ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights key aspects of the Catholic Church's relationship with Native communities as reflected in visual culture and discussed through interviews with native consultants. It represents part of the results of examination into the visual culture of catholic churches in mission and reservation contexts. The chapter presents a discussion of the photographic data with the advantage of interpretations, insights, and perspectives from the interview consultants. An analysis of photographic data in two areas is revealing: first, images or structures used on the landscape or in display, and, second, printed materials, either photographic or artistic renditions of Catholic iconography. Catholic Church participates in acts that can be characterized as conversion violence against Native Peoples through the integration of Native images and domination upon the land. Native traditions are different in character from Catholic religious expression. They are traditions of ritual practice that permeate every aspect of daily life and existence.
