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Doctrine of Discovery: A Mohawk Feminist Response...
Chapter

Doctrine of Discovery: A Mohawk Feminist Response to Colonial Domination and Violations to Indigenous Lands and Women

Abstract

This chapter offers an Indigenous feminist critique of gender injustice, white supremacy, patriarchy, and other aspects of inequality that impose disparate burdens on Indigenous/ Native American women. It highlights examples of ongoing genocidal acts by the state of Canada. Exploring what conditions are required to manufacture consent to commit acts of ecocide and genocide in north America, such as sterilization, mass abduction of children, destruction of ecosystems, and murder? Dehumanization, justification, and normalization of ecocide and acts of genocide on Indigenous lands and bodies were set in motion centuries ago through the Doctrine of Discovery, shaping science to ensure Indigenous peoples were positioned as inferior, pagan, and without institutions. The 2019 Missing and Murdered Indigenous women in Canada’s Inquiry reports, racialized violence is an “epidemic,” yet no laws or government policies are in place to protect land and life. Solutions are found by restoring the traditional leadership roles of women and upholding the United Nations Declaration of Indigenous People.

Authors

Martin-Hill D

Book title

Rowman Littlefield Handbook of Womens Studies in Religion

Pagination

pp. 263-290

Publication Date

January 1, 2021

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