Judicial Commission into the Doctrine of Discovery

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 of 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. shall 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.