This Land Is Their Land: The Wampanoag Indians, Plymouth Colony, and the Troubled History of Thanksgiving

This Land Is Their Land examines the real history behind the American Thanksgiving narrative through the perspective of the Wampanoag people. The book traces the relationship between the Wampanoag Nation and European settlers from first contact through the present day. The author reconstructs the complex political and social dynamics that existed in 17th century New England, placing the Pilgrims' arrival within a broader context of Indigenous diplomacy and power structures. Through extensive research and consultation with Wampanoag people, Silverman documents how the simplified story of the "First Thanksgiving" emerged and became institutionalized in American culture. The work follows key figures and events in Wampanoag history, including Ousamequin (Massasoit), King Philip's War, and the tribe's ongoing efforts to maintain their sovereignty and cultural identity. The narrative extends beyond the colonial period to explore the evolution of both Native American-settler relations and the American Thanksgiving tradition. By centering Indigenous perspectives and experiences, this book challenges conventional assumptions about early American history while raising questions about historical memory and national mythology. The work speaks to broader themes of power, identity, and the contested nature of American origin stories.

Readers describe this as a balanced examination of the complex relationship between the Wampanoag people and English settlers. The book challenges traditional Thanksgiving narratives while maintaining historical rigor. Readers appreciate: - Clear documentation and extensive research - The centering of Wampanoag perspectives - Detailed maps and illustrations - Connection to contemporary Native American issues Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style - Repetitive sections - Some readers found the tone too negative - Price point too high for length Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (500+ ratings) Sample reader comments: "Finally tells the full story without sugarcoating" - Amazon reviewer "Too much focus on tragic elements rather than resilience" - Goodreads reviewer "Should be required reading in American schools" - Goodreads reviewer "Sometimes gets bogged down in academic detail" - Amazon reviewer

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🦃 The Wampanoag people had been interacting with European traders and fishermen for nearly a century before the Pilgrims arrived, and many already spoke English, including Tisquantum (Squanto), who had been kidnapped and taken to Europe years earlier. 🌽 The iconic "First Thanksgiving" meal likely included fish, eels, shellfish, and waterfowl rather than today's traditional turkey and cranberry sauce. The Wampanoag brought five deer as gifts to the gathering. 🏹 Author David J. Silverman spent over a decade researching this book, consulting extensively with contemporary Wampanoag people and tribal historians to ensure accurate representation of their perspective. 🌾 The Wampanoag nation had recently endured a devastating plague (1616-1619) that killed up to 90% of their population in some areas before the Pilgrims arrived, fundamentally altering the power dynamics in the region. 🗺️ The book reveals how the Wampanoag's decision to ally with the Pilgrims was actually a calculated political move to protect themselves from rival Native nations, particularly the Narragansett, rather than the simple act of friendship often portrayed in traditional Thanksgiving stories.