Colonization *Footnotes

“History is a guide to navigation in perilous times. History is who we are and why we are the way we are.”  

Attributed to David McCullough, American Historian

If Mr. McCullough’s observation is correct, and many agree it is, then it is not surprising that this country we love is faced with issues of racism, oppression, privilege and injustice.  The centuries of racist practices, oppressive rules, privileged customs and cultural injustices molded our ancestors (and us) and confirms that “History is who we are . . . .”  

My interest in this topic began in late 2009 at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Melbourne, AUS.  Indigenous Peoples from around the world asked those in attendance (around 7,000) to help guide their governments into repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery and adopting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. These were both unknown items for me at the time, but I vowed to learn more.

Beginning in early 2010 I began researching and compiling historical information which I believe explains, to some degree, “… why we are the way we are.”  I used the knowledge I gained to inform others through programs and presentations. My first project was helping my church pass a resolution repudiating the ‘Doctrine’ and supporting the United Nation’s ‘Declaration’. Subsequently, I have done presentations for other organizations and groups who were interested in learning more about how and what part of history has influenced our world. During the processing and researching these various elements of colonization, I’ve gained a more informed perspective about our current state-of-affairs.

I want to pass along this information to others with this website – Colonization *Footnotes. The ‘buttons’ listed to the right (they may be following this Home Page on tablets and smartphones) are entry points to further information and statements which will detail historical events and actions that led to and supported colonization. Readers may also use this site to arrange for an in-person or remote presentation of the material. (Click here or the ‘Presentation’ tab to learn more)

I hope you will find this site an interesting and important source of information.  Your comments and suggestions are welcomed.  And tips about items I may have missed are certainly appreciated!  (Click here or the ‘Contact’ tab to access my email)

The Colonization *Footnotes Project is dedicated to my wife Dr. Linda Lyman-Weiman (1941 – 2022) as a tribute to her scholarship and passion for social justice, and in appreciation for the encouragement, guidance, and love she gave me in our caring partnership of over 20 years.  More information about Linda’s work, including her academic and poetry books, can be found at www.lindalyman-weiman.com.