![]() ![]() The Powhatan Indians called their homeland "Tsenacomoco."Īs the daughter of the paramount chief Powhatan, custom dictated that Pocahontas would have accompanied her mother, who would have gone to live in another village, after her birth (Powhatan still cared for them). At its height, the Powhatan Chiefdom had a population of about 25,000 and included more than 30 Algonquian speaking tribes - each with its own werowance (chief). She was the daughter of Wahunsenaca (Chief Powhatan), the mamanatowick (paramount chief) of the Powhatan Chiefdom. She was called "Pocahontas" as a nickname, which meant "playful one," because of her frolicsome and curious nature. Pocahontas was born about 1596 and named "Amonute," though she also had a more private name of Matoaka. And yet, many people who know her name do not know much about her. Most notably, Pocahontas has left an indelible impression that has endured for more than 400 years. Specifically, her story has been told through written historical accounts and, most recently, through the sacred oral history of the Mattaponi. ![]() What we do know was written by others, as none of her thoughts or feelings were ever recorded. Not much is known about this memorable woman. ![]() Jamestown and Werowocomoco (Powhatan's capital) are underlined in red. In 1879, Thanksgiving was officially declared a national holiday to be held on November 6th.Detail of the map showing the various towns in the Powhatan Chiefdom. Before this, Thanksgiving in Canada had been held sporadically, often coinciding with other major events and anniversaries. Today Canadian Thanksgiving is held on the second Monday of October every year, or at least it has been since Canadian Parliament declared it so on January 31, 1957. Foods that are associated with a “traditional” Thanksgiving, such as North American turkey, squash, and pumpkin, were introduced to citizens of Halifax in the 1750s by the United Empire Loyalists, who continued to spread this “traditional” fare to other parts of the country. However, despite this history of uniquely Canadian thanksgivings, our modern concepts of Thanksgiving were influenced by our American neighbours. Medical treatises recommended better nutrition (more food) and entertainment to combat scurvy. To prevent the scurvy epidemic that had decimated the settlement at Île Sainte-Croix in past winters, the Ordre de Bon Temps (Order of Good Cheer) was founded, offering festive meals every few weeks. When it comes to European thanksgivings in Canada, we have a few tales to tell.Ĭhamplain’s feasts were more than an annual affair. ![]() These traditions may include feasting, prayer, dance, potlatch, and other ceremonies, depending on the peoples giving thanks. First Nations across Turtle Island have traditions of thanksgiving for surviving winter and for receiving crops and game as a reward for their hard work. Traditions of giving thanks long predate the arrival of European settlers in North America. Some records say the first official Thanksgiving likely predates this event by around fourteen years.īut let’s try again - we’re thinking of our neighbours to the south.īelieve it or not, Thanksgiving in Canada, or at least the land that would become Canada, has its own history, separate from our American counterparts. Without the help of the Wampanoag, who shared planting, hunting, and fishing knowledge and techniques, the pilgrims would have died. In 1621, the pilgrims at Plymouth Plantation, Massachusetts, held the first Thanksgiving in North America, giving thanks for the end to a drought and a bountiful harvest. People across the country will spend it raking leaves, harvesting, shutting down the family cabin, and hopefully eating a delicious meal surrounded by friends and family. For many, this long weekend really kicks off the autumn season. Canada's History Youth Committee Members.The John Bragg Award for Atlantic Canada.Historical Thinking Community of Practice. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |