Suzan Shown Harjo, a member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, has spent her life as an activist and voice for the Native American people.

Shown Harjo is dedicated to preserving and reminding the U.S. that the native peoples of North America are a living part of American culture—something that this week's feast of Thanksgiving is supposed to commemorate.

President Lincoln established Thanksgiving, an important part of his legacy, but a far cry from any emancipation for the ravages wrought on the native peoples of North America.

Today, Shown Harjo discusses the Native American perspective on Thanksgiving. Suzan Shown Harjo is also one of 19 individuals receiving the nation's highest civilian honor today, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.