Doctrine of Discovery

Summary

The transcript discusses the historical context of the 'Doctrine of Discovery,' a principle originating from a 1493 papal bull that allowed European powers to claim lands inhabited by non-Christians. This doctrine, rooted in Christian belief, denied indigenous people the right to own land and categorized them as mere occupants. It became U.S. federal law in 1823 through the Supreme Court case Johnson v. McIntosh. The speaker reflects on its lasting impact, noting how it continues to justify the denial of indigenous land rights. The need for public awareness and justice is emphasized, especially regarding ongoing legal struggles.

Takeaways

• 📜 The speaker reflects on the historical reasons behind the dispossession and mistreatment of Indigenous peoples.
• 🔍 The 'Doctrine of Discovery' is identified as a framework that justified the seizing of lands from Indigenous peoples.
• ⛪ The Doctrine was rooted in a Papal Bull issued by the Vatican in 1493, which declared non-Christian lands 'empty' and available for Christian colonization.
• 🌍 This doctrine declared that non-Christian inhabitants only had the right of occupancy, not ownership, of their lands.
• ⚖️ In 1823, the U.S. Supreme Court case Johnson v. McIntosh reinforced the Doctrine of Discovery in U.S. federal law.
• 📅 This doctrine remains influential in law and has been cited as recently as 2007 in the Oneida v. New York case.
• 🚫 The speaker notes that the Doctrine specifically reflects Christian beliefs, excluding other faiths like Islam and Judaism.
• 🤔 The speaker emphasizes that many Americans, including Indigenous peoples, are unaware of this doctrine's existence and implications.
• 🛡️ The Six Nations are highlighted as continuing to defend their rights and lands for the collective good.
• 📢 The speaker calls for greater awareness and unity to challenge and address the ongoing impact of the Doctrine of Discovery.

Q & A

What did the speaker initially wonder about?

The speaker wondered why certain people thought it was right to take Indigenous lands, push them off, and attempt to eliminate them as a people.

What concept helped the speaker understand the historical actions of colonizers?

The concept of the 'Doctrine of Discovery' helped the speaker understand where colonizers got their direction from and the rationale behind their actions.

Who played a significant role in establishing the Doctrine of Discovery?

The Vatican, specifically a Papal Bull in 1493, played a significant role in establishing the Doctrine of Discovery.

What did the 1493 Papal Bull declare about lands discovered by Christian explorers?

The Papal Bull declared that if no Christian nations were present in the newly discovered lands, those lands would be considered empty and open for conquest.

How did the Doctrine of Discovery view Indigenous peoples in the Americas?

The Doctrine of Discovery viewed Indigenous peoples as having no right to title of the land; they only had the right to occupy it, similar to animals like rabbits or deer.

What was the significance of the 1823 Supreme Court case Johnson v. McIntosh?

The 1823 case solidified the Doctrine of Discovery in U.S. federal law, with Chief Justice John Marshall stating that Indigenous people did not have the right to land ownership.

What type of doctrine was the Doctrine of Discovery based on?

The Doctrine of Discovery was based on Christian doctrine, specifically not Muslim or Jewish doctrines.

When did the speaker first learn about the Doctrine of Discovery?

The speaker first learned about the Doctrine of Discovery in 1990-1991 when someone named Steve Nuk introduced the concept to them.

What happened in the 2007 Supreme Court case related to the Doctrine of Discovery?

In 2007, the Onida versus New York case referenced the Doctrine of Discovery, and the court dismissed the case after a 30-year battle, saying it was too late and disruptive.

Why does the speaker believe it is important for the American public to learn about the Doctrine of Discovery?

The speaker believes it is important for the American public to learn about the Doctrine of Discovery because it affects everyone, and understanding this history is crucial for justice and the future.