The House of Representatives of the State of Montana has passed a resolution expressing gratitude for the Vatican's recent repudiation of the "Doctrine of Discovery," which has historically been used to justify the oppression and dispossession of indigenous peoples. The resolution highlights the significance of this repudiation, noting that the Doctrine, established through papal bull in the 15th century, has contributed to severe injustices such as slavery and genocide, and has been invoked in U.S. Supreme Court decisions to legitimize the seizure of lands from American Indians. The resolution emphasizes the importance of recognizing the inherent human rights of indigenous peoples and aligns with Montana's constitutional commitment to preserving American Indian cultural heritage.

In light of the Vatican's Joint Statement issued on March 30, 2023, which explicitly rejects the Doctrine of Discovery, the Montana House of Representatives acknowledges this step as a means of supporting the healing process for indigenous communities affected by colonialism. The resolution calls for the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to all federally recognized tribal governments in Montana, as well as to key Vatican officials involved in the repudiation, thereby fostering a spirit of reconciliation and respect for indigenous rights.