What is the Doctrine of Discovery — and how does it influence Canadian law today? – TVO Today
May 6, 2024
On TVO Today’s “NDN POV,” Indigenous experts explore the concept’s past and present
In March 2023, the Vatican formally rejected the Doctrine of Discovery — finally heeding the calls of Indigenous advocates worldwide, including here in Canada. But what actually is the doctrine, and why does it matter?
How the Doctrine of Discovery came to be
Métis lawyer Bruce McIvor describes the doctrine as the “fundamental lie that non-Indigenous people can show up, plant a flag, and claim a right to own the land and displace Indigenous laws over the land.” It was initially set out in a series of papal bulls — written decrees from the pope. These 15th-century declarations gave Christian nations the religious authority to claim the land and resources of non-Christians. It amounted to the Catholic Church “dividing up of the world,” says McIvor.
