FAQ’s
3 Sun General Questions
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3 Sun Thanksgiving FAQ’s
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Q: What is meant by “Alliance Revival”?
A: Back in 1621 it was the Wampanoag allies who went beyond simple charity to provide economic opportunity to the struggling English. Today our poorest socio-economic segment is American Indians, and reviving the alliance means returning the greater kindness that was once shown. It was a hand up, not just a hopeless hand out. Today we can revive the spirit of the alliance by opening Grameen America micro-lending offices on or near destitute reservations, and by responding with honesty to the (healthy) verbal communications of native communities and organizations.
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Q: What is meant by “year-round” 3 Sun Thanksgiving activities?
A: Many of the 3 Sun ideas and activities are well suited to being part of an on-going hobby, rather than a quicky holiday craft project. Although 3 Sun activities may culminate during the Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Day season, getting started on some activities earlier in the year allows for greater enjoyment and creative expression. For example, pottery production, hide tanning, bobbin lace making, and musket manufacture are all activities that are fun to do well in advance, yet they are all for the purpose of adding pleasing detail to seasonal events and remembrances. Also, some of the historical games are much more fun to play outdoors in the fall while the weather is still nice, rather than indoors (or outdoors) in late November. So while it is a “holiday” hobby, per say, it is also great for year-round entertainment.
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Q: Why the new emphasis on brotherhood, instead of food?
A: Because feasts are only as wonderful as the company of those gathered together to share them. When a brother cannot dine with us, the table is incomplete. In 1621 it was human brotherhood for mutual survival that made the picnic food possible. (Not necessarily brotherly affection, but definitely brotherly respect and mutual regard.) As many of our on-reservation neighbors today are struggling in hopeless poverty as a result of our collective past, 3 Sun desires to rekindle a reciprocal brotherhood of mutuality that will give our American Indian brothers and sisters a chance to live more abundantly, and perhaps reclaim some of their beautiful culture all but lost to forced assimilation. Great food is nice, but community happiness in celebrating brotherhood and mutual plenty is even better.
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Q: How did the 3 Sun Thanksgiving movement get started?
A: It began in 2007 in response to Thanksgiving boredom. The Franzwa household needed a change, and Carrie, who was just discovering her love for living history, decided to attempt “time travel” for the day. Upon discovering that no one had ever compiled a how-to manual for 1621 Thanksgiving time travel, Carrie began the task. During her two year course of research and writing, the entire Franzwa family became increasingly interested in Native concerns, and especially moved by the suicide epidemic among on-reservation teens. All these things came together to create the 3 Sun Thanksgiving concept.
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Q: Is this holiday hobby expensive?
A: It can be, but doesn’t have to be. You can choose historical ideas that are inexpensive, such as sugar sculpting or rush weaving, or you can choose ideas that are more costly, such as matchlock kit production for shooting competitions in the fall. It’s up to you.
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Q: Are American Indians aware of what 3 Sun is doing?
A: As of launch, no more so than the rest of America. News will spread all in good time.
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Q: Will American Indians and Native Americans participate in 3 Sun events?
A: That’s up to individuals and Native communities. Just like in other sectors of our society, some folks are more social than others, and individuals choose how much they want to participate in community events. Invitations are always ice-breakers, but be aware that Thanksgiving is traditionally suspect as “the white man’s holiday” in some circles, so do not be offended if the invitation is declined. Just love your neighbors with kindness and well-wishes anyway!
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Q: What should we watch out for when wearing Native attire “for fun” ?
A: The most important thing to be aware of is that your behavior reflects on Native Peoples. If you’re going to wear the garb, be mindful not to perpetuate “savage” stereotypes, or “unlearned” stereotypes, but rather behave intelligently and with dignity. Second, the Wampanoag Peoples of 1621 did not dress like the Plains Tribes of the 1800’s. That has been a very difficult stereotype to uproot. However, Native Peoples participating in 3 Sun activities may prefer to don their own tribal attire, regardless of what the Wampanoags may have worn. In this case, just be sure spectators are told this at public events.
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Q: Who’s really making the money with 3 Sun?
A: The financial breakdown of how membership dues are used is a matter of public record, and can be accessed by clicking on the link(s) found on our Home page. Additionally we post contributions and membership numbers on the Donations Log page so everyone can calculate how much the outreach recipients should be receiving. 3 Sun Thanksgiving is a for-profit enterprise, nevertheless our fundraising recipients combined at 30% make more money off of the 3 Sun fundraiser than 3 Sun/LetsPlayHistory.org does.
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Q: How can I motivate family and friends who are content with the status quo?
A: Encourage room for change by explaining that, A. The 3 Sun hobby itself is patriotic and accepting of our true collective heritage, and, B. Support of the movement creates economic balance in otherwise hopeless situations, and ultimately brings about a better quality of life for the greater whole. 3 Sun is win-win for America.
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Q: Will 3 Sun serve other areas besides the Dakotas?
A: Yes. 3 Sun hopes that in years to come we can open Grameen offices in other poverty stricken reservation areas in America, including in the southwest. As of the 2010 movement launch we already have a few workable ideas for future offerings. One idea is to invite a start-up Native enterprise to manufacture reproduction pewter ware for 3 Sun, and offer this product to supporters. Another idea is to provide artwork by Native persons for purchase. Other ideas include instructional videos, hand made Native incense, and… well, you get the idea 
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Q: How does Learning Horse operate?
A: Learning Horse focuses on introducing Native kids to basic horse care and cultural history as it relates to horses, and then they share opportunities for employment in the equine field. Learning Horse uses older, very tame horses for their program, as they intend the young people to emotionally bond with the horses in a very short span of time.
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Q: How can I get my church family involved in 3 Sun?
A: Very easy! Simply go to our Fliers & Graphics page and print out the 8.5×11 3 Sun Mock Postcards (there are two; B&W is fine). Fold in half, then deliver them to your church leadership at your next gathering. The mock postcards outline the simple steps needed for group involvement, with step number one being to assign a representative to research 3 Sun and become your church body’s in-house coordinator.
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Q: Can my organization pay by check for our memberships?
A: Yes, with a combined purchase of 10 memberships or more. Due to limited grassroots manpower, 3 Sun cannot yet hand process individual purchases by check, but we can hand process large combined purchases. Please make check payable to TIPS of Oregon & 3 Sun, and mail to the address provided on our Contact page. Bear in mind that this method does not provide membership Lounge access, so if you’d like the Lounge library on CD, add an optional $19 and let us know where you would like the CD sent (upon receipt you can duplicate the CD for your group members, or it’s contents can be printed out as needed).
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Q: How can my church help spread the 3 Sun message?
A: One great way is to assist in organizing a multi-church, or city-wide Unity Event in your area, at which 3 Sun would be honored and delighted to deliver either a secular, or a biblically-based message (for a sample of the biblical message see http://Squidoo.com/UnityInDiversity; secular message is based on historical examples). Another way is by volunteering to print and mail 3 Sun brochures or postcards to churches in your area (inquiries appreciated and welcome).
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