Thanks everyone for joining us today on Mighty Line Minute! We're very grateful to have you here this Thanksgiving week, and we hope that you have a very enjoyable and thankful day. Let's talk turkey!

The tradition of Thanksgiving is celebrated in the United States, Canada, and several areas around the world. Thanks is given during this autumn time, to express gratitude for the bounty of nature, while celebrating that time with friends and family over feasts of food. 

While the history and meanings behind those celebrations date back to the very beginnings of American colonialism, Indigenous peoples have long included ceremonies of giving thanks for many food sources throughout the year. Thanksgiving today continues to serve over these many generations, as one of the most meaningful times that we gather together and give thanks.

It is also noteworthy that Tisquantum, of the Patuxet tribe, otherwise known as "Squanto," likely facilitated the survival of the Plymouth Colony Pilgrims. He did this by teaching them how to survive, and how to deal with food and prevent famine in the early 1600s.

So, the spiritual practices of reciprocity and thanksgiving for the gifts of the earth have survived among many tribes, nations and people, to this day.

A member of the historic Wampanoag Tribe known as "Mother Bear" offers us some perspective. "When I was young, we were taught by our grandparents and great-grandparents, to believe that the purpose of life is to be in a state of thanksgiving, every day." What wonderful words.

And I would add to those wonderful words from Mother Bear, some words from my own mother, when asked at a young age, "Why are we here on this earth?" Her answer was, "To make the world a better place." 

Have a Happy Thanksgiving! And be good. Take care.