Canada’s Thanksgiving: Celebrating Acadian and Indigenous Harvest Traditions

Canada’s Thanksgiving, celebrated on the second Monday of October, is a unique blend of Acadian and Indigenous harvest traditions that reflect the country’s diverse cultural heritage. Unlike the American Thanksgiving, Canada’s holiday honours the harvest season itself, with deep roots in Indigenous and Acadian customs.

Acadian communities, descendants of French settlers in the Maritime provinces, have long celebrated the harvest through music, dance, and communal feasts. “Our traditions are about resilience and connection,” says Mercedes Peters, a historian and member of the Acadian community. “The harvest has always been a time to reflect on our relationship with the land and to honour the hardships our ancestors overcame.”

Indigenous peoples across Canada have equally rich harvest ceremonies. For Mi’kmaq communities, these practices are deeply spiritual and reflect gratitude to the Creator and the Earth. “Our ceremonies are about reciprocity and balance,” shares Gerald Gloade, a Mi’kmaw educator. “We honour what the land gives us and ensure we give back through respect and stewardship.”

Recently, efforts to amplify Indigenous voices and practices have become part of the Thanksgiving narrative. “Recognizing Indigenous harvest traditions as foundational to this land enriches our understanding of Thanksgiving,” says Tim Bernard, Executive Director of Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre. “It reminds us that gratitude and connection to the land are universal values.”

Canada’s Thanksgiving continues to evolve, embracing the diverse cultural traditions that shape the nation’s identity. By celebrating Indigenous and Acadian harvest practices, Canadians can deepen their appreciation for the land and the people who have nurtured it for generations. This inclusive approach fosters respect and understanding, weaving together the shared threads of history and heritage. Click to read the entire article.