The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) urged staff to reconsider traditional Thanksgiving celebrations, framing them as a “colonial settler mythological” event, according to an internal memo obtained by The Daily Wire. The memo, written by Angie DeLille, director of the DHS Office of Indian Policy, advocates for observing “Truthsgiving” instead, which focuses on the history and challenges faced by Native Americans.
DeLille’s memo, titled “Thanksgiving offers opportunity for gratitude — and learning,” encourages reflection on the holiday’s impact on Native communities. It criticizes the common portrayal of Thanksgiving as a harmonious event, calling for acknowledgment of the displacement and violence experienced by Native Americans.
In the memo, DeLille shared how her family has adopted the “Truthsgiving” concept and suggested staff do the same by committing to actions that positively impact Native communities. This includes learning more about Native history in Minnesota and supporting indigenous-owned businesses during Black Friday.
The DHS confirmed the authenticity of the memo and stated it was shared internally with staff.
This push aligns with broader efforts to reframe Thanksgiving as a somber occasion. In Los Angeles Unified School District, for example, a 2021 lesson plan described Thanksgiving as a celebration of violence against Native Americans and proposed replacing it with a “national day of mourning.”
Critics of such initiatives argue they politicize a national holiday traditionally centered on gratitude and family. Proponents see them as a necessary step toward greater cultural awareness and historical accuracy.
