Mapping the Doctrine of Discovery

13
Religion #49

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/

Recent Episodes
  • S05E07: Indigenous Wisdom for Planetary Healing with Yuria Celidwen
    Apr 1, 2025 – 48:50
  • S05E06: Rethinking Our Values: Indigenous Values for a Sustainable Future
    Feb 4, 2025 – 50:27
  • S05E05: Reimagining Legal Frameworks: Protecting Native American Sacred Sites and Sovereignty
    Jan 28, 2025 – 01:17:01
  • S05E04: Unveiling the Doctrine of Discovery: Historical Injustice and Pathways to Healing
    Nov 15, 2024 – 53:17
  • S05E03 Reclaiming Faith: Dismantling White Christian Supremacy and Healing Through Indigenous Spirituality
    Nov 13, 2024 – 01:11:04
  • S05E02: Exploring the Legacy of Vine Deloria Jr. on Native American Thought with Philip Deloria
    Sep 10, 2024 – 01:17:47
  • S05E01: Bridging History and Today: Religion, Law, and Indigenous Influences in American Democracy with Winifred Sullivan
    Aug 26, 2024 – 54:51
  • S04E06: Unveiling Histories: Colonialism, Faith, and Identity in the Americas with João Chaves
    May 9, 2024 – 01:08:46
  • S04E05: Rekindling Culture and Healing History: A Dialogue on Decolonization and Indigenous Land Connection
    May 2, 2024 – 01:03:50
  • S04E04: Reckoning with the Legacy of Colonization: A Dialogue on Native American Erasure and Resilience with Tink Tinker
    Apr 8, 2024 – 58:33
  • S04E03: Reclaiming Sacred Ground: Indigenous Sovereignty, Environmental Wisdom, and the Path to Restorative Justice with Patrick Gonzalez-Rogers
    Apr 4, 2024 – 46:07
  • S04E02: Exploring the American Religious Tapestry: From Civil Religion to Secularism and the Impact of the January 6th Insurrection with Joel Harrison
    Mar 12, 2024 – 53:59
  • Unearthing the Foundations: Examining Native American Legal Battles and the Doctrine of Discovery with Peter d'Errico, Steven T. Newcomb, and Joseph J. Heath
    Feb 1, 2024 – 01:00:27
  • S03E06: Exploring the Cultural, Historical, and Culinary Significance of Chilis with Victor Valle
    Nov 26, 2023 – 01:25:54
  • S03E05: Land is Kin: Indigenous Rights and Sovereignty with Dana Lloyd
    Nov 26, 2023 – 55:50
  • S03E04: Beekeeping, Mushrooms and Sculptures: A Glimpse into Traditional Lithuanian Life
    Nov 16, 2023 – 56:11
  • S03E03: Indigenous Advocacy and Climate Change: A Conversation with Evie Reyes-Aguirre
    Nov 13, 2023 – 51:22
  • S03E02: White Evangelical Racism and Its Influence on American Politics an Interview with Anthea Butler
    Nov 3, 2023 – 29:51
  • S03E01- The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy and the Doctrine of Christian Discovery an interview with Robert P. Jones
    Oct 25, 2023 – 52:06
  • S02E08: Exploring the Doctrine of Discovery, Indigenous Struggles, and the Pursuit of Balance Part 2 with Oren Lyons
    Jul 25, 2023 – 01:02:04
  • S02E07: Exploring the Doctrine of Discovery, Indigenous Struggles, and the Pursuit of Balance Part 1 with Oren Lyons
    Jul 25, 2023 – 01:04:09
  • S02E06: Reimagining Religion: On Connectivity and Unity with Brian Konkol
    Jul 20, 2023 – 01:00:23
  • S02E05: Dissecting the Doctrine of Discovery: Indigenous Rights, White Supremacy, and the United Nations with Betty Lyons
    Jul 20, 2023 – 01:01:21
  • S02E04 - The Doctrine of Discovery In The Social Psyche with Tina Ngata
    Jul 18, 2023 – 01:20:54
  • S02E03 - Johnson v M'intosh and Federal Anti-Indian Law with Peter d'Errico
    Jul 10, 2023 – 01:21:33
  • S02E02 – The International Dimensions of Johnson v. M’Intosh with Robert J. Miller
    Jul 3, 2023 – 01:02:09
  • S02E01 – The Backstory of Johnson v. M’Intosh with Lindsay Robertson
    Jun 26, 2023 – 49:56
  • Episode 05: The Doctrine of Discovery in the context of Abya Yala with Tupac Enrique Acosta
    Oct 20, 2022 – 01:01:47
  • Episode 04: Haudenosaunee Influence on the Women’s Rights Movement
    Aug 3, 2022 – 42:20
  • Episode 03: The Doctrine of Discovery in the Mesoamerican Context with Davíd Carrasco
    Jun 27, 2022 – 01:08:04
  • Episode 02: The Doctrine Of Christian Discovery As An Ideological And Legal Framework With Steven T. Newcomb
    Jun 13, 2022 – 57:34
  • Episode 01: The Legal Framework of the Doctrine of Christian Discovery in Practice
    Mar 14, 2022 – 01:11:22
  • Introduction to Mapping the Doctrine of Discovery Podcast
    Feb 12, 2022 – 01:03:47
Recent Reviews
  • rpswindspirit
    Understanding how we got where we are in 2025
    Just found this valuable work; it so applies to the self destruction of our government today: greed, imperialism, colonialism.
  • Extinctbirds
    Illuminating, powerful and timely
    This podcast has changed the way in which I understand what the doctrine of discovery means and the long lasting consequences of it. Thank you to the producers, hosts and many guests who have been interviewed! I’m looking forward to the next episodes!!!!
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