As retirement nears, Yaqui reverend presses Arizona to confront the Doctrine of Discovery

As retirement nears, Yaqui reverend presses Arizona to confront the Doctrine of Discovery

On the cusp of retirement, Rev. Canon Debbie Royals’ path ahead veers back to her Pascua Yaqui tribal roots.  As she steps away from formal church leadership, the 72-year-old will immerse herself in community life.  The foundation of her current work includes educating on the Doctrine of Discovery and its impact on Native Americans, especially through boarding schools. The doctrine has been used as a religious and legal principle in internationa…