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Mapping the Doctrine of DiscoveryAuthor: The Doctrine of Discovery Project
The Mapping the Doctrine of Discovery podcast, hosted by Philip P. Arnold and Sandy Bigtree (Mohawk Nation), critically examines the historical and ongoing impacts of the Doctrine of Christian Discovery. Rooted in 15th-century papal edicts, this doctrine provided theological and legal justification for European colonialism, the seizure of Indigenous lands, and the subjugation of non-Christian peoples. The podcast explores how these principles became codified in U.S. law, from Johnson v. MIntosh (1823) to Sherrill v. Oneida (2005), and continue to underpin contemporary legal, religious, and corporate frameworks. Featuring discussions with scholars, legal experts, and Indigenous leaders, the series sheds light on how this doctrine fuels environmental destruction, economic exploitation, and cultural genocide while also highlighting Indigenous resistance and calls for justice, land restoration, and the repudiation of these colonial structures. https://podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org/ Language: en-us Genres: Courses, Education, Religion, Religion & Spirituality Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Defending Mother Earth from The Doctrine of Christian Discovery #NoKings
Episode 1
Monday, 30 June, 2025
Standing on the shores of Onondaga Lake—the birthplace of democracy in North America—Haudenosaunee knowledge keepers share timeless wisdom about our relationship with Mother Earth. This powerful conversation begins with Jake Edwards reciting the Thanksgiving Address, a profound expression of gratitude that acknowledges the interconnected responsibilities of all beings."When you look at the responsibilities that were given to us with the original instructions of humans," Edwards explains, "the details of environmental justice are all in there." The Onondaga Nation has maintained these teachings despite centuries of attempted erasure, and they offer crucial insights for our current environmental crisis.Faithkeeper Oren Lyons reminds us that the Great Tree of Peace—a thousand-year-old teaching symbolized in the Haudenosaunee Confederacy Belt—represents the foundation of true democracy, one that extends rights and consideration to all living beings, not just humans. "World peace is the only solution," he states, warning that climate change is accelerating while leaders focus on war instead of survival.The conversation unfolds against the backdrop of colonial history, as participants explore how the Doctrine of Christian Discovery created legal frameworks that justified land theft and attempted to sever indigenous peoples from their connection to the earth. Now, ironically, many institutions built on these foundations are looking to indigenous knowledge for environmental healing, often without addressing their complicity in displacement.Most powerfully, the speakers offer clear direction for moving forward: "If you want to start healing," Edwards states, "you start with where it started—taking the land. So give it back." He draws direct connections between environmental restoration projects like dam removal on the Klamath River and the return of land to indigenous stewardship.Listen to this essential conversation about gratitude, responsibility, and what it truly means to live in right relationship with the earth and each other. Share these teachings widely—our collective future may depend on it.Support the showView the transcript and show notes at podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org. Learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery on our site DoctrineofDiscovery.org.
