The Doctrine of Discovery documents clearly indicated Indigenous people are sub-humans, not worthy of having their own land, that Christianity should control their lives. The origin of the doctrine goes back to the Papal Bulls issued by Pope Nicholas V in 1452 and 1455, allowing the invasion and killing of the Indigenous Peoples. The Doctrine of Discovery, an evil document of Colonialism, was utilized to destroy the Indigenous people of Hawaii, Africa, Americas and many other Indigenous cultures throughout the world. The real truth of the Worthiness and Value of Indigenous people is incontrovertible, it will not be suppressed.

In the name of the colonialism cancer, the great Indigenous knowledge was stolen and many Indigenous were forced into a culture that was not their own. Indigenous children were most often separated from their families and their culture at a young age, creating the loss of their language, the theft of their ancient creation stories and traditions, stripping them of their Way of Knowing, as well as being forced off land inherited from untold generations. This is the legacy of colonialism with its resulting genocide for the Indigenous.

Today, Indigenous everywhere are coming back to the Way of Knowing, which is their true heritage, embracing their culture and relearning their own traditions. These actions are re-establishing their inherent rights, their self-determination, and their sovereign status. Today, they are the experts of their inalienable right to live as an indigenous people. The yoke of Colonialism is removed, and their heritage is to be respected, loved, and defended. Once regained, our Way of Knowing, our heritage, will never again leave from beneath our feet.

In many ways we are rebuilding so much, because many of the Tribal Elders have passed on before giving their wisdom to someone else. By sharing our ancient ways, we fill in these gaps for each other and leave more for our children. Together we can restore the ancient ways through our way of knowing.

You are welcome to share your own thoughts in writing, traditional poems, quotes, photos of art, photographs or in some other ways.