Native Perspective on the Mythology of American History

The Cultural Connection Center hosts Mark Charles to share his expertise on the Doctrine of Discovery and his launch of a Truth and Conciliation Commission by 2021.

Schedule

Doctrine of Discovery | 1:45 p.m. - 2:40 p.m. 

Essentially, the Doctrine of Discovery was the Church in Europe declaring to the Nations of Europe, "whatever land you find that are not ruled by Christian Rulers, those people are less than human and the lands are yours for the taking." This allowed Christopher Columbus to get lost at sea, land in a “New World” inhabited by millions, and claim to have "discovered" it. Because his doctrine informed him that we, the indigenous peoples, were less than human, and therefore the land was empty. For further info reference this video.

Truth and Conciliation Commission | 2:50 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The term reconciliation implies an pre-existing harmony or unity that individuals are trying to re-gain or come back to, however, there was never good relationship between Native Americans and Europeans. Mark is engaging partners, the church, Native communities, communities of color and others to engage in a National dialogue to concile our nation's hurt and injustice so that we can find a way to move forward. For further info reference this video

Keynote Speaker: Mark Charles

Mark is a dynamic and thought-provoking public speaker, writer, and consultant. The son of an American woman (of Dutch heritage) and a Navajo man, He speaks with insight into the complexities of American history regarding race, culture, and faith in order to help forge a path of healing and conciliation for the nation.  Mark serves as the Washington DC correspondent and regular columnist for Native News Online and is the author of the popular blog "Reflections from the Hogan." He serves on the board of the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) and is a former Board of Trustee member of the Christian Reformed Church of North America (CRCNA). Mark also consults with the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship (CICW), has served as the pastor of the Christian Indian Center in Denver CO and is a founding partner of a national conference for Native students called “Would Jesus Eat Frybread?” (CRU, IVCF and CICW)

Mark is active on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Periscope and Instagram under the username: wirelesshogan.

Additional resources:

Short Grandmother House Video

Truth and Concilaition Video

Doctrine of Discovery