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 straightfor...
May 21, 2025•54 min•Season 5Ep. 8
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 • In...
Apr 01, 2025•49 min•Season 5Ep. 7
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 ...
Feb 04, 2025•50 min•Season 5Ep. 6
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 Free...
Jan 28, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Season 5Ep. 5
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 suc...
Nov 15, 2024•53 min•Season 5Ep. 5
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...
Nov 13, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 5Ep. 3
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. Ex...
Sep 10, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 5Ep. 2
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 t...
Aug 26, 2024•55 min•Season 5Ep. 1
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 ...
May 09, 2024•1 hr 9 min
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 conversati...
May 02, 2024•1 hr 4 min
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 re...
Apr 08, 2024•59 min•Season 4Ep. 4
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 the urgency for conservation efforts that honor Indigenous spiri...
Apr 05, 2024•46 min•Season 4Ep. 3
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, as he leverages the January 6th insurrection as a vivid case study in h...
Mar 12, 2024•54 min•Season 4Ep. 2
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 ramifications of the Marshall Trilogy thoroughly expanded by our panel'...
Feb 01, 2024•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 1
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, the metaphors that shape it, and its intriguing genesis. Join us as we go beyond t...
Nov 26, 2023•1 hr 26 min•Season 3Ep. 6
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 intricate concept of land as sacred, the enduring struggle for indigenous righ...
Nov 26, 2023•56 min•Season 3Ep. 5
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 "paganism" and taking us on a fascinating journey from the age-old oral traditio...
Nov 16, 2023•56 min•Season 3Ep. 4
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 deeper understanding of the Doctrine of Discovery while explaining Tonatierra...
Nov 13, 2023•51 min•Season 3Ep. 3
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 beli...
Nov 03, 2023•30 min•Season 3Ep. 2
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 a...
Oct 25, 2023•52 min•Season 3Ep. 1
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...
Jul 25, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 8
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 In...
Jul 25, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 7
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 C...
Jul 20, 2023•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 6
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 p...
Jul 20, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 5
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 Indig...
Jul 18, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Season 2Ep. 4
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 w...
Jul 10, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Season 2Ep. 3
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 th...
Jul 04, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 2
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 ...
Jun 26, 2023•50 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Our hosts Prof. Philip P. Arnold and Sandy Bigtree (Mohawk Nation) begin by introducing our guest Tupac Enrique Acosta. He is a founding member of the community based Indigenous Peoples organization TONATIERRA in Phoenix, Arizona. In this episode we explore the shifts and transmutation of the Doctrine of Christian Discovery as it moves throughout Turtle Island. For the transcript and show notes visit: podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org Support the show View the transcript and show notes at podcast....
Oct 20, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Please join our hosts Professor Philip P. Arnold and Sandy Bigtree (Mohawk Nation) as they talk with our guest Dr. Sally Roesch Wagner . She is the Founder and Executive Director of the Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation and Center for Social Justice Dialogue in Fayetteville, New York. Transcript and show notes are available on podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org Support the show View the transcript and show notes at podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org . Learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery on our sit...
Aug 03, 2022•42 min•Season 1Ep. 4
