Coalition podcast features Goshen College student leaders on Indigenous advocacy

The Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery recently released a new episode of its Spotify podcast series, featuring Goshen College student leaders Arleth Martinez and Manny Villanueva. The episode explores their advocacy journey, faith and dedication to social justice, particularly concerning Indigenous issues.

Martinez, a rising senior majoring in sociology with a minor in social policy and advocacy, and Villanueva, a 2024 business graduate, are co-founders of One Circle — a Goshen College club focused on amplifying Indigenous voices and fostering community empowerment. They discussed their support for Apache Stronghold’s fight to protect Oak Flat, a sacred site in central Arizona, and their efforts to dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery.

“We don’t want One Circle to have a savior complex,” Martinez shared in a 2023 article courtesy of The Record. “We want to be allies and support other movements around Indigenous people and their land rights.”

Villanueva, recently honored with the college’s President’s Graduating Leader Award, reflected on how his involvement with One Circle has enhanced his spiritual and personal growth.

“Before joining One Circle, I felt stuck in a routine, neglecting my spiritual side,” said Villanueva. “The group helped me find my path and deepen my faith, which has been essential for my personal development and commitment to preserving Oak Flat.”

In the podcast, hosted by Coalition co-founder and executive director Sarah Augustine and fellow co-founder Sheri Hostetler, Martinez and Villanueva discussed their faith and dedication to justice in the context of Oak Flat.

“Oak Flat is crucial for Apache rituals and traditions, connecting them to spirits and Mother Earth,” said Martinez.

Martinez also highlighted the threat to the site from Resolution Copper, a foreign mining company, following a controversial deal facilitated by Senator John McCain.

“This land was federally protected until the deal, which not only violates religious practices but also disrupts their spiritual connection to the land,” said Martinez.

Additionally, Martinez shared how a recent Study-Service Term (SST) trip to Arizona transformed her perspective on life as a whole.

“I had always envisioned a linear path — going to college, then medical school and eventually becoming a surgeon, as that was the expectation set for me,” said Martinez. “But in Arizona, I reconnected with a larger sense of being, realizing how my focus on grades and routine had distanced me from the world around me. This experience helped me reflect on my identity and align with my core values.”

The Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, established in 2014, mobilizes Christian communities to confront the Doctrine of Discovery and support Indigenous leadership. This podcast episode is part of their mission to educate and inspire communities toward reconciliation and non-violent activism.

Listen here to the full podcast on Spotify or download it directly here.