Mapping the Doctrine of Discovery

Holly Rine, associate professor of history at Le Moyne College, offers a compelling perspective on teaching the Doctrine of Discovery at a Jesuit institution. With remarkable candor, she shares her own journey from unfamiliarity with this history to becoming an advocate for institutional honesty about colonization's ongoing impacts.

The conversation explores how critical examination of historical texts like the Jesuit...

Yuria Celidwen, a Nahua and Maya scholar and UC Berkeley postdoctoral researcher, shares how Indigenous wisdom offers pathways for collective healing beyond colonial mindfulness practices that prioritize individual benefit over community wellbeing.

• Identifying as a "truth bearer" from Maya tradition, Celidwen bridges Indigenous epistemologies with academic research
• The mindfulness movement has colonial ro...

This episode explores the vital need for a value change rooted in indigenous perspectives, particularly the teachings of the Haudenosaunee. Listeners are invited to reflect on how our current monetary-driven worldview is unsustainable and how adopting a more relational and respectful way of interacting with the Earth can pave the way for a more sustainable future.

Themes
• Discussion of the urgency of changing our economic valu...

What if the key to protecting Native American sacred sites lies not within the confines of existing religious freedom laws, but in a reimagined legal strategy? Join us as we engage with Michael McNally, the insightful author of "Defend the Sacred: Native American Religious Freedom Beyond the First Amendment." Together, we unravel the complexities of how religious language, despite its colonial roots, can be harnessed to u...

Uncover the often overlooked yet deeply influential Doctrine of Discovery with us, as we bring political science instructor and former Congressional candidate Steve Schwartzberg to the table. Join us to explore how this doctrine, woven into the fabric of U.S. history, continues to impact Indigenous peoples today. Steve shares his insights, drawing from influential thinkers like Steve Newcomb and Peter Dorico, to expose the historic...

What if the very religion that oppressed your ancestors could also be your path to liberation? Join us as we engage with Soulforce's representatives—Reverend Alba Onofrio, Nadia Arellano, and Karina Vargas—in a powerful conversation about dismantling white Christian supremacy and Christian nationalism. We share insights from a recent gathering at Syracuse University, highlighting the crucial role of community and continuous di...

Discover the transformative power of Native American thought and religious studies in our conversation with the esteemed Philip Deloria. Learn about the profound legacy of Vine Deloria Jr., whose influential works like God is Red have shaped the academic and theological landscapes. As we uncover the Deloria family's rich heritage of Indigenous advocacy, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how these experiences have info...

How have universities become the focal point of inclusive religious dialogue? Join us for a captivating episode as we converse with Winifred Sullivan, a professor at Indiana University, who brings a wealth of experience from her dual careers in law and academia. Learn about her pivotal role at the Center for Religion and the Human, where diverse voices collaborate on addressing contemporary issues such as climate change, political ...

Embark on a profound historical exploration with João Chaves, Assistant Professor at Baylor University, as we uncover the lasting effects of the Doctrine of Discovery and its legacy of colonialism, faith, and power struggles in the Americas. Our conversation traverses from the Portuguese conquest and the influx of Confederate exiles post-American Civil War to the development of Brazilian Protestantism. Chaves' expertise illumi...

Embark on a profound exploration with us as S. Lily Mendoza and Jim Perkinson take us through the winding paths of decolonization and the urgent quest to reconnect with the land. They illuminate the suppressed histories and indigenous cultures that beckon us to re-evaluate the civilizational narratives we've long been fed. Witness how the act of returning land plays a crucial role in healing the historic wounds inflicted upon ...

This week on the podcast, we have Professor Tink Tinker, a luminary in Native American Studies. In this episode, he tells of the heart-wrenching legacy of Christian colonization on Indigenous communities. Our conversation probes deep into the cultural chasm between the collective ethos of American Indian traditions and the individualistic dogma of Christian salvation. As we unravel the tapestry of Native American identities erased ...

Discover the lingering shadows of the Doctrine of Discovery as we journey through the historical and modern challenges Indigenous nations face, particularly in safeguarding sacred sites like Bears Ears. Joined by Patrick Gonzalez-Rogers of the Yale School of Environment, Philip P. Arnold Arnold from the Skä•noñh Great Law Peace Center, and Sandy Bigtree of the Mohawk Nation, we unearth the cultural significance these lands hold and...

Embark on a profound journey through the tapestry of American religious history with Joel Harrison, associate professor of religion, and his sharp students, Jason Armstrong and Christian Oppenhagen. Together, we unravel the complex narratives of civil religion and secularism, with a particular lens on the interplay of race and religion since the colonial era. Our conversation pivots around Joel's innovative teaching methods, a...

Discover the overlooked truths of Native American legal struggles and examine the enduring impact of the Doctrine of Discovery with our esteemed guests Peter d'Errico, Steven T. Newcomb, and Joseph J. Heath. This episode promises to enhance your understanding of Native American representation in law and the historical decisions that shape their rights today. Prepare to have your perspective on federal anti-Indian law and the r...

Ready to put your culinary curiosity to the test? Brace yourself as we journey through a world where fire and chili are more than just ingredients; they're centuries-old metaphors that have shaped cultural identities. We're joined by our distinguished guest, Victor Valle, the mind behind "The Poetics of Fire: Metaphors of Chili Eating in the Borderlands," to give you a taste of the aesthetics of Mexican cuisine,...

Have you ever wondered what it truly means for land to be sacred? Join us on a thought-provoking exploration with Dr. Dana Lloyd, author of "Land is Kin: Sovereignty, Religious Freedom, and Indigenous Sacred Sites." A Tel Aviv native raised on Palestinian land, Dr. Lloyd brings an exceptional perspective to draw parallels between the settler colonial contexts of Israel-Palestine and the United States. We dive into the int...

Ever wondered how the Baltic region's indigenous religious traditions have evolved over the centuries? Join us in conversation with our esteemed guest, Eglute Trinkauskaite, a faculty member at Maryland Institute College of Art, who offers a deep dive into the rich history and culture of post-Soviet Lithuania. Eglute's extensive studies illuminate the primary sources of Baltic religion, unmasking the true meaning of "...

Today we're privileged to converse with Eve Reyes-Aguirre, an Izkaloteka Azteca Indigenous woman, who has passionately dedicated over 25 years of her life advocating for human rights, women's rights, Indigenous peoples rights, and environmental rights. Eve, a fervent advocate, has a wealth of experience from her time at Tonotierra, an embassy for Indigenous peoples, which she shares with us. She also provides us with a de...

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 evan...