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Reviews
The Doctrine of Discovery: Unmasking the Domination Code (2014)
A Story That Needed to Be Told
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such as original illustrations of the rulers, maps, and catastrophic events of the time, as well as exact wording from historical documents.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.