Beyond Thanksgiving: Soka University To Explore Indigenous History

ALISO VIEJO, CA — Soka University of America will host its fifth annual "Thankstaking" gathering Friday, inviting members of its campus community to explore the history of Thanksgiving and consider Indigenous perspectives on the holiday.

The event will take place from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the university, 1 University Drive, in Aliso Viejo.

Organized by the university's Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, in partnership with Student Leadership and Service Engagement, the gathering will bring students, faculty and staff together for conversations about Thanksgiving's history, Indigenous rights and the holiday's modern traditions.

The program is intended to encourage participants to examine historical narratives surrounding Thanksgiving while reflecting on the importance of gratitude and community.

According to the university, the name "Thankstaking" references a term used by Native Americans to draw attention to the taking of Indigenous lands, the exclusion of Native American history from education and the ongoing experiences of Indigenous communities.

The gathering encourages participants to consider how Thanksgiving has been portrayed in American culture and how those portrayals relate to Indigenous history and contemporary issues.

The event also provides an opportunity for participants to discuss the holiday's modern association with gratitude and giving thanks.

Light refreshments will be provided during Friday's gathering.

The university's event calendar includes a registration option, but the exact gathering location is visible only to users who sign in.

The event is advertised to the university community. Public attendance and registration requirements for visitors outside the university have not been confirmed.

For more information, visit Soka University's official fifth annual Thankstaking event page.