What the Thanksgiving Address Is and Who Uses It
The Thanksgiving Address, known also as the Ohen:ton Kariwatehkwen in the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) tradition, is a spoken prayer of gratitude that opens many public gatherings on territories of several Native nations in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. It is a living practice maintained most notably among the Haudenosaunee (Six Nations/Iroquois Confederacy), including the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora peoples, as well as by some Anishinaabe and other Indigenous communities that have adopted it as a shared protocol of respect and acknowledgment. The address is recited or spoken in the opening of ceremonies, official meetings, and community events to give thanks to the natural world and to set a mindset of balance and responsibility.
This explainer clarifies the origins, forms, meanings, and contemporary use of the Thanksgiving Address, with attention to the nations that steward it and how the practice connects to ongoing governance, language, and land relationships.
Key Details at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Nations Associated | Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, notably including Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, Tuscarora | Indigenous governance and linguistic sources |
| Common Haudenosaunee Name | Ohen:ton Kariwatehkwen | Haudenosaunee language resources |
| Purpose | Opening ceremony to give thanks and align participants to reciprocal responsibilities toward the earth and community | Community practice and ceremonial protocols |
| Typical Contexts | Community gatherings, official meetings, academic and public events on recognized Indigenous lands | Observational and institutional protocols |
| Status as of the 2020s | Widely practiced and intentionally adapted across Indigenous nations and non-Indigenous land acknowledgments; critically, it remains a sovereign practice rooted in specific Native traditions | Recent Indigenous policy and scholarship |
Origins and Traditional Context
The Thanksgiving Address originates from the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, a long-standing democratic political and cultural alliance often described as having influenced early U.S. constitutional thought. Within Haudenosaunee governance and social life, the address is one of many ceremonial expressions that bind human activity to responsibility for the land and all living beings. The spoken words recognize not only human relatives but also the waters, animals, forests, and the broader living world. These expressions embody a worldview in which gratitude is not merely symbolic but a guiding principle for how decisions are made and how resources are shared.
Scholars and knowledge-keepers describe the address as a reaffirmation of reciprocity and good mind — concepts that stress thoughtful, considerate conduct toward others and the environment. Because it originates in specific Indigenous protocols, the precise form and language can differ across communities and families, yet the core intention remains aligned with respect, balance, and care for future generations.
Words and Phrases Commonly Used
Although wording varies, many versions of the Thanksgiving Address include segments that give thanks to:
- The Creator or the Great Spirit, depending on community tradition
- The sky, the sun, and the moon
- The waters, including rivers, lakes, and oceans
- The plants, trees, and forests
- The animals and all living beings
- The earth and the fruits it provides
- All people gathered together and those who are not present
These enumerations are not a checklist but a way of mindfully acknowledging the web of relationships that sustain life.
Contemporary Practice and Governance
Today, the Thanksgiving Address is used to open meetings in many Indigenous governments, educational institutions, and public ceremonies throughout Haudenosaunee territories and beyond. Some tribal councils and longhouse communities begin regular gatherings with it; universities and local governments may include it as part of land acknowledgment practices when appropriate and done in consultation with local Indigenous nations. Importantly, when non-Indigenous organizations or institutions use the address, they do so as an act of respect and relationship, ideally in collaboration with or under the guidance of Indigenous partners.
Use in Official Settings
In formal governance contexts, the Thanksgiving Address can signal that a body acknowledges its responsibilities to the land and to the community. For example, some tribal governments and regional Indigenous assemblies incorporate it before council discussions or public hearings to center relational thinking and long-term stewardship. When used this way, the address functions as both a spiritual practice and a reminder that decision-making must consider the wellbeing of the whole community and the environment.
Cultural Significance and Protocol
For many Haudenosaunee citizens and other Indigenous peoples who use the Thanksgiving Address, the practice is an expression of ongoing sovereignty and cultural continuity. It is not a relic of the past but a living element of contemporary Indigenous life, affirming language, values, and responsibilities. Elders and knowledge-keepers often guide how the address is delivered, whether in a spoken word, a song, or a moment of silent reflection. Participation by non-Indigenous allies is usually welcomed, but it is typically encouraged to proceed with humility, an understanding that the words carry specific cultural meanings, and a willingness to listen more than to speak.
Critiques and Considerations
While the Thanksgiving Address has gained wider visibility, some Indigenous voices caution against its use when it becomes a performative gesture or when non-Indigenous institutions adopt it without meaningful engagement with Indigenous priorities. Because the address originates from specific cultural and spiritual traditions, it is important to approach it with care, context, and respect for the nations that steward it. Where possible, learning about the local Indigenous history, current land stewardship practices, and protocols for engagement helps ensure that the use of the address supports relationship-building rather than appropriation.
Why This Matters Now and Over Time
Understanding the Thanksgiving Address is part of broader efforts to recognize Native sovereignty, honor Indigenous knowledge, and create spaces where diverse ways of relating to the land are respected. As communities continue to seek inclusive practices for gatherings and meetings, the address offers a thoughtful way to center gratitude and responsibility. Its enduring presence reflects the resilience of Indigenous cultures and the ongoing work of reconciliation, making it a relevant and informative practice for many people to understand.