the suffering they went through due to a massive epidemic right before the Mayflower arrived, which influenced how they approached the settlers. And I was downright embarrassed of how the English and other traders took advantage of them, even capturing them and selling them into slavery in the Caribbean and in Spain.

I came away from this book with a greater understanding of the Wampanoug culture and how they lived. I was also impressed with how they have managed to maintain some of their culture, and that there is a revival today to learn their native language. I admit I forgot anything I was ever taught about King Phillip’s War and the result of that, which was ultimately that the native Americans were essentially conquered once and for all. What a difficult, wrenching decision the native Americans had to make in where their allegiance would be.

All in all, I think that this book should strongly influence what schools teach about colonization of what is the United States today. The Thanksgiving story is not accurate, and we ought to know the truth, and honor the native Americans true history.

A much needed book that addresses the history of Native Americans with a special focus on what has evolved into Thanksgiving as a holiday. While this book is written by a non-indigenous person, the author is highly qualified to present his research and his work has been recognized by the Native American community. The work is thoroughly annotated and was accomplished with the assistance of the Wampanoag community.

I’m only part way through the book. It’s very interesting. A little hard to follow at times but well worth reading. There’s so much I (and probably the majority of people) never knew.
My daughter wants to read it as well. My grandchildren are learning truths and are more awake than we were growing up.
Adding pic, and that it’s a good sized book.

The Thanksgiving story at Plimouth Plantation has intrigued me for years. A trip To the living museum was intriguing, but the Wampanoag curators expressed almost a bitterness at some of the questions. This book provides excellent information about this event, but more as to how separatviews led to later issues. We need to understand.

Have not, as yet, had a chance to read this book, but its on my reading pile. It involves the local Native American tribe and I am interested in their heritage. Cant wait to get to it!

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