Episode 3 - Who is the Declaration of Independence for? With Mark Charles

As the U.S. marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence this year, we ask what this anniversary means for Indigenous People and all people living in the U.S.A. Who is included in this celebration of Independence? And how can we work towards a more just future for the next 250? Sarah and Sheri discuss this anniversary with Mark Charles (Navajo), a prolific speaker, writer, and author of Unsettling Truths.

Mark Charles is a speaker, writer, and consultant. The son of an American woman (of Dutch heritage) and a Navajo man, Mark teaches the complexities of American history regarding race, culture, and Christendom in order to help forge a path of healing and conciliation for the nation. In 2012, Mark hosted a public reading at the US Capitol of the buried apology to Native peoples in the 2010 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill given by the 111th Congress. He is the co-author of the book, Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing, Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery, and he authors the blog Reflections from the Hogan. He is a co-founder of the Would Jesus Eat Frybread? college-conference series and has served on the boards of the Christian Reformed Church of North America and the Christian Community Development Association. In 2020 Mark ran as an independent candidate for the presidency of the United States, advocating for a Truth and Conciliation Commission – a formal and national dialogue on issues of race, gender, and class.

Show notes:

Mark’s website: https://wirelesshogan.com/

Mark’s podcast, My Second Cup of Coffee: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVLTYJoHeq7o5MkyhXyhamm2UxqjcCxhh

Order Unsettling Truths at https://wirelesshogan.com/2022/10/27/unsettling-truths/

Check out our online monthly trainings: tinyurl.com/Trainings2026

Sarah and Sheri’s book: So That We and Our Children May Live: Following Jesus in Confronting the Climate Crisis

Sarah and Sheri’s Substack: So That We and Our Children May Live

You can follow the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery on Instagram (@coalitiontodismantle) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/dismantlediscovery)