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What happens when we peel back the layers of American mythology to examine the true foundations of our nation? Mark Charles, author of "Unsettling Truths" and a dual citizen of the United States and the Navajo Nation, joins us for a profound conversation that challenges conventional narratives about American history.

Charles takes us on a journey through the Doctrine of Discovery—a series of papal edicts declaring that lands not ruled by European Christian men were essentially "empty" and available for claiming. This doctrine didn't just enable colonization; it became embedded in America's founding documents and continues to influence legal decisions today. From the Constitution's "We the People" that originally meant only white landowning men, to the 13th Amendment that merely redefined slavery rather than abolishing it, our nation's framework contains contradictions we've never properly addressed.

The conversation takes a surprising turn as Charles examines Abraham Lincoln's legacy, revealing how America's celebrated president orchestrated the ethnic cleansing of Native peoples along the transcontinental railroad routes while simultaneously calling for national days of thanksgiving. These historical truths are difficult to confront, which is why Charles introduces us to the concept of historical trauma—affecting both victims of historical injustice and those who have perpetrated or benefited from it.

What makes this episode truly transformative is Charles' vision for moving forward. Rather than reconciliation, which implies restoring a harmony that never existed, he advocates for conciliation—creating a healthy relationship for the first time. By shifting our focus from power (the ability to act) to authority (the permission to act), we might begin to heal wounds that have festered for centuries. As Charles poignantly puts it through his grandmother metaphor, sometimes the most revolutionary act is simply acknowledging whose house we're in.

Whether you're a history buff, social justice advocate, or simply someone trying to make sense of America's complex identity, this conversation offers insights that will challenge your understanding and potentially transform how you see your place in our national story.

Learn more about Mark Charles here: https://wirelesshogan.com/