Doctrine of Discovery

The Doctrine of Discovery is a legal and religious principle originating in the 15th century that declared European nations had the right to claim lands they "discovered" outside Europe, provided those lands were not already under Christian sovereignty. This doctrine justified European exploration, colonization, and the seizure of indigenous lands, often disregarding the sovereignty, rights, and cultures of Indigenous peoples. While historically used to legitimize colonialism, it is increasingly challenged today for its disrespectful treatment of Indigenous nations and its role in historical injustices.