Growing up we were all taught that Thanksgiving was about peaceful Pilgrims and Native Americans feasting together.  Well, they did – once – but even before that the English were enslaving and killing the original settlers of this land.  And afterwards?  It turned into a real bloodbath.  Between small pox and guns, the Natives didn’t stand a chance.

We all have a lot to be thankful for today – but make no mistake about it.  This nation was founded on the backs of the Natives and the African American slaves brought here by the Euros.  

How is this relevant to us here in Santa Ana?  Well, this city is overwhelmingly populated by Mexican Americans and others from Latin America.  Over two thirds of Mexicans are mestizos.  That means we have Native blood.  And our Native ancestors were massacred too – by the Spanish and the Portuguese.

So as we enjoy our turkey feast today, and the company of our friends and family, let us also say a prayer for the millions of Native Americans who were slaughtered by the Europeans who invaded this continent so long ago…

And here is a bonus video – part one of a lecture about European holidays, by Olin Tezcatlipoca.