Announcements
Watch the ITNJ Commission of Inquiry into the Doctrine of Discovery Livestream
September 22, 2025
About This Commission
The International Tribunal for Natural Justice has established this Commission of Inquiry at the request of the World Hereditary Council to examine the Doctrine of Discovery through rigorous evidence-gathering and testimony. Operating as an independent judicial body, our inquiry is guided by comprehensive Terms of Reference detailed below.
The Matter Under Inquiry
For over 700 years, beginning with papal bulls from 1302 through 1493, the Doctrine of Discovery provided legal justification for the systematic dispossession of Indigenous peoples worldwide. While the Vatican formally repudiated this doctrine in March 2023, its principles remain embedded in contemporary legal systems, continuing to affect Indigenous communities and their rights to ancestral lands, resources, and self-determination.
A Platform for Indigenous Voices
Central to this inquiry is providing a formal judicial platform for Indigenous and First Nations peoples worldwide to present their testimony. For centuries, the voices of those most affected have been systematically excluded from legal proceedings that determined their fate. This Commission offers an unprecedented opportunity for Indigenous communities globally to share their experiences and contribute their perspectives to the official record.
We formally invite Indigenous peoples, traditional leaders, knowledge keepers, and affected communities from all continents to present testimony before this Commission.
Moving Forward
This Commission will produce a comprehensive final report documenting findings and presenting recommendations for governments, international organizations, and communities worldwide. Our work aims to contribute to greater understanding and support efforts toward genuine reconciliation and restoration of Indigenous rights.
We invite peoples of all nations to support this historic inquiry as we seek to document truth, honor Indigenous voices, and contribute to a more just future that recognizes the inherent rights and sovereignty of all peoples.
Commissioners
View All Commissioners
Justice Dr. Christopher John Cleverly
Bishop Riah Hanna Abu El-Assal
Sacha Stone
Reverend Doctor Nancy Ash
Honorable Dr Benjamin Zvenia
Kaiarataki Bryce Aldridge
Reverend Doctor Wai-Ching Lee
Dahlahk Pahtahlngee Mountain Eagle
Sabelo Sibanda
Terms of Reference
International Tribunal for Natural Justice
Commission of Inquiry into the Doctrine of Discovery
Preamble:
1. Whereas the Doctrine of Discovery originated from Papal Bulls in the 14th and 15th centuries, in particular, Unam Sanctam 1302, Dum Diversas 1452, Romanus Pontifex 1455, Aeterni Regis 1481, and Inter caetera 1493 etc.; and
2. Whereas the Doctrine of Discovery, dated from 4th May 1493 until 30th March 2023, was used to legitimise the theft and dispossession of First Nation Peoples’ lands, waters, DNA, and other resources; and
3. Whereas the Doctrine of Discovery was used to justify colonisation and genocide of First Nation Peoples, their languages and cultures and
4. Whereas the Doctrine of Discovery has been recognised by international bodies as a violation of Human Rights and a barrier to the full realisation of First Nation rights including the Right to Self-determination; and
5. Whereas on 30th of March 2023 the Vatican formally repudiated the Doctrine of Discovery;
6. Therefore, the World Hereditary Council requests the International Tribunal for Natural Justice (ITNJ) to establish a Commission of Inquiry into the Doctrine of Discovery.
Terms of Reference:
7. To investigate the origins and historical context of the Doctrine of Discovery, including without limitation:
7.1. its development in International Law, and
7.2. its application in various Colonial contexts.
8. To receive and formally document Testimony and examine the impacts of the Doctrine of Discovery on Peoples of the world including without limitation:
8.1. their cultures, languages, lands, waters, and other natural resources, and
8.2. the lasting effects of dispossession, forced relocation and genocide.
9. To assess the ways in which the Doctrine of Discovery continues to impact the world today, including
9.1. local, regional, national and international entities,
9.2. multilateralism,
9.3. the continued reliance upon the Doctrine of Discovery in Law.
10. To examine and expose:
10.1. the role of various
10.1.1. governments,
10.1.2. churches,
10.1.3. corporations, and/or
10.1.4. other parties
10.2. in propagation and enforcement of the Doctrine of Discovery
10.3. including their complicity in past and ongoing:
10.3.1. human rights violations, and/or
10.3.2. crimes against humanity.
11. To recommend practical steps that can be taken to:
11.1. address the historic and ongoing impacts of the Doctrine of Discovery and
11.2. promote the full realisation of innate inalienable rights of Living men, women and children,
11.3. including the Right to Life and Self-determination via Free Will and Informed Consent.
12. To produce a final report that summarises the findings of the Inquiry, including recommendations for restorative action by:
12.1. People,
12.2. communities,
12.3. governments,
12.4. international organisations, and
12.5. any other parties.
13. To publish testimony, evidence, interim reports and a final report.
14. To widely promote testimony, evidence, findings, reports and recommendations through various channels including, but not limited to:
14.1. public events,
14.2. media outreach, and
14.3. educational materials.
15. The International Tribunal for Natural Justice Commission of Inquiry into the Doctrine of Discovery shall be composed of a diverse group of experts with relevant expertise and experience, including:
15.1. First Nation Peoples,
15.2. wisdom keepers,
15.3. spiritual leaders,
15.4. natural law proponents,
15.5. human rights advocates,
15.6. scholars, and
15.7. historians.
16. The Commission shall hold the power to:
16.1. conduct research,
16.2. convene public hearings, and
16.3. compel, via Lawful Due Process, the production of relevant documents and testimony.
17. The Commission shall:
17.1. function fully independent and free from political interference, and
17.2. operate with transparency and accountability in all aspects of its work.
18. This Terms of Reference is to be used as a guide for the Commission of Inquiry into the Doctrine of Discovery and may be expanded as necessary to ensure the most comprehensive and effective investigation possible.