Mapping the Doctrine of Discovery
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. M’Intosh (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/
Mapping the Doctrine of Discovery
S03E05: Land is Kin: Indigenous Rights and Sovereignty with Dana Lloyd
Have you ever wondered what it truly means for land to be sacred? Join us on a thought-provoking exploration with Dr. Dana Lloyd, author of "Land is Kin: Sovereignty, Religious Freedom, and Indigenous Sacred Sites." A Tel Aviv native raised on Palestinian land, Dr. Lloyd brings an exceptional perspective to draw parallels between the settler colonial contexts of Israel-Palestine and the United States. We dive into the intricate concept of land as sacred, the enduring struggle for indigenous rights, and the pivotal Ling case's profound impact on indigenous and settler law.
As we navigate this engrossing journey, the intersection of environmentalism and indigenous rights comes to light, specifically through the lens of the concept of wilderness. Prepare to challenge your perceptions as we compare the indigenous perspective of land as a gift of life with the colonizers' view of domination and extraction. The conversation deepens as we explore the tension between indigenous sovereignty, religion, and property law - a tension which unravels throughout history and contemporary court cases alike, including the case of Ling.
The final part of our discussion welcomes a member of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania, who shares the compelling story of colonization on Lenape land and unpacks the rigors of the doctrine of discovery. We tackle the complex realities of genocide, settler colonialism, and indigenous sovereignty that echo in Native American history and current struggles. With a deeper understanding of these complexities, we hope to inspire listeners to further engage with the narrative of indigenous rights and sovereignty.
View the transcript and show notes at podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org. Learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery on our site DoctrineofDiscovery.org.
