2012 Winner: Huichol Foundation 501c3 – Sustaining Indigenous Culture Through Art

Project Information
Huichol Foundation 501c3 – Sustaining Indigenous Culture Through Art
Arts
ART 108 & ART 131 (combined comprehensive senior project)
My lifelong connection with the Huichol Indians of Mexico has afforded me the opportunity to not only be a part of this precious pre-Columbian culture, but to document and share it with the world. As one of the only people allowed to photograph within the Huichol territory, I feel an obligation to utilize my unique position to help sustain the ancient indigenous culture. Through imagery I aspire to communicate the intricacies of the Huichol lifestyle, community, ceremony and landscape with people around the globe. Two professional-quality photo books, including a 140-page book, were made as a culmination of years of photographic documentation within the tribe. These books are acting as a communication tool, to help bring about greater awareness for the Huichol people. Proceeds from the book sales go to the Huichol Foundation (501c3), which I co-founded in conjunction with this project as a way to create large-scale and longterm projects to help sustain the cultural, environmental, and economic survival of the Huichol (more information attached).
Students
  • Nicolas Benjamin Secunda (Eight)
Mentors