The struggle for the recognition and restoration of the fundamental human rights of Indigenous Peoples is a complex and multifaceted endeavor, interwoven with historical injustices, legal doctrines, and ongoing advocacy. A key element in this struggle involves confronting the legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery, a principle rooted in 15th-century papal bulls that legitimized the colonization and subjugation of non-Christian lands and peoples. This article delves into the historical context of this doctrine, its enduring impact, and the contemporary movements aimed at dismantling its influence and restoring justice for Indigenous communities worldwide.
The Papal Bulls and the Doctrine of Discovery
The Doctrine of Discovery, as it came to be known, emerged from a series of papal bulls issued by the Catholic Church in the 15th century. These pronouncements, most notably Dum Diversas (1452), Romanus Pontifex (1455), and Inter Caetera (1493), granted European Christian monarchs the right to claim lands inhabited by non-Christians. Inter Caetera, in particular, issued by Pope Alexander VI, played a significant role in the European colonization of the Americas. It authorized Spain and Portugal to conquer and claim territories in the "New World," with the explicit goal of spreading Christianity.
These papal bulls were not merely religious pronouncements; they provided a legal and moral justification for the seizure of Indigenous lands, the enslavement of Indigenous populations, and the suppression of Indigenous cultures and religions. The Doctrine of Discovery established a framework for international law that prioritized the rights of European Christian nations over the rights of Indigenous Peoples, setting the stage for centuries of exploitation and oppression.
The Enduring Legacy: A Cornerstone of Subjugation
The impact of the Doctrine of Discovery extends far beyond the 15th century. It has served as a foundation for legal systems and policies that continue to disadvantage Indigenous communities today. In the United States, the Supreme Court case Johnson v. M’Intosh (1823) explicitly invoked the Doctrine of Discovery to uphold the federal government’s right to take Indigenous lands. This ruling established the principle that Indigenous Peoples only possess a "right of occupancy" to their ancestral territories, while the ultimate title rests with the government.
The consequences of this legal framework have been devastating. Indigenous communities have been dispossessed of their lands, denied their rights to self-determination, and subjected to systemic discrimination. The Doctrine of Discovery continues to be cited in legal cases and policy debates, perpetuating the historical injustices that it initiated.
It’s important to note that while the Catholic Church is not perpetuating the same atrocities they did 500 years ago, the same ideology and mentality of dominion grounded in contemporary law is ROOTED IN THEIR LAWS. This must be acknowledged and addressed.
Movements for Revocation and Renunciation
Recognizing the ongoing harm caused by the Doctrine of Discovery, Indigenous leaders, activists, and allies have launched a global movement to revoke and renounce this unjust principle. This movement seeks to:
- Revoke the Papal Bulls: A central demand is for the Catholic Church to formally revoke the papal bulls that established the Doctrine of Discovery. This would represent a significant symbolic and spiritual act of reconciliation, acknowledging the historical wrongs committed against Indigenous Peoples. Revoking the Papal bull, Inter Caetera, would help restore the fundamental human rights of indigenous peoples.
- Renounce the Doctrine of Discovery: Beyond revoking the papal bulls, the movement calls for governments, churches, and other institutions to explicitly renounce the Doctrine of Discovery and its underlying principles. This would involve repudiating the idea that European nations had a right to claim Indigenous lands and recognizing the inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples to self-determination, land, and resources.
- Educate and Raise Awareness: A key aspect of the movement is to educate the public about the history and ongoing impact of the Doctrine of Discovery. By raising awareness of this unjust principle, the movement aims to build support for policies and practices that promote justice and reconciliation with Indigenous communities.
- Advocate for Policy Changes: The movement also seeks to influence legal and policy changes that address the legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery. This includes advocating for land rights, treaty rights, and the recognition of Indigenous sovereignty.
Examples of Action and Advocacy
The movement to dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery has gained momentum in recent years, with various organizations and individuals taking action to raise awareness and promote change.
- Indigenous Declarations: At the Parliament of World Religions in 1994, over 60 indigenous delegates drafted a Declaration of Vision. It called upon the people of conscience in the Roman Catholic hierarchy to persuade Pope John II to formally revoke the Inter Caetera Bull of May 4, 1493, which will restore our fundamental human rights.
- Church Resolutions: Several Christian denominations have passed resolutions condemning the Doctrine of Discovery and calling for its renunciation. Maine’s Episcopal diocese is the first in the continental United States to protest against the Doctrine of Discovery. The diocese passed a resolution at their annual convention Oct. 26 calling for Queen Elizabeth and the Archbishop of Canterbury to disavow and rescind the claimed validity of the doctrine of discovery against all peoples, specifically as it is set forth in the 1496 Royal Charter granted to John Cabot and his sons by King Henry VII, and all other doctrines that have been relied thereon for the dispossession of lands and the subjugation of non-Christian peoples from their initial use to the present.
- Community-Based Initiatives: Local initiatives, such as efforts to rename geographic locations that are offensive to Indigenous Peoples, contribute to the broader movement for recognition and reconciliation. An example of this is the movement to revert the faulty-translation and profane name of Minnesota’s “Rum River” back to its sacred Dakota Indian name Wakan, which translated means Spirit or Great Spirit.
- Activism and Advocacy: Individuals like Thomas Dahlheimer, Director of the Rum River Name Change Organization, Inc. have dedicated themselves to raising awareness about the Doctrine of Discovery and advocating for its renunciation. Dahlheimer’s work includes corresponding with internationally renowned indigenous activists and multi-cultural educators.
The Path Forward: Restoring Justice and Reconciliation
Restoring the fundamental human rights of Indigenous Peoples requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the historical injustices of the past and promotes justice and reconciliation in the present. This includes:
- Acknowledging the Truth: Acknowledging the historical truth about the Doctrine of Discovery and its impact on Indigenous communities is essential for healing and reconciliation.
- Respecting Indigenous Sovereignty: Respecting the inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples to self-determination and self-governance is crucial for building a just and equitable future.
- Protecting Land and Resources: Protecting Indigenous lands and resources is essential for preserving Indigenous cultures and livelihoods.
- Promoting Cultural Revitalization: Supporting Indigenous cultural revitalization efforts is vital for strengthening Indigenous identities and communities.
- Addressing Systemic Discrimination: Addressing systemic discrimination against Indigenous Peoples in areas such as education, healthcare, and the justice system is necessary for achieving equality and justice.
The revocation of Inter Caetera will definitely announce before the world community that the Vatican no longer supports the principle of subjugation that it promulgated five and a half centuries ago. The Roman Catholic church will be demonstrating its seriousness about respecting the rights and dignity of all peoples. The revocation of Inter Caetera will be an extremely important spiritual and symbolic gesture of peace and healing in creating a culture of peace on earth.
The movement to dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery is a testament to the resilience and determination of Indigenous Peoples to reclaim their rights and their future. By confronting the legacy of colonialism and promoting justice and reconciliation, we can create a world where the fundamental human rights of all people are respected and protected. Restoring The Fundamental Human Rights Of Indigenous Peoples is not just a legal or political imperative; it is a moral one.