Compassion at Thanksgiving

Food plays a central role in cultural traditions worldwide, with holiday celebrations often marked by a communal meal. For many Canadian families, this means a turkey dinner and a long weekend. But for Indigenous peoples, this day often serves as a painful reminder of the ongoing impacts of colonialism. I distinctly remember the false narrative taught in elementary school about Samuel de Champlain sharing a friendly meal with First Nations - a story likely borrowed from the equally false U.S. narrative of the Pilgrims’ "first Thanksgiving." The reality is much darker, rooted in assimilation, genocide, and the theft of land. Thankfully, more and more people are recognizing the harm that comes from celebrating a holiday built upon the foundations of Indigenous dispossession.

Changing a family tradition can feel like a challenge, but we believe there's something special about growing and learning together. For some, that may involve taking time to watch a documentary this weekend (Thunder Bay is an eye-opening mini-series, and The Knowing has also been recommended to us). For others, it may be having a meaningful conversation with family while taking a walk to appreciate the fall foliage.

Reduce Harm for All Beings

Not only does this holiday harm people, but it also harms animals. As a chicken sanctuary, our mission is to inspire compassion for chickens through rescue, education, and advocacy. Today, we want to share a short list of tips to reduce harm this Thanksgiving:

• Make one replacement at a time. Serving ice cream with your apple crumble? Try this delicious coconut alternative! Butter slathered on your potatoes or biscuits? Many companies make a near-identical plant butter option.

• Try a new plant-based side. Some of the best side dishes are flavourful seasonal vegetables. A brown sugar glaze, which is easy to make and is my weakness, is a delicious addition to roasted squash or carrots. Focusing on fresh produce allows you to create incredibly rich, satisfying dishes that are true highlights of the meal. 

• Plan a family-friendly activity. Maybe you need a way to connect with family that's outside and away from food altogether. That’s okay! Visit a sanctuary, or watch a non-graphic documentary together, and introduce them to what you care about. If it’s easier, revisit your childhood roots and plan a crafty afternoon, puzzle the day away with cider, or simply take a walk to enjoy the fall foliage.

• Join a community. Sometimes families will refuse change, and that's hard. There are numerous amazing vegan-friendly communities in Ottawa. You can join the Ottawa Veg Community Discord, the Ottawa Vegan Book Club, attend one of Ottawa Vegan Drinks’ or Ottawa Vegan Nature Club’s monthly events, or join a VegOttawa Association event. And remember, we’re also here for you.

Building a Compassionate Tradition

The holidays should be about connection, love, joy, but above all else, they should be inclusive: extending compassion to all humans and animals alike. This Thanksgiving, whether you choose to reflect on history (we’ll continue our learning on the 94 calls to action) or simply share a delicious and plant-forward meal, you're choosing to bring meaning into your life. Embrace the power of small changes to build a more compassionate tradition for your family and community.