Sheldon Wolfchild presented his documentary film, "The Doctrine of Discovery" at the Brainerd Library Tuesday.
The library has a DVD copy available for people interested in origins of European methods of 'discovery,' exploration, and exploitation of the Americas. Much of what we think we know about this subject is incorrect, or just plain missing. Often teachers throughout 12 years of public education were not allowed, or uninterested, in teaching much about the entire other half of our American history.
Everyone curious about why so many seemingly puzzling things happen around us today would greatly benefit from seeing this film. It's not a religious, political, or new age sort of thing, but explains the mutual relationship between us, aboriginal and indigenous peoples in a way that sheds great light on many issues of today.
One of the ideas fundamental to native American beliefs is, "People have a responsibility to speak for all the creatures who can't speak for themselves." This almost sounds parallel to modern interpretations of biblical writing, exhorting man's "dominion over all the Earth." In fact, it's almost a direct opposite.
We sometimes get tired of reading so much, or are lazy. An easy, entertaining source to learn about the integration of Indian and European cultures, from contact times until today, in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central or South America, or even places like Australia or Pacific Islands, is the television network, "First Nations Experience" ( www.FNX.org/channels ).
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Lakeland PBS, channels 9.2, and 22.2, carries this network. Outstanding! A small outdoor UHF antenna picks up the free signal. (Brainerd viewers may have to select Channel 28.2 the first time they tune in.) During a 24-hour day, find Indian adult, children's, news, history, humor, etc., programs.
When it comes around, see "Our Spirits Don't Speak English."
A. Martin
Merrifield
