The Doctrine of Discovery and its effects

The Doctrine of Discovery and its effects

(Original version written in Spanish on May 17^th, 2012)

This year at the 11^th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the theme to be discussed was “The Doctrine of Discovery”. A vast array of areas in which the effects and ramifications of this cruel doctrine continue to impact Indigenous Peoples adversely, and how it is still being applied today and at a Global Level.

In the Americas, we experienced the arrival (invasion) of flag ships over 519 years ago, however now, we encounter the multi-nationals that continue presenting a mask for a so-called economic progress for some, and the despair and destruction for the masses, particularly, Indigenous Peoples, whether or not they are recognized, or continue to be invisible/extinct, as the best excuse to continue taking over lands, knowledge and resources from which depends the livelihood and sustenance of the Indigenous Peoples.

I was dumbfounded, as I learned the stories of so many people at a Global scale, who like the Taíno, have had to deal with and fight the myth of the so-called extinction. It seems to have been an effective method, which has been utilized for hundreds of years, hence creating a curtain of invisibility before the governments, where the human rights of the Indigenous Peoples are excluded. To me, it was incredible to listen to these stories from people from other parts of the world and continents: Asia, Transcaucasia, Central and South America, The Pacific and Africa; it was, as we say in my beloved Borikén (Puerto Rico), “to listen to a scratched up long play (LP) record!”

One of the most impacting things for me to hear was the fact that there is still a problem in categorizing the Indigenous as a PERSON. Yes! That’s right! There is resistance to consider us as people! (The term Indigenous Peoples, refers to the different Indigenous groups/tribes/nations)

Winston Churchill said once, during one of his speeches that: “when we don’t learn from what has happened historically, we are apt to repeat it.” Well, I say we are more than half a millennia behind, if Indigenous Peoples are still seen as sub-human, savages, heathens, etc., and whose lands and resources seem to become a “free for all” when conceptualizing the Indigenous this way.

The Taíno, The Charrúa, The Pipil, Indigenous Peoples from Bangladesh, from Crimea, The Munda, among so many, many Indigenous Nations, continue on this intense battle to run the curtain of invisibility. Even Peoples like  - and this is just an example – The Maasai from Kenya, Kayapó and many others from the Xingú River in Brazil, The Ñuña from Mexico, The Kuna from Panamá, continue to be trampled over by the injustices of an established system that does not encompass nor protects their rights in the same fashion that the rights of non-indigenous people are upheld and defended. They speak about an equality of paper; for that is not a reality. The Mining companies, the hydroelectric plants, Developers continue to invade and take over indigenous lands, without any care as to who they stomp over, while at it. The courts dictate, but it does not matter. We are well aware that Belo Monte could care less, when a Cease order was issued by a court in Brazil.

During a peaceful protest In Panamá against these type abuses (mining/hydroelectric plant/dam) six Ngobe women were arrested and later raped in the patrol cars, a crime that is yet to see any justice.

The Maasai People from Kenya, fight to defend the forest that sustains them, yet they are facing the threat of deforestation to developers. So, what about the survival of the Maasai? The same Maasai that helps the Ogiek Tribe from Kenya!

The Climate Changes to which so many want to close their eyes to, are already affecting people, putting at risk not only their methods of nourishment, but their own lives and everything related to their way of life, traditions, customs and homes.

Ah! People watched Al Gore’s video, others see the icebergs from the Poles as something that only affected the Titanic, and even when they may have seen something that shows they are melting, it seems as though they think the only ones that will be affected are the polar bears and the penguins. They forget that if they are melting, it is increasing the sea level, and that the planet has islands and coasts everywhere.

The beautiful and small island of Tuvalú, in the Pacific, is already being affected. Many of its inhabitants have felt the need to move to New Zealand,, leaving behind many times, loved ones and an entire life. The island floods, each time more than the last. Gardens and crops don’t grow when they are saturated with salt water. You see, these floods are not particularly caused by rain, but by ocean tides that continue rising and taking over the land. It has been estimated (by those who say know a lot), that from here to 2050, Tuvalú will be totally submerged. The people from Tuvalú, who have not damaged the environment with toxic gases and who have had their autonomy, could lose their island and their everything, as a consequence of the actions of others that continue to spread their lethal virus, that makes them think more of profits than life, or even the planet in which they live on.

In every case aforementioned, when the help of authorities has been sought, the message received has been a : “The hell with you!” Between money and Indigenous Peoples, the money is chosen.

We have lost the sense of humanity. Every day, we see beautiful messages in the social networks, yet we need to go beyond that. Change begins with us, in our own homes, in our conscience.

What’s happening to our planet, regardless of divisions, languages or colors, is of everyone’s concern. Eventually, this too, will knock at your front door, and as I always say: “Life is about choices!”, you either choose to die in the misery of inaction, or you join the effort to defend the most important race in the planet, the human race!

I hope you care!

Tai Pelli