“Repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery” released with the following recommendations:

• Recommendation No. XX
  • That The Presbyterian Church in Canada repudiate concepts used to justify European sovereignty over Indigenous lands and peoples, such as the Doctrine of Discovery and terra nullius. This recommendation recognizes and affirms language in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as it relates to repudiating concepts used to justify European sovereignty over Indigenous lands and peoples. This language is particularly important because the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s has named the UN Declaration as the framework for reconciliation.
• Recommendation No. XX
  • That The Presbyterian Church in Canada affirms that all doctrines, policies and practices based on or advocating for superiority of peoples or individuals on the basis of national origin, or racial, religious, ethnic or cultural differences are racist, scientifically false, legally invalid, morally condemnable and socially unjust.
• Recommendation No. XX
  • That The Presbyterian Church in Canada seek to engage in relationships with Indigenous peoples that reflect the principles of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as the basis for right relationship.
• Recommendation No. XX
  • That Justice Ministries produce a resource that reflects on the history and ongoing legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery and terra nullius, including suggested actions that courts of the church may take to repudiate the Doctrine of Discovery and terra nullius.
• Recommendation No. XX
  • That members and courts of The Presbyterian Church in Canada study the Doctrine of Discovery and terra nullius in order to understand the contemporary ramifications of concepts used to justify European sovereignty over Indigenous lands and peoples in Canada, including how this is reflected in The Presbyterian Church in Canada’s mission and ministry with Indigenous people.