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We trace how the Sullivan–Clinton campaign was conceived and executed as a land seizure against the Haudenosaunee, not a simple response to raids. We follow letters, orders, and deals that moved from neutrality to burning villages, then to surveys, the military tract, and the canal. • rewriting the Sullivan–Clinton narrative as a campaign for land • Dunmore’s War as a template for destroying food and homes • Schuyler’s ultimatum ending neutrality at German Flats • propaganda around the Cedars, Wyoming and Cherry Valley • Onondaga targeted despite seeking neutrality • Washington’s confirmed orders to destroy corn and orchards • starvation at Niagara during the record winter of 1779–1780 • surveyors following troops and the creation of the military tract • Schuyler’s role in backroom claims and early canal planning • how the Erie Canal overlays dispossessed Haudenosaunee lands Please check our website at podcast.doctrine of discovery.org for more information If you like this episode, review it on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts Support the show View the transcript and show notes at podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org. Learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery on our site DoctrineofDiscovery.org.

A campfire changes the kind of conversation you can have. With scholar and wilderness guide Kimberly Carfore, we lean into that flame to ask why so much of Western faith and culture treats the earth—and women—as subordinate, and how we can reorient toward relationship in a century of fires, floods, and frayed trust. Kim’s journey from Catholic roots to ecofeminist theology and back into the woods becomes a map for courage: teaching friction fire as a spiritual discipline, founding Wild Women to empower outdoor connection, and wrestling honestly with appropriation, reverence, and responsibility. We trace how dominionist readings of Genesis 1:28 fueled the Doctrine of Discovery, witch burnings, and modern domination systems, then pull forward correctives from multiple wells. Haudenosaunee wisdom reframes peace as right relationship with the natural world; cultural burning and Indigenous fire stewardship model care that prevents catastrophe. Ecofeminist thinkers like Val Plumwood expose the human superiority reflex, while theologians such as Sally McFague invite us to imagine the earth as the Body of God—and perhaps, as Kim suggests, as Mother—so power becomes care, not control. Along the way, we get practical and personal: breath as a plant-human exchange, ancestry as orientation rather than shame, climate impacts on marathon times as a tangible signal, and the way a simple fire-making practice can restore agency without conquest. If we’re serious about climate solutions, we need more than technology; we need new theologies, renewed kinship, and places to gather, listen, and act together. Join us to rethink dominion, recover relationship, and tend the ember that connects us. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves big ideas by a warm fire, and leave a review to help others find the conversation. What image of the sacred would help you live differently tomorrow? Support the show View the transcript and show notes at podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org. Learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery on our site DoctrineofDiscovery.org.

Jeannine Hill Fletcher, a theologian trained to interpret religious diversity, arrives at a white, Jesuit university and realizes something unsettling: you can’t do justice work without confronting the white supremacy woven through Christian history, law, and institutional life. That realization sends us down a path that threads together the Doctrine of Discovery, Johnson v. M’Intosh, and the everyday ways theology became policy—on campus, in courts, and across stolen land. We talk with Jeannine Hill Fletcher about naming “the sin of white supremacy” before and after Charlottesville, and how her new work shifts from national narrative to institutional repair. The conversation moves from Maryland’s Jesuit land grants and enslaved labor to 1656 Onondaga—where French Jesuits arrived with a deed—showing how papal bulls morphed into U.S. property law and public memory. Along the way, we lift up Haudenosaunee matrilineal governance as a living counter-order, and trace how patriarchy and boarding schools targeted grandmothers, kinship, language, and law. Wampum belts, not just Jesuit Relations, anchor an archive of sovereignty that refuses erasure. If repair is more than a press release, what does it actually ask of institutions? We get into rematriation initiatives, land transfers from Catholic women religious, revenue redirection, and curricula that center Indigenous sources. We press on the hard question of Christian supremacy’s long arc—how a Christendom mindset powered both Catholic mission and Protestant nation-building—while looking for “otherwise” possibilities that history still holds: treaties imagining representation, Indigenous democracies shaping governance, and communities that never ceded who they are. Together, we consider what it would mean for institutions to confess, return, and relearn right relationship—with people, and with land, water, and air. Listen in and tell us what you think: What’s one concrete step your institution should take toward real repair? If the conversation moves you, subscribe, leave a review, and invite someone into this work with you. Support the show View the transcript and show notes at podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org. Learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery on our site DoctrineofDiscovery.org.

Standing on the shores of Onondaga Lake—the birthplace of democracy in North America—Haudenosaunee knowledge keepers share timeless wisdom about our relationship with Mother Earth. This powerful conversation begins with Jake Edwards reciting the Thanksgiving Address, a profound expression of gratitude that acknowledges the interconnected responsibilities of all beings. "When you look at the responsibilities that were given to us with the original instructions of humans," Edwards explains, "the details of environmental justice are all in there." The Onondaga Nation has maintained these teachings despite centuries of attempted erasure, and they offer crucial insights for our current environmental crisis. Faithkeeper Oren Lyons reminds us that the Great Tree of Peace—a thousand-year-old teaching symbolized in the Haudenosaunee Confederacy Belt—represents the foundation of true democracy, one that extends rights and consideration to all living beings, not just humans. "World peace is the only solution," he states, warning that climate change is accelerating while leaders focus on war instead of survival. The conversation unfolds against the backdrop of colonial history, as participants explore how the Doctrine of Christian Discovery created legal frameworks that justified land theft and attempted to sever indigenous peoples from their connection to the earth. Now, ironically, many institutions built on these foundations are looking to indigenous knowledge for environmental healing, often without addressing their complicity in displacement. Most powerfully, the speakers offer clear direction for moving forward: "If you want to start healing," Edwards states, "you start with where it started—taking the land. So give it back." He draws direct connections between environmental restoration projects like dam removal on the Klamath River and the return of land to indigenous stewardship. Listen to this essential conversation about gratitude, responsibility, and what it truly means to live in right relationship with the earth and each other. Share these teachings widely—our collective future may depend on it. Support the show View the transcript and show notes at podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org. Learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery on our site DoctrineofDiscovery.org.

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 Relations reveals their propagandistic nature. What many accept as straightforward historical accounts were actually carefully crafted narratives designed to secure European funding for colonial projects. Rine encourages her students to question these sources by asking "who wrote them, for whom, and to what purpose?" This approach transforms passive learning into active critical thinking about how history shapes our present. Particularly fascinating is the discussion of Onondaga Lake as both sacred space to the Haudenosaunee and contested territory through colonization. Rine's work examines how different cultural perspectives view the lake – as either a sacred gathering place or merely as an economic resource. This dichotomy continues today with debates about development projects like Micron's semiconductor facility, drawn to Syracuse largely because of its abundant water resources. The environmental degradation of the lake stands as a physical manifestation of colonial attitudes toward land and water. The podcast reveals how Indigenous knowledge systems challenge conventional academic approaches. While Western historians rely heavily on written documents, the Haudenosaunee preserve history through oral tradition, wampum belts, and a relational understanding with the natural world. These alternative ways of recording history offer transformative perspectives on our relationship with the environment and each other – particularly relevant as we face climate change and environmental crisis. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, this episode presents a timely opportunity to reassess the origins of American democracy. The Haudenosaunee Great Law of Peace provided a model of democratic governance that included women and non-human beings in decision-making processes centuries before the Constitution was drafted. By acknowledging these influences and confronting uncomfortable truths about our shared history, we open possibilities for healing relationships with both the land and its original stewards. Support the show View the transcript and show notes at podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org. Learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery on our site DoctrineofDiscovery.org.

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 roots, extracting Eastern practices while severing them from community responsibility • Indigenous sciences engage in "intersubjective dialogue" with subjects rather than treating them as inert objects • The doctrine of discovery established belief systems of domination that continue to impact Indigenous peoples • Historical distortions by missionaries and colonists undermined Haudenosaunee matrilineal systems and traditional practices • Indigenous knowledge uses metaphor, poetry, and ceremony to express complex scientific understanding • Young people increasingly recognize the value of Indigenous perspectives in addressing climate emergency • Transformation requires composting old narratives of purity and domination to create new ways of being • We're never alone in this work - we carry ancestral wisdom and plant seeds for future generations Find Yuria Celidwen book "Flourishing Kin: Indigenous Wisdom for Collective Well-Being" to discover Indigenous-inspired practices for reconnecting with the more-than-human world. Support the show View the transcript and show notes at podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org. Learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery on our site DoctrineofDiscovery.org.

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 values • Insights from the Haudenosaunee about the interconnectedness of life • Historical context of the "Basic Call to Consciousness" • Exploration of leadership through indigenous philosophies • Introduction of the Rights of Nature movement • Presentation of the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Mother Earth • Importance of decolonizing narratives and changing perspectives • Emphasis on our responsibility and connection to the Earth • Reflection on the positive potential in adopting indigenous values If you liked this episode, please check out our website at podcastdoctrineofdiscovery.org for more information and, if you like this episode, review it on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Support the show View the transcript and show notes at podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org. Learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery on our site DoctrineofDiscovery.org.

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 uphold Native American rights. Drawing on the American Indian Religious Freedom Act and the pivotal work of advocates like Suzanne Schoenharjo, McNally suggests a more adaptable interpretation of these laws that could empower Native communities and fortify their battles for sacred land protection. Our discussion takes a profound turn as we examine indigenous treaties and their deeper meanings beyond financial arrangements. By highlighting the Dakota, Lakota, and Little Traverse Band of Odawa lands, we recognize these treaties as living expressions of an inherent bond with nature, advocating for a paradigm shift from ownership to stewardship. The episode delves into the Doctrine of Discovery, inviting indigenous voices to reshape the narrative and affirm the interconnectedness of all life. Through these conversations, we seek to bridge legal frameworks with universal principles, aiming for a holistic appreciation of indigenous perspectives. The exploration doesn't stop there; we navigate the enduring impact of colonial legacies on Native sovereignty and governance. From the contentious history of the Bureau of Indian Affairs to the inspiring traditional governance of nations like the Onondaga, we uncover stories of resilience and hope. As we touch on legal resistance, landmark cases, and international law strategies like the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, we emphasize the persistent struggle and triumph of Native nations. With reflections on contemporary resistance movements and the challenges of safeguarding sacred land, the discussion is both a testament to Native perseverance and a call to honor their enduring wisdom. Support the show View the transcript and show notes at podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org. Learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery on our site DoctrineofDiscovery.org.

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 historical context and the enduring injustices perpetuated by figures such as Chief Justice John Marshall. We also shine a light on Steve's 2018 Congressional campaign and his advocacy for crucial issues like Medicare for All and tribal sovereignty, providing an intimate glimpse into his motivations and vision for change. We navigate the complex interplay between Christian theology and Indigenous rights, challenging the exclusionary practices rooted in the Doctrine of Discovery. By examining historical figures like Sepulveda, we reveal how religious rhetoric has been manipulated to justify oppression and violence. Our conversation is enriched by Indigenous perspectives on divinity and interconnectedness, offering a powerful counter-narrative to hierarchical religious constructs. This exploration invites listeners to reassess the impact of these doctrines on modern secular hierarchies and nationalism, urging a critical examination of the legacies that shape our world today. In a poignant conclusion, we turn to the transformative power of grief, inspired by the Onondaga Nation's practices. Embracing grief as a pathway to healing, we discuss how acknowledging historical injustices can foster genuine relationships and understanding. The episode culminates in a reflection on the manipulation of history and the enduring myths surrounding figures like Columbus, highlighting the necessity of moving from guilt to love and interconnectedness. Through these rich discussions, we invite you to confront historical injustices and explore pathways to reconciliation, offering hope for a more inclusive and understanding future. Support the show View the transcript and show notes at podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org. Learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery on our site DoctrineofDiscovery.org.

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 dialogue in tackling these urgent issues. Our journey doesn't stop there. We explore the intricate relationship between Christianity and Indigenous spirituality, examining how faith, once a tool of colonialism, can now be reclaimed for healing and empowerment. I, a queer Christian minister immersed in earth-based healing practices, share my personal reconciliation with Christianity's historical harms. Together, we dissect the Doctrine of Discovery and its ongoing impact, addressing the spiritual violence perpetuated by religious institutions and the generational trauma that still lingers. We also shed light on efforts to reclaim Indigenous food and healing practices as acts of resistance against Christian supremacy. By reconnecting with our ancestral ways through conscious choices and daily acts of disobedience, we find paths to wholeness and cultural reclamation. Discover how movements like eco-spirituality and feminist theology are paving the way for a more inclusive and respectful approach to spirituality, honoring the diverse traditions that shape our world. Join us for this enlightening episode and uncover how we can collectively heal and dismantle oppressive systems. Support the show View the transcript and show notes at podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org. Learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery on our site DoctrineofDiscovery.org.

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 informed their unique contributions to theology and Native American Studies. Explore the intricate dynamics between Native American communities and Christianity as we reflect on Vine Deloria Jr.'s provocative texts Custer Died for Your Sins and his subsequent disillusionment with Christianity that led to God Is Red. Through these discussions, we highlight the enduring impact of colonialism and the resurgence of indigenous practices in contemporary Native life. Unpack the unsettling phenomenon of "playing Indian" in both American and European contexts, exploring historical and contemporary examples from the Boston Tea Party to modern New Age movements. We also discuss the critical role of oral tradition and indigenous knowledge, emphasizing their dynamic nature. This episode provides valuable insights into the current trends in Native Studies, the intersection of indigenous rights with modern political movements, and the transformative potential of indigenous sovereignty and diplomacy. Join us for a thought-provoking and enlightening discussion with Philip Deloria. Support the show View the transcript and show notes at podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org. Learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery on our site DoctrineofDiscovery.org.

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 conflicts, and technological advancements. Sullivan underscores the importance of public universities as venues fostering robust discussions on religion and its intersection with today’s most pressing challenges. Travel back in time with us as we unravel the complex history of religious freedom in the United States. Our exploration starts from the inception of the Constitution and its evolution through the Bill of Rights and the Reconstruction Amendments. We delve into James Madison’s evolving views on federal power and citizen rights, leading to the 20th-century incorporation doctrine that transformed state governance. This legal journey is intricately tied to America’s religious diversity, highlighting pivotal cases like Johnson v. McIntosh and the doctrine of discovery’s enduring influence. In our deep dive into indigenous influences on democracy, we spotlight the Haudenosaunee Confederacy’s profound impact on Western democratic models. Discover how early recognition of Native American nations shaped governance and treaties, and how these indigenous roots resonate in today’s interpretation of religion in public life. We also reflect on the tragic self-immolation of Aaron Bushnell and its implications for understanding radical dissent. Rounding off the episode, we examine Joan of Arc’s political theology and the significant, yet often overlooked, contributions of the Haudenosaunee to American democracy, showcased in the Smithsonian’s "Voices and Votes" exhibit. This episode promises an enriching narrative that bridges historical insights with contemporary relevance. Support the show View the transcript and show notes at podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org. Learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery on our site DoctrineofDiscovery.org.

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 illuminates the complexities of property rights and racial hierarchies that continue to shape Latin American religious and social dynamics, offering a rare lens into the past that still echoes today. As we discuss the unique challenges faced by Brazilian Baptists migrating to the United States, we uncover the reshaping of identities and ideologies in the shadow of the Southern Baptist Convention. Identity conflicts, the role of local converts, and the navigation through Christian nationalism, all contribute to a vibrant tapestry of faith and community. Chavez guides us through the intersection of theology and justice as these communities grapple with immigration issues and ethnic solidarity, revealing how deep-rooted beliefs can both hinder and empower transformation within these religious enclaves. The episode culminates in a critical examination of the intertwining of racism, Christianity, and capitalism—forces that have shaped the modern world, with a spotlight on Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro's 'pan-Christian' leadership. We then pivot to Baylor University's own introspection into its historical narratives, highlighting the Commission for Historical Campus Representations' work toward truth and academic freedom. The personal stories Antonia Teixeira serve as a somber reminder of how the quest for institutional goodness often clashes with the painful realities of our shared history. Join us as we navigate these sensitive landscapes, striving for a deeper understanding of where we've been, and where we might go from here. Support the show View the transcript and show notes at podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org. Learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery on our site DoctrineofDiscovery.org.

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 native communities, especially around Detroit, and join our conversation as we acknowledge our collective responsibility to this shared history. Our journey doesn't stop at intellectual discourse; we immerse ourselves in the spiritual bonds that indigenous cultures, like the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee, share with nature. These traditions, which treat water as a sacred entity and embrace radical diversity, inspire us to reflect on our own cultural roots and the devastating impact of colonization. Their experiences of cultural rediscovery, alongside the tragic loss of indigenous languages in places like the Philippines, serve as a vivid reminder of the rich cultural diversity that we need to preserve and celebrate. Navigating the complexities of Christianity's history, we grapple with its darker legacy of violence and the rise of white nationalism. This includes a critical look at how institutions, such as the prison industrial complex, perpetuate racial injustice, and economic exploitation. We honor the resistance that has emerged from within religious traditions, highlighting the courageous alignment with indigenous peoples against imperialistic forces. Our dialogue, enriched by the Henry Luce Foundation, Syracuse University, Hendricks Chapel, and the Indigenous Values Initiative, underscores the vital collaboration between indigenous wisdom and academic research, aiming to foster a better understanding and respect for the myriad of perspectives that shape our world. Support the show View the transcript and show notes at podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org. Learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery on our site DoctrineofDiscovery.org.

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 by historical forces, we also confront the ongoing struggle to reclaim and honor the suppressed narratives both in America and the remnants of indigenous Europe. Venture into the realm of representation with us, where Hollywood's glitz often eclipses the true stories of Native peoples. We critique the portrayal of the Osage in recent cinematic adaptations, where the pain of Indigenous experiences vies with the allure of star-studded performances. Shining a light on the experiences of Indigenous academics like Tinker, we reflect on the pivotal role community engagement and historical acknowledgment play in shaping a more honest academic discourse, particularly in the commemoration of tragedies such as the Sand Creek Massacre. As we draw this powerful dialogue to a close, we discuss the powerful transformation of the Living Waters Indian Episcopal Mission into Four Winds—a testament to cultural resilience and revival. This also serves as an example of how churches can participate in #landback. We conclude by discussing the atrocities committed under the Doctrine of Discovery and the palpable hauntings of Iliff’s history, revealing the imperative for institutions to confront and address past transgressions. The pursuit of restitution and healing is a profound thread that weaves through the episode, reminding us of the enduring and dynamic work that lies ahead for Indigenous academics and activists. Join us in embracing these narratives of remembrance and the vital recognition of their ongoing journey. Support the show View the transcript and show notes at podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org. Learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery on our site DoctrineofDiscovery.org.