Thanksgiving has always carried a complicated story in America. For some, it’s a time of family and gratitude; for others, especially Native Americans, it is a reminder of ancestors’ strength in the face of centuries of loss and displacement, a struggle that persists today. The 1621 feast is often remembered as a symbol of cooperation, but we cannot overlook the pain that followed. Honoring that truth makes our gratitude today deeper and more genuine.
This year, our thanks are rooted not in distant tradition but in the resilience of Montezuma County itself. When the recent federal shutdown cut off SNAP funding, almost 5,000 of our neighbors suddenly faced uncertainty, and nearly $900,000 in monthly payments disappeared from our local economy. Yet, the response here was immediate and heartfelt. Food pantries, Social Services, nonprofits, and countless volunteers stepped forward, proving once again that generosity is not an abstract value – it’s a lived practice in our community.
That spirit of care and self-reliance shines through in the joyful Turkey Trots on Thanksgiving morning in Dolores and Cortez, which raise money for the Dolores Family Project and For Pets’ Sake. It also shines through the free takeout Grace’s Kitchen Thanksgiving Meal (at St. Barnabas Church in Cortez; pickup RSVP deadline is Wednesday at noon, call the office at 565-7865 or email office@stbarnabascortez.org to check on delivery options). Moving into the weekend, the Festival of Wreaths (starting Nov. 28) supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Montezuma County. Activities like Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and the Musicians Market at ZU Gallery offer vital ways to support local businesses, a message promoted by CREA.
As we reflect on both the beauty and the complexity of this holiday, let us remember that gratitude is strongest when it acknowledges the whole story. To keep this safety net strong, we urge sustained support for local nonprofits through the SW Colorado Gives campaign (online now, though the official day is Dec. 9). Time and again, when hardship arrives from outside forces, Montezuma County shows up. That bond – rooted in compassion, and community investment – is stronger than any adversity, and it is what weaves and holds us together.
Happy Thanksgiving!
