User Reviews

I just saw this film in DC September 21—the eve of Pope's Francis' Tour de USA and canonization of Junipero Serra, maestro of the golden age of Indian destruction in California. Not that it necessarily will, in itself, by sharing deep research into the obscure(d) roots of Canadian and US Indian law as a tool for ethnic cleansing and subjugation based on core religious hubris, change anything; but as another tool for analysis and critique, hits deeper than the more common discourse. These include usual discussions and case law involving treaties, land claims, current gaming issues, etc. Being native myself, with the first American Indian saint entombed in my village church, the one where many family members were christened, baptized, married, and eulogized since the last 15th century, contradictions arise as the Pope arrives, seemingly turning a deaf ear to these issues amid soaring popularity for statements on environmentalism, economic inequality, and the social contract. But in deeper issues, the film makes perfectly clear the Holly See's tin ears are still oddly, blind. Russ, Kahnawake Mohawk

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High quality documentary that accurately captures the religious doctrine that led to the destruction and dehumanization of the first nations communities. An informed discussion that reveals horrific deeds done in the name of Christianity and "civilization". The film does well to parse the wording of this doctrine and its verbiage to reveal its true nature, the unwilling indoctrination of a group of people. I was able to watch the film with a group of first nations descendants, and the recount of the atrocities in the name of conquest brought many to tears.

The film's editing allows the audience to move smoothly from the examination of the doctrine to its ultimate impact on the natives. The film offers scaffolding of information, starting from the beginning and moving linearly through the history of the doctrine, allowing for background knowledge and context. Much of the film incorporates archival sources such as original illustrations of the rulers, maps, and catastrophic events of the time, as well as exact wording from historical documents. The director, Sheldon Wolfchild, also makes good use of primary footage, showcasing the stories of the Original Nations and the law systems currently used against them. Overall, the film is informative and clean, and the message remains clear: the domination of the Original Nations began long ago in the name of Christianity, and inspired the United States law system that continues to uphold the same code/doctrine today.

Clear research of the U.S. laws based on the Doctrine of Discovery. High quality documentary. A story not often told. This is a challenge to Christians, especially, to rethink how non-Christians need to be respected as fellow human beings of equal worth in the eyes of the Creator of us all. The experts who speak in the documentary are credible. The language is clear for all to understand; not legalese. Indigenous people experience the highest levels of poverty in the United States of any population group. The documentary helps the viewer make the connection between 500 year old Papal Bulls and current U.S. law that has resulted in lowered quality of life for many indigenous people. There are clearly defined calls for action to correct the injustices. I recommend this video to church groups, Protestant and Catholic to call on their ecclesiastical bodies to engage in dialogue with aboriginal peoples.