As I sit and think about Thanksgiving I remember the history we have been taught and much of the history I have learned. With my parents on Cape Cod I drive through Plymouth, Massachusetts every year on my way to and from Thanksgiving dinner. I think about the friendships that were made between the Wampanoag People and the Pilgrims and how the white colonists truly treated the Natives who helped them survive the first year. It saddens me that we are taught such a different story about what Thanksgiving means. To me this is a day to give thanks for the blessings we have and to gather with loved ones and be thankful for the time with them. This is especially true for my family this year since it may be one of the last ones that my father will be truly present as his Alzheimer's is getting much worse.
Today I wanted to share a fun puzzle that Aaron Carapella of Tribal Nations Maps sent me as a thank you for sharing his maps with you. I don't know if I told you yet but Aaron offers his beautiful maps on other things besides posters. He has shower curtains, post cards and puzzles as well as other products that he sells. I picked out the Tribal Nations of Massachusetts puzzle when he offered me a gift of my choice. I love puzzle and thought it was such a unique way to learn about the Indigenous People of Massachusetts.
The puzzle box is small and has a photo of the map on it. What I really love is that it is made in the USA! Not too many puzzles are these days. I received the 250 piece puzzle and got to work on it.
I struggled with the border and had to rearrange them a few times, but after that the puzzle went together easily. Some of the pieces came stuck together so I separated them. This puzzle is a nice quality and some of the cuts were very unique which made it fun to do.
I was able to complete the puzzle in a couple of hours (one afternoon). It is not a large puzzle but I love seeing the tribes names in their own languages and where they lived. I look at where the Nauset people live and think about where Nauset Beach is and am somewhat surprised by the locations. I also see so many other towns and things that carry the Native names. For example Agawam and Saugus are Massachusetts towns. Quaboag is the name of a river a regional high school. The names go on and on. In my mind I wonder if the Indigenous people are honored by our naming things after their people or if they find it insulting. I hope the are honored.
I felt like sharing this puzzle with you today was the perfect way to honor the Wampanoag's who helped my ancestors when they arrived. I hope you will take time to check out Aaron's other puzzles and products. Perhaps get one of your own state and explore the Native American tribes from your area.
In the mean time we wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving! I am very thankful for all of the readers of Crafty Moms Share!
