“The Doctrine of Discovery: Stolen Lands, Mighty Hearts” is a documentary that explores the implications of the Doctrine of Discovery, a legal and religious framework used to justify the colonization of tribal lands and the conquest of tribal peoples.
The origins of the doctrine of discovery can be traced back to the papal bull issued by Pope Nicholas V in the 15th century, which gave European explorers the right to claim title to any non-Christian land they discovered and subdue the inhabitants of these lands. This doctrine provides legal and moral justification for European colonization and dispossession of indigenous peoples around the world.
The doctrine of discovery has been used in a variety of ways to justify displacement and genocide of indigenous peoples in the Americas, Australia, New Zealand, and Africa. Through interviews with Indigenous leaders, scholars, and activists, we uncover the lasting impact of discoveryism on Indigenous peoples today, including loss of land and resources, erosion of cultural traditions, and persistent violence and discrimination in many Indigenous communities. Face.
One of the film’s strongest aspects is its focus on the stories of Indigenous peoples directly affected by Discovery. Through their testimonies, we see the devastating impact of colonization on their communities and their ongoing struggle for justice and self-determination. For example, we hear that members of the Haudsoni coalition have fought for decades for recognition of sovereignty and return of land.
The documentary also examines the efforts of Indigenous peoples and their allies to challenge discoveryism and promote more just and equitable relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. This includes the development of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which recognizes the rights of indigenous peoples to their lands, resources and cultures. We see the impact of these efforts in stories of Indigenous activists working to reclaim their land, language and culture and build stronger and more resilient communities.
Overall, Discovery Doctrine: Stolen Lands, Mighty Hearts is a powerful and informative film that reveals oft-overlooked aspects of colonial history and highlights the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights and justice struggle. By placing the voices and experiences of tribal peoples at the center, the film offers a powerful critique of the ways in which the doctrine of discovery has been used to justify the oppression and exploitation of tribal communities, while promoting the resilience and strength of these communities face-to-face Ongoing colonialism and injustice.
Directed by: Lisa Barry
