Stealing the Earth Part 4: Centering & Othering: Elevating White Normativity , Suppressing Racial & Indigenous Identities
Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA), the Native American International Caucus (NAIC), and United Methodists for Kairos Response (UMKR) present a five-part webinar series: Stealing the Earth: The Conquering of Indigenous People, the Role of Christianity, and What Can Bring about Justice.
This is part four of a five-part discussion of the “Doctrine of Discovery,” a theological and legal concept that has legitimized the seizure of indigenous people's lands by those from so-called Christian nations. We will first discuss its impact in North America and then broaden our inquiry to Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. Further sessions will delve into the impact of the ownership of land, the power of narrative, white normativity, and the theological basis to respond, repair, and repent.
Our fourth session is presented by Kimberlee Medicine Horn Jackson and Rev. Alvin Deer.
Kimberlee Medicine Horn Jackson, Ihanktonwan (e-hank-tow-wan) Nation (Yankton Sioux), MFA, MA in Intercultural Studies with a focus on Native Americans. Jackson is currently a full-time contract researcher with the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition. She teaches an Indigenous Research and Writing Course she created for NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community. Jackson is Co-Editor for the Journal of NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community. She is writing a dissertation for her Ph.D. Study with NAIITS and Whitley College at University of Divinity Australia.
Rev. Alvin Deer, a clergy member of the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference, and a former Executive Director of NAIC. He wrote the 1996 Methodist Apology for the Sand Creek Massacre and has advocated for healing and reconciliation throughout his ministry.