“I’m sorry.” – heartfelt words spoken by Pope Francis on April 1, 2022, to a delegation of First Nation leaders at the Vatican with a promise to offer an apology on Canadian soil. Thus began a series of synodal listening, asking forgiveness, expressing sorrow, and pronouncing apologies during Pope Francis’ historic penitential pilgrimage during July 24-29, 2022. He lamented the many ways that Christians have supported the colonizing mentality that oppressed the Indigenous people through deplorable abuses at residential schools, forced assimilation, and efforts to eradicate native cultures. What amounts to genocide of Indigenous peoples impacts all of North America for we are all intrinsically connected to the land and to one another ever since cosmic stardust made us one.
The Doctrine of Discovery, a legal and religious concept, has been used for centuries to justify Christian colonial conquest, including the enslavement of indigenous, non-Christian peoples in Africa and the New World. The Dismantling Racism committee invites you to view a documentary film about the Doctrine of Discovery on your own, with a follow-up dialogue. The film was produced by the Anglican Church of Canada.
You are invited to view a documentary film about the Doctrine of Discovery on your own, followed by a virtual dialogue on December 6, at either 10am or 7 pm.
The Doctrine of Discovery, a legal and religious concept, has been used for centuries to justify Christian colonial conquest, including the enslavement of indigenous, non-Christian peoples in Africa and the New World. The film was produced by the Anglican Church of Canada. Click this link to view the film: Doctrine of Discovery: Stolen Lands, Strong Hearts.
This film contains the voices of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples telling the stories of the Doctrine of Discovery affect on their lives. As you hear their voices, listen for:
- Indigenous culture and values
- Attitudes and actions of the European immigrants (settlers as we are called today), to their lands.
- Surprises in the last three minutes of the video
Film: View film on your own before December 6
Dialogue: With Sisters, Associates, and Colleagues on December 6, 2023
Click Here to Watch the video Click Here for PDF with more information
DIRECTIONS
Dialogue: With Sisters, Associates, and Colleagues on December 6, 2023
- Register by December 1 – Email Sharon Wall, swall@amssnd.org
- Choose one session for December 6th dialogue: 10:00 am OR 7:00 pm
- Note your selection in the email’s subject line.
- Bring any notes from viewing the film to the dialogue session
We look forward to having you with us!
