ABSTRACT

The notion of the sacred made visible in this chapter emphasizes the beauty, power, and essential spiritual nature present in the interconnectedness of all beings. The Sacred, or spirituality, lies at the heart of Indian culture and is not separate from indigenous institutions of government, the family, or even the economy. During the planning stage, Delvin Slick's photographic work for the class was specifically designed to engage a study of sacred space and places with elements of narrative and time. To begin, light is an important aspect of Delvin's photographs, especially in the images Sacred Place, Morning Twilight, and The Renegades. With the beauty and power of the land carved out in the canyon come challenges and hardships of life on the reservation. The visual images and photographs coupled with interpretations are powerful statements that reflect the interconnectedness of all beings, and are a concrete recognition of the importance of beauty and power in sacred places.