Indigenous and church leaders applaud repudiation of ‘Doctrine of Discovery’
First Nations and Catholic Church officials in Algoma are calling the Vatican's repudiation of the ‘Doctrine of Discovery,’ an important step toward reconciliation.
They also said the announcement from the Vatican will likely have far-reaching implications for Indigenous people and governments around the world.
Batchewana First Nation Chief Dean Sayers said the statement also calls into question the Canadian government's assumption of jurisdiction, which he said is grounded in the Doctrine of Discovery.
"If the Doctrine of Discovery is being repudiated and it's being rescinded, the foundation of Canada's legal framework is illegal," said Sayers.
"We have to begin the transition of returning the lands to the owners. You just don't go into someone's yard and say 'this is mine because I declare it.'"
Last year, Pope Francis issued an apology to Canada's Indigenous people for the Catholic Church's role in residential schools.
Bishop Thomas Dowd of the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie said like that apology, the formal repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery is born out of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
"And that's what the document today says," said Dowd, adding that rather than rescinding the doctrine, the Vatican is taking a stronger tone in repudiating it.
"That one word is the critical piece in my view that differentiates this from previous statements."
"I see this as a step forward," he continued. "It's one step, and it opens the door for a new conversation on relationships between all kinds of communities and First Nations."
"This helps with being able to give some healing, to help with closure," added Sayers.
Dowd said he's pleased by the recent accelerated pace of the Church's acceptance of historical truths.
Sayers, meantime, said this latest statement from the Vatican means more discussions with the federal and provincial governments about jurisdiction.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
BREAKING Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.