It’s a quiet week on Chewonki Neck, with students back home for the Thanksgiving holiday and many staff taking time off to be with their families. A walk across campus—frosty boardwalks underfoot and crisp air all around—offers a moment to reflect on the meaning of Thanksgiving for our community and my gratitude.
In some ways, Thanksgiving feels like the most Chewonki holiday. For many, it’s a time to gather with loved ones, rekindle relationships, and give back to the community. We share meals lovingly prepared from cherished recipes and local, seasonal ingredients. These values have always been at the heart of life at Chewonki.
Thanksgiving also has layers of complexity—reminders of historical injustices, the challenges of modern consumerism, or the reality of those without a place to gather. These layers ask us to consider how we can hold the tension between honoring the day’s spirit of giving thanks while striving to create a more inclusive and compassionate world, whether by learning more about the histories that shape this day, reaching out to those in need, or finding ways to live into the heart of our values.
To deepen this reflection, I encourage you to read a Thanksgiving Prayer shared by Wabanaki REACH. This prayer reminds us of the complex history surrounding this holiday and calls us to acknowledge the suffering experienced by Indigenous peoples. It offers a meaningful framework for balancing gratitude with awareness and envisioning a better path forward. You can find the full prayer here.
As I reflect on this season, I am especially thankful for you—our Chewonki families and friends. Your connection to this place, whether through participating in our programs, supporting our mission, or simply staying connected, is deeply nourishing. Just as Thanksgiving can be made richer by the presence, contributions, and stories of everyone at the table, Chewonki is the vibrant community it is because of you.
Wherever this day finds you, I hope you feel the warmth of love, a sense of belonging, and that which inspires gratitude within you. Here’s to shared moments and lasting connections.
Nancy Kennedy
President
