This year’s Turkey Trot in Davis was, for me, more than a race. Held on the ancestral land of the Patwin people, it served as a stark reminder of the complex histories tied to Thanksgiving traditions. As I ran the course, I couldn’t help but reflect on what I’ve learned in my Native American studies class (my professor ran the race too!): the importance of acknowledging the land’s history and the ongoing presence of its original stewards. However, what could have been a moment of connection and respect became muddled when I saw a fellow participant, and fellow UC Davis student wearing a stereotypical Native “Indian” costume, complete with an axe.
The sight was troubling—a caricature of Native identity in a setting where mindfulness should have been paramount. It wasn’t just inappropriate; it was a missed opportunity for deeper reflection on the history tied to the holiday and the land. The Turkey Trot, like many Thanksgiving events, exists within a broader cultural narrative that often erases or distorts Indigenous experiences. Seeing this costume highlighted the need for greater awareness and a reevaluation of how such traditions are framed.
As events like the Turkey Trot continue to grow in popularity, there is an opportunity to evolve them into something more thoughtful and inclusive. Integrating land acknowledgments and collaborating with local Native communities could elevate the event’s meaning. These changes wouldn’t detract from the celebration or the joy of running—they would add depth, fostering gratitude that extends beyond the surface.
Running on Patwin land this year reminded me that respect and responsibility are inseparable from gratitude. It’s not enough to run in celebration of health and community without acknowledging the histories and cultures that shaped the land we traverse. By reframing our traditions with intention and care, we can create events that truly honor the past while building a more inclusive future.
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