Any sincere search for truth and reconciliation with First Nations, Metis and Indigenous Peoples in Canada must include becoming acquainted with the Doctrine of Discovery. Most immigrants and Settler descendants in Canada have never even heard of it. Here is a short summary of the Doctrine of Discovery which you can download and read.
Here is a presentation that I gave to an SSVP conference in March of this year (2024) after referencing Matthew 5:23-24 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift."
Doctrine of Discovery Rescinded - Now what?
During the discussion afterwards it emerged that almost all of us had never before heard of the Doctrine of Discovery, and yet it is something that Indigenous People have been aware of for centuries. The United States Supreme Court in 2005, relying on a series of Indian law cases going back to 1823, specifically cited the Doctrine in its decision denying the right of the Oneida Indian Nation of New York to regain its territory. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg wrote in the 2005 decision: “Under the Doctrine of Discovery … free title to the land occupied by Indians when the colonists arrived became vested in the sovereign – first the discovering European nation and later the original States and the United States.”
My purpose in sharing this was not to make us feel guilty, but to raise awareness with knowledge. We cannot tackle a problem unless we admit there is a problem and try to understand it. As Christians and Catholics our problem is, how can Colonial Settler descendants be justly reconciled with Indigenous First Nations in this present time?
There is also a series of YouTube videos which I strongly recommend for further information. These have also been recommended by the SSVP ONRC Social Justice Committee and Indigenous Sharing Circle. Here are the links to YouTube.
Doctrine of Discovery: Stolen lands, Strong Hearts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQwkB1hn5E8&t=6s
TRC Part # 1 Introduction
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9tRe5aN0eE
TRC Part # 2 "We Are All Treaty People"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoZu6DYZYIQ
TRC Part # 3 The Residential Schools
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlXuLs9s-ds&t=3s
TRC Part # 4 Apologies and The Churches
https://youtu.be/RWqdul1ZDfk?si=VlYkUPWHv28ro51o&t=6
TRC #5 Calls to Action
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yi9euHR0YdI&pp=ygULVFJDIFBhcnQgIzU%3D
Please share these links with others whom you think might be interested.