'A humongous symbolic victory': Indigenous people react to Vatican rejection of Discovery Doctrine
CTV
Last summer in Maskwacis, Alta., Pope Francis formally apologized for the Catholic Church's role in Canada's residential school system.
Last summer in Maskwacis, Alta., Pope Francis formally apologized for the Catholic Church's role in Canada's residential school system.
At the time, as he made his way across Canada, there were also calls for him to repudiate the "Doctrine of Discovery," which are theories backed by 15th-century "papal bulls" used in an attempt to legitimize the colonial-era seizure of Native lands.
In July in Quebec, Indigenous protesters unfurled a large banner calling for Pope Francis to rescind the doctrine. And it was also an ask in the Truth and Reconciliation report eight years ago.
On Thursday, the Vatican formally rejected the "Doctrine of Discovery," stating it "did not adequately reflect the equal dignity and rights of Indigenous peoples."
"It's historic. It's a humongous symbolic victory, I think, for Indigenous peoples who have pushed for this," said Dr. Matthew Wildcat, a member of the Ermineskin Cree Nation and an assistant professor at the University of Alberta.
"It is hard to put a finger on what the actual effect will be."
The head of the Indigenous Reconciliation Group believes the Pope's journey through Canada likely played a role in Thursday's development.
