What is the Doctrine of Discovery and how does it continue to impact Indigenous peoples today?

From its roots in European settler colonialism to its widespread adoption and application, the Doctrine of Discovery has shaped the course of history. It has been used as a justification for the imposition of colonial laws on Indigenous peoples and the taking of Indigenous lands.

In this illuminating discussion, Honorable Justice Harry LaForme, Pam Palmater, and Bruce McIvor delve into the concept's roots, from its origins as arcane religious law in the papal bulls, to how it continues to influence Canadian law today.

NDN POV takes a sharp and unflinching look at key and sometimes controversial issues through the eyes of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

00:00 Intro
00:10 The doctrine of discovery is evil
00:29 What is the doctrine of discovery?
01:05 The origin of the doctrine of discovery
01:15 What is a papal bull?
01:37 What is terra nullius?
01:55 How the papal bulls have affected Indigenous peoples
02:12 How did the papal bulls become legal doctrine?
02:34 Johnson v. McIntosh goes before the US supreme court (1823)
03:13 A legal principle between European Nations
03:35 Three constitutional cases in Canada that you need to know about
03:42 St. Catharines Milling and Lumber Co. v. R. (1888)
04:03 Calder et al. v. Attorney-General of British Columbia (1967)
04:28 Tsilhqot’in Nation v. British Columbia (2014)
04:44 The Supreme Court denounced terra nullius but that’s not the whole story
05:47 The Catholic Church rescinds the papal bulls
06:40 Is the battle really with the papal bulls?
07:06 Indigenous history ends up being denied and devalued.
07:50 Canada has intentionally chosen to commit acts of genocide

Subscribe to our YouTube Channels:
/ @tvo
/ @theagenda
/ @thethreadwithnam

Follow TVO on social media:
Instagram:   / wearetvo  
Twitter:   / tvo  
Facebook:   / tvo  

Subscribe to TVO Media Education Group newsletters:
https://www.tvo.org/newsletters

Get the TVO Today app:
App Store: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/tvo-tod...
Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...

TVO Media Education Group inspires learning that changes lives and enriches communities. Founded in 1970, we are a globally recognized digital learning organization that engages Ontarians of all ages with inclusive experiences and diverse perspectives. Through video, audio, games, courses, newsletters and articles, we’re investing in the transformative potential of education for everyone. Funded primarily by the Province of Ontario, TVO is a registered charity supported by thousands of sponsors and donors. For more information, visit TVO.me, TVO.org and TVOkids.com.