In this episode of the Mapping the Doctrine of Discovery podcast, hosts Phil Arnold and Sandy Bigtree interview Anthea Butler, The Geraldine R. Segal Professor in American Social Thought and Chair of Religious Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. They discuss the role of evangelical Christians in manipulating voting structures and policies, as well as the connection between evangelicalism and racism. Butler explains that evangelicals often use morality as a shield to impose their own beliefs on others rather than living by those beliefs themselves. She also discusses the evangelical desire to bring about the Kingdom of God on Earth and their opposition to government intervention. The conversation touches on the history of evangelicalism, the influence of whiteness, and the need to challenge dominant narratives through civic engagement and education.

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We begin this season with a gripping conversation with Robert P Jones, founder and president of the Public Religion Research Institute. Together, we continue to highlight the layers of American history, challenging familiar narratives and revealing Indigenous, Haudensoaunee, influences. Jones takes us on a personal journey into his own evolution as a scholar, sharing how being honest about his family's connection to the settler colonialism project has informed his work and opened it to a wider audience.

Our discussion delves into the interconnected histories of Indigenous and Black communities, the Doctrine of Discovery, and the 1619 project, peering into the complex relationships between colonists and Indigenous peoples. We shed light on the teachings of Native Americans to the founding fathers and Europeans about equity, fraternity, and liberty—a fresh perspective on American history—while discussing the narrative shift towards Indigenous People's Day instead of Columbus Day.

But it's not just about rewriting history; it's about understanding the power of truth-telling from various perspectives. We highlight communities in Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Minnesota, who are using storytelling to bring alive their local histories and spotlight Jerome Little, the first African-American elected county commissioner in Tallahatchie County. The conversation also acknowledges the influence of writers like James Baldwin and Vine Deloria Jr. We would be remiss not to praise Robbie's New York Times bestselling book, 'Roots of White Supremacy and the Path to a Shared American Future', which captures this ethos of understanding and rewriting history through personal narratives. Get ready to challenge what you think you know.

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View the transcript and show notes at podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org.  Learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery on our site DoctrineofDiscovery.org.

Imagine facing a past rooted in subjugation and suppression, only to transform it into a future of balance, peace, and environmental preservation. That's the journey we're embarking on in today's episode. We'll uncover the dark legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery and its devastating effects on our environment while also revealing the relentless struggle of Indigenous people to reclaim their sovereignty and voices. The situation is urgent; our planet is at a crossroads, teetering on the precipice of an irrevocable environmental crisis.

Examining the Doctrine of Discovery in the 18th century, Onondaga Nation Turtle Clan Faithkeeper Oren Lyons discusses the alliances, betrayals and political maneuvers by the settler-colonial nations. He also talks about controversial Indigenous figures like Joseph Brant, who sided with the British, and how the Oneida took the side of the Americans.  These examples will serve as a backdrop for  Washington's Sullivan Clinton Campaign, which was ignited by Joseph Brandt's actions. 

Lastly, the conversation turns toward life's delicate balance. Drawing inspiration from the Great Law of Peace and the Tree of Peace, Faithkeeper Lyons reminds us that all living beings must live in harmony, and none are better.  Listen to Faithkeeper Lyons weaves stories of finding a balance between the positive and negative forces within us, the importance of savoring each day, giving thanks, and being careful not to burden others. Faithkeeper Lyons leaves us with a challenge, that getting the best out of the day is a choice, and so is seeking peace in life's tumultuous journey. This episode is more than just a history lesson; it's an invitation to find a balance in life and to contemplate our roles in nature's delicate balance.

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View the transcript and show notes at podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org.  Learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery on our site DoctrineofDiscovery.org.

This episode is an engaging conversation with Onondaga Nation Turtle Clan Faithkeeper Oren Lyons, a stalwart in Indigenous, environmental, and human rights initiatives. We traverse the terrain of Indigenous rights, the Doctrine of Discovery, and The Haudenosaunee's pivotal role at the United Nations.

Faithkeeper Lyons tells the story of several pivotal collaborations for Indigenous rights. He navigates us through the terrain of his personal struggles and the impactful moments in the fight for Indigenous rights. One such moment we delve into is the occupation of Alcatraz Island and the acts of courage that illuminated the path for future struggles.

As we dig deeper, Faithkeeper Lyons opens up about his efforts toward Indigenous rights legislation and the numerous events he helped organize. His journey, fueled by the unwavering support from traditional Indigenous leaders, is a testament to resilience. You'll be left with a profound understanding of Indigenous struggles and the lasting impact of the Doctrine of Discovery. Tune in for an enlightening and thought-provoking episode with Oren Lyons.

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View the transcript and show notes at podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org.  Learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery on our site DoctrineofDiscovery.org.

Get ready for an enlightening journey as we chat with our guest, Rev. Dr. Brian Konkol, Dean of Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University and professor of practice. Konkol brings a fresh perspective to the table, shaped by his global experiences. His intriguing insights on religion's potential for connectivity and unity, rather than division, bring a sense of hope and renewal in a world overrun by crisis and conflict.

Are you ready to explore the paradoxes within Christianity? Konkol encourages Christians to confront their past, acknowledging the injustices ingrained within the religious tradition. Yet, he also guides us on how to navigate toward a more reconciled future. We explore the difference between dominant Christian values and Indigenous values, shedding light on the earth's sacredness and the significance of its life support systems. Our conversation also touches on the destructive consequences of colonization on Indigenous communities and the ongoing efforts to mend the rifts caused by it.

The episode concludes with a thought-provoking discussion on the tension between Indigenous values and Christian theology. Our dialogue challenges the norms, questioning how Christian theology can learn from the matrilineal Indigenous peoples and Mother Earth. Join us for this episode as we take a step towards understanding, acceptance, and a reimagined view of our world.

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View the transcript and show notes at podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org.  Learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery on our site DoctrineofDiscovery.org.

Get ready to embark on a thought-provoking journey with Betty Lyons, the Executive Director of the American Indian Law Alliance. As we dissect the unsettling complacency surrounding the Doctrine of Discovery and the destruction it has caused among Indigenous Peoples, prepare to be challenged and enlightened. We delve into the deeply ingrained hierarchy that continues to perpetuate inequality and injustice, questioning how we can dismantle this structure that so significantly benefits those in power.

Transitioning our focus, we turn to the pivotal role Indigenous Peoples play in environmental conservation, celebrating the richness and diversity of cultures, languages, and traditions encapsulated within these communities. We confront the troubling implications of the Doctrine of Discovery and argue why the existing United Nations Declaration on Human Rights fails to address these issues sufficiently. Our discussion unfolds to encompass the broader issue of white supremacy and the need for more inclusive education. Join us in challenging the fear and fascism perpetuated by politicians and the scapegoating tactics employed by the one-percenters.

Our conversation culminates in exploring the interactions between Indigenous Peoples and the United Nations member states, spotlighting the pervasive issue of commodification and its devastating impact on Indigenous lands and resources. Betty and I also scrutinize the commodification of the world, its roots in colonialism, and the role of multinational corporations in exploiting Indigenous rights for financial gain. Prepare to engage, learn, and be inspired to take action as we unravel these compelling topics, encouraging a more understanding and inclusive world.

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View the transcript and show notes at podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org.  Learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery on our site DoctrineofDiscovery.org.

We begin this episode with a land acknowledgement. Our hosts Prof. Philip P. Arnold and Sandy Bigtree (Mohawk Nation), begin by introducing our guest Tina Ngata (Māori Nation). She is a Ngāti Porou mother of two from the East Coast of Te Ika a Maui. Her work involves advocacy for environmental, Indigenous, and human rights. She is internationally known for her work on anti-racism and anti-imperialism. Recently she spoke on Christian Domination at a side event of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous issues.

This episode is dedicated to the memory and legacy of the work done by Nagata’s mentor Pāpā Moana Jackson. 

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View the transcript and show notes at podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org.  Learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery on our site DoctrineofDiscovery.org.

We begin this episode with a land acknowledgement. Our hosts Prof. Philip P. Arnold and Sandy Bigtree (Mohawk Nation), begin by introducing our guest Peter d’Errico. He is Professor Emeritus of Legal Studies at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He is a regular blogger and frequent guest on the Red Thought series. Most recently, he is the author of Federal Anti-Indian Law:  The Legal Entrapment of Indigenous People (New York: Bloomsbury, 2022). He is a member of the New Mexico Bar and was a staff attorney at the Diné Legal Services. He has litigated indigenous land claims, fishing rights, and native spiritual freedom rights in prisons. He regularly presents online seminars about Indigenous peoples' legal issues at redthought.org and elsewhere, including National Endowment for the Humanities and summer Institutes for Teachers on teaching Native American histories.

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View the transcript and show notes at podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org.  Learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery on our site DoctrineofDiscovery.org.

We begin this episode with a land acknowledgment. Our hosts Prof. Philip P. Arnold and Sandy Bigtree (Mohawk Nation), start by introducing our guest Robert J. Miller. He is a Professor of Law at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, where is also the Willard H. Pedrick Distinguished Research Scholar and Director of the Rosette LLP American Indian Economic Development Program. He is an enrolled citizen of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe, the Interim Chief Justice for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe Court of Appeals and sits as a judge for other tribes. He is the author and co-author of numerous books, including, A Promise Kept: The Muscogee (Creek) Nation and McGirt v. Oklahoma (University of Oklahoma Press, 2022) (co-author);  Creating Private Sector Economies in Native America: Sustainable Development through Entrepreneurship (Cambridge University Press, 2019), Discovering Indigenous Lands: The Doctrine of Discovery in the English Colonies (Oxford University Press 2010),  Native America, Discovered and Conquered: Thomas Jefferson, Lewis & Clark, and Manifest Destiny (University of Nebraska Press, 2008).

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View the transcript and show notes at podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org.  Learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery on our site DoctrineofDiscovery.org.

We begin this episode with a land acknowledgement. Our hosts Prof. Philip P. Arnold and Sandy Bigtree (Mohawk Nation), begin by introducing our guest Lindsay Robertson. He is the Chickasaw Nation Endowed Chair in Native American Law, Faculty Director, the Center for the Study of American Indian Law and Policy, and the Sam K. Viersen Family Foundation Presidential Professor. He is the author of the 2005 book Conquest by Law: How the Discovery of the Americas Dispossessed Indigenous Peoples of Their Lands.

 The episode begins with Prof. Robertson providing the context for Johnson v. M’Intosh, Chief Justice John Marshall and the Marshall trilogy, which is Johnson v M'Intosh, 21 US (8 Wheat) 543 (1823), Cherokee Nation v Georgia, 30 US (5 Pet) 1 (1831) and Worcester v Georgia, 31 US (6 Pet) 515 (1832). Early in Prof. Robertson’s career, he was looking to do a history, and he knew these three cases so he began looking into them and began wondering what was the history and story behind the cases. As he dug into the archives, he realized that there were significant gaps in the archive. An Archives at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania helped him get into touch with Jasper Brinton, whose ancestor had been secretary of the land companies at the center of the case. It turns out that the family had preserved the documents and had an incredible archive of the materials necessary to write a history of the Johnson decision. The United Illinois and Wabash Land Companies Collection is available online and thanks to Brinton, Robertson, and the librarians at the University of Oklahoma this open-access resource is available for free online. We encourage you to please avail yourself of it as you listen to the episode. 

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View the transcript and show notes at podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org.  Learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery on our site DoctrineofDiscovery.org.