Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery What is the "Doctrine of Discovery"? Why should Christians repudiate it? Seenupin, Chief Andy Thomas | Film | Tl'ul'thut, Robert Morales | Discussion Victoria, 4 October 2016 ... when and where | posters: pdf, jpg, doc; pptx slide Since 1493, ideas & laws based on the "Doctrine of Discovery" were used to justify European sovereignty over Indigenous lands & peoples around the world. In 2015, Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) called upon churches to repudiate this 15th century doctrine. Seenupin, Chief Andy Thomas, Hereditary Chief, Esquimalt First Nation, on whose territory Emmanuel Church sits, will open the event. Watch a 43-minute film that explains the Doctrine of Discovery from a contemporary Christian perspective including how it has affected Indigenous Peoples in North America. Hear noted lawyer, Tl'ul'thut, Robert Morales, explain how the Doctrine of Discovery is relevant to Canadians today. Chief Treaty Negotiator for the Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group, Robert Morales will explain how the Doctrine of Discovery gave legal cover to a massive corporate land grab on Vancouver Island over a century ago. Discussion to follow moderated by Catherine Morris, managing director of Peacemakers Trust. When: 4 October 2016, 7:30 to 9:30 pm Where: Emmanuel Baptist Church, 2121 Cedar Hill Cross Rd, Victoria, BC Who: Church people in Victoria and anyone else interested. Everyone is welcome. Free of charge. Map | Poster .pdf, .jpg, .doc; .pptx slide | Film trailer (3:12 min). alt: TRAILER: Doctrine of Discovery

Robert Morales, Tl'ul'thut

Robert Morales, Tl'ul'thut, is the Chief Negotiator and lawyer for the Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group (HTG) on Vancouver Island. He represented the HTG in the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and as intervener in the landmark Tsilhqot'in case in the Supreme Court of Canada. He has also appeared in BC's Provincial Court, Supreme Court and Court of appeal, as well as Federal Court. He has extensive negotiation experience with many First Nations in their dealings with both the Federal and Provincial governments.

Catherine Morris

Catherine Morris is the managing director of Peacemakers Trust and Adjunct Professor at UVic's Faculty of Law. Catherine attends Emmanuel. ... more

About the film

This 43-minute documentary, entitled "Doctrine of Discovery: In the Name of Christ" was made available courtesy of the Mennonite Church in the USA and features interviews with Indigenous scholars, leaders and activists from around the world, as well as Christian theologians and pastors. The film was made for a Mennonite audience and is relevant for a wider Christian audience. The documentary discusses the history of the Doctrine of Discovery and its basis in Christian theology and scripture, the impact of the Doctrine of Discovery on lives, and efforts by Mennonites in the USA to dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery.

Significant Conversations

This event is part of Emmanuel's Significant Conversations series.

Post-secondary students:

This event follows Emmanuel's no-strings attached Student Dinner served free of charge to hundreds of students Tuesdays at 6 pm during the school term. (Emmanuel recommends that students arrive by 5:15pm to avoid a line up for dinner — earlier if you are in a group).