3. The Doctrine of Discovery and Legal Struggles
European colonization introduced the Doctrine of Discovery, a legal principle used to justify claims over Indigenous lands and undermine Native sovereignty. This doctrine became enshrined in U.S. law through Supreme Court cases like Johnson v. M’Intosh (1823), which severely limited Indigenous land rights. Despite these setbacks, tribes have continuously resisted through legal channels, challenging unjust doctrines and asserting their rights. For a deeper legal background on these struggles, visit Native American Rights Fund: Johnson v. M’Intosh.
