Thanksgiving, More than a Meal

Recently President Obama proclaimed November to be National Native American Indian Heritage Month. In the proclamation he encouraged all people to work together to ensure every Native American has the opportunity to realize the full promise of this country.

In keeping with this, our organization offers a host of services that provide Native American people the opportunity to be a part of positive change in their communities. We have hundreds of partners living and working on reservations and committed to ensuring that Native American people have access to the same opportunities as most other Americans.

If real social change is to be made, however, it is critical that Native Americans themselves lead the way in defining the bright future President Obama hopes for in his proclamation. We see this through the localized and community-driven efforts of our reservation partners, which show educational status, economic opportunities and political influence on the rise.

I admire the commitment, dedication and courage of our tribal partners who take up the call to lead positive action within their communities – whether this involves complex responses to serious social challenges or simple steps like sharing a meal.

Even as I am writing this, hundreds of our reservation partners at family and elderly serving programs, schools, food banks and churches are preparing to cook and serve Thanksgiving meals for nearly 42,000 people, with the support of our partners and donors. Much more than just a meal, these gatherings also provide a great opportunity for community members to come together, share time and ideas and support one another against the backdrop of a Thanksgiving celebration. We are privileged and grateful to be a part of this.