Rethinking Thanksgiving

Kaila Piepkow
Apr 7
2 min read

Updated: Apr 8

A Lesson in Gratitude and Representation

Thanksgiving is a holiday of reflection, a moment to express gratitude for what we have and the communities we share. But as we dig deeper into the historical roots of this celebration, it’s clear there’s more to the story.

For many, Thanksgiving can be a complicated time—a mix of gratitude and the responsibility to acknowledge the histories of Indigenous peoples who first cared for this land.

As educators and parents, we have an opportunity to help children grow up understanding these complexities. While turkey handprint crafts may be cute, they often oversimplify or ignore the rich traditions and histories of Native communities.

Instead, what if we used this season to foster curiosity, respect, and connection?

At Doodles Academy, we approach this through artful

Instead, what if we used this season to foster curiosity, respect, and connection?

For example, our Animal Portraits project introduces students to the significance of animals in Indigenous cultures.

They create self-portraits that reflect their own identity through animal symbols, sparking meaningful conversations about heritage, family, and storytelling.

Students learn about different types of texture, and use implied texture to finish their artwork.

Beyond the technical skills of sketching and painting, Animal Portraits opens the door to meaningful conversations about symbolism and cultural storytelling. Students learn not just about Indigenous traditions but also about the importance of animals in their own lives and how they can represent traits like courage, strength, or playfulness.

This Thanksgiving, consider creating space for conversations like these in your home or classroom. Instead of focusing solely on pilgrims and turkey, let’s celebrate gratitude in a broader, more inclusive way—by honoring the stories of those who came before us and encouraging children to explore their own.

By doing so, we teach them to see the world with empathy and wonder, and we help them understand that gratitude isn’t just about a single day but about the stories we carry and share together.