From the Office of the Governor (2014)

Isleta Pueblo News

Volume 9 Issue 8

From the Office of the Governor

50th Priesthood Anniversary

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan

July 11, 2014, parishioners, friends of

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan gathered

to honor him for his service and to offer

congratulations on his retirement with a

special Mass and Lunch at the Catholic

Center in Albuquerque, NM. Archbishop

Michael J. Sheehan was installed as

the eleventh Archbishop of Santa Fe on

September 21, 1993 and during his tenure as

the lead archdiocesan shepherd, he rebuilt

the archdiocese during a tumultuous period

and created a safe environment for all of his

parishioners.

Archbishop

Sheehan

continues

to

strengthen New Mexico’s four hundred

years of faith with his extensive theological

knowledge and deep fervor. The Pueblo of

Isleta is especially grateful for his service

and blessing during the four hundred

anniversary of the St. Augustine Church.

July 12, 1964 in Rome

Archbishop Sheehan will submit his

resignation to Pope Francis on the

archbishop’s seventy fifth birthday, July 9,

2014, per canon law, which requires diocesan

bishops to submit their resignations to the

pope on reaching age seventy-five. The

special Mass honoring Archbishop Sheehan

was attended by 1st Lieutenant Antonio

Chewiwi and 2nd Lieutenant Isidor Abeita

representing the Pueblo of Isleta.

2014 State-Tribal Leaders Summit

Senate Bill 196 (2009/Pinto) State-Tribal

Collaboration Act (STCA) requires the

Governor of New Mexico meet with leaders

of Indian nations, tribes and pueblos in a

state-tribal summit to address issues of

mutual concern. On July 17 and 18, the

Pueblo of Laguna, Route 66 Hotel and

Casino, was the site of the 5th Annual StateTribal Leaders Summit. All 19 Pueblos

were represented as well as Ysleta del

Sur (TX), Fort Sill Apache, Navajo Nation,

Mescalero and Apache Nations. Governor

Susana Martinez was present with her staff

and Cabinet Secretaries on the state side.

Ron Solimon was the Summit Facilitator.

Day one was a time for Tribal Leaders to

engage in networking with state agencies to

raise individual state-tribal issues. Cabinet

Secretaries and their staffs were given the

opportunity to listen to tribal leaders then

discuss how they might be able to assist in

addressing them. Thirty (30) minutes was

allotted for this, good improvement from the

fifteen (15) minutes last year. This network

time was a good way for tribal leaders to

get introduced and perhaps continued work

post-summit.

Day two was provided for Tribal Leaders to

present in the following areas: Topic oneConsultation (Governor Eddie Paul TorresIsleta), Topic two-Water Rights and Natural

Resources (Pres. Ben Shelly, Navajo Nation,

Charles Dorame-Tesuque, and Governor

Stuart Paisano-Sandia); Topic threeEconomic Development (Governor Richard

Luarkie-Laguna); Topic four-Education

(Governor Joseph Suina-Cochiti and Lt.

Governor Kevin Shendo-Jemez).

Topic one, addressed positively and

eloquently by Governor E. Paul Torres, was

that of a non-committed government-togovernment relationship with the State as

required by STCA. The request to Governor

Susana Martinez was sincere and simple:

• Capacity with the Indian Affairs

Department, particularly with the

alarming rate of personnel turnover

which affects IAD’s ability for on-going

collaboration and communication with

the State and tribes of New Mexico;

• Complications in the ICIP/TIF/

CO process which has been affected by

sudden changes in policy and procedures

without clear communication to tribes;

and

• Meaningful State-Tribal Summit

outcomes with feedback from both tribal

and state sides.

50 years later

2014 in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The task was to create a tribal/state

workgroup to work with state governments

and tribal entities working together

and meeting quarterly to build mutual

August 2014

understanding real collaboration; evaluate

the Indian Affairs Department and

recommending changes to better meet

the concerns of the tribes; evaluate the

possibility of reviving the Indian Affairs

Commission; review and evaluate the ICIP/

TIF/CO progress; and then monitor and

make quarterly reports to tribal and state

leadership of the Summit annually.

The 19 Pueblos collaborated on uniform

issues which were presented during the

summit. The tribes of New Mexico want

to move in a positive direction with the

State in the areas addressed and hope that

Governor Martinez will recognize, listen

and adhere to the requests made by the

tribal leaders.

The 2015 Summit was attended by:

Governor E. Paul Torres, 2nd Lt. Governor

Isidor Abeita, Tribal Council President

Michael Lente and a majority of the Tribal

Council.

End Hunger in New Mexico Summit

July 17-18, 2014, the New Mexico Association

of Regional Councils organizing committee

together with numerous Sponsors held a

two day summit entitled “End Hunger in

New Mexico” on July 17th and 18th at the

Isleta Resort and Casino Conference Center,

Isleta NM. The summit featured a broad

range of keynotes, symposia, workshops

and exhibitors on the exploration of issues

related to hunger. The mission statement

for the summit is “Building the awareness

of hunger in the State of New Mexico

by supporting underlying solutions that

inspire self-sufficiency and community

empowerment and support for a hungerfree tomorrow.”

On the first day of the Summit Governor

Susana Martinez, State of New Mexico,

provided an overview of the critical state

of hunger in New Mexico. Reporting the

reality that New Mexico being one of the

highest states facing food insecurity and

New Mexico ranking 2nd in the Nation on

senior hunger. Governor Martinez reported

New Mexicans are having to make difficult

choices between paying for food and paying

for utilities or heating fuel; between paying

for food or paying their rent or mortgage;

between paying for food or paying for medicine

or medical care; and choosing between

paying for food and paying for transpo

rtation.

Governor Martinez applauded

New

Mexicans

in

supporting

underlying solutions for a hunger-free

tomorrow.

1st Lieutenant, Governor Antonio Chewiwi,

on behalf of Governor Eddie P. Torres,

welcomed all attendees to the Summit

and provided the invocation. Lt. Chewiwi

presented a Pueblo of

Isleta Tribal

Government Proclamation to the organizers

of the Summit proclaiming that on this 17th

day of July 2014, be remembered as the

day the Pueblo of Isleta Tribal Government

made a commitment to its community to

continue to provide services in an effort to

“End Hunger”.

( Continued next page )

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 2

August 2014

From the Office of the Governor (Continued)

Transfer of Administrative Control

over (BIE) Isleta Elementary School

Governor Eddie P. Torres and the Tribal

Council have been discussing the feasibility

of transferring the operation and control

of the Isleta Elementary School from the

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau

of Indian Education (BIE) to the Pueblo of

Isleta. This is a serious undertaking which

has been discussed and consideredeeeeeeee

since 2013. Both the Governor’s Office, the

Tribal Council and concerned community

members have concluded that the Isleta

Elementary School, as operated by the

BIE, has not affected the desired level of

educational achievement that can and

should be provided to our children. In

exercising our right to contract for the

operation and control of our local school,

we see this action as yet another example

of our Tribe’s right to self-determination

and governance on issues and matters that

affect our people.

During the April 10, 2014 regular meeting

of the Isleta Tribal Council, Resolution

Number 2014-020, was solidified to

request the U.S. Secretary of the Interior

to transfer the operation and control of the

Isleta Elementary School from the Bureau

of Indian Education to the Pueblo of Isleta.

This means that the school would become

a Tribally Controlled School allowing Isleta

Pueblo to create and fulfill its educational

aspirations for our Isleta Pueblo children.

We envision that in addition to offering

state-of-the-art classroom instruction and

equipment, we will compete with local

communities to provide our local Educators

with competitive professional salaries and

provide Instructional Programs that will

preserve, honor and instill a deep sense of

pride in our local culture and traditional

values and achieving high academic

standards.

It is anticipated that the school will be

under POI control by the beginning of

the 2015-16 school year. At the direction

of the Tribal Council, the POI has hired

Febasa (Raincloud) Consulting to work on

this exciting endeavor. Febasa Consulting

is owned by POI Tribal member, Debbie

Lente-Jojola.

Debbie Lente-Jojola and her associate Albert

Cherino, Jr. (also a POI Tribal member),

together have over 50 years of experience

working with the U.S. Department of the

Interior, Bureau of Indian Education (BIE);

the University of New Mexico (UNM); New

Mexico State University (NMSU); and New

Mexico tribes. Mrs. Lente-Jojola and Mr.

Cherino will be researching and working

with the BIE, the POI Department of

Education, and all related POI departments

to write and submit the Tribally Controlled

Grant School Application (as required under

PL 100-297) which is due by February 28,

2015.

PUEBLO OF ISLETA

Resolution No. 2014-020

The Governor’s office and the Isleta

Tribal Council, intend to keep the Isleta

community informed and involved as to

the progress of this very worthy project.

“Educating our youth is an important aspect

of preserving the culture, customs, traditions

and the future of the Isleta culture and

community …” (POI Resolution No. 2014020). Accordingly, a Community Meeting

will be scheduled at a time to be announced

at the end of August at the Isleta Casino

and Resort.

All community members

and interested parties are encouraged to

attend—especially parents of elementary

school age children.

2014 Per Capita Distribution

At a duly called meeting the Tribal

Council of the Pueblo of Isleta authorized

the Per Capita distribution for 2014 for

Pueblo of Isleta Tribal Members. The Per

Capita distribution will be at $1,400.00

per Tribal Member to be distributed in

two installments; the first installment of

$700.00 on August 5, 2014 and the second

installment of $700.00 on December 9, 2014.

The Pueblo of Isleta shall not withhold or

garnish any amount of the first distribution

from any individual. The Pueblo of Isleta

shall withhold up to 75% of the second

distribution from individuals who have

outstanding Tribal Court judgments against

them for unpaid housing payments, court

fines, child support, civil restitutions, ditch

dues, or incarceration bills as of October 31,

2014.

PUBLIC NOTICE

WHEREAS, the Pueblo of Isleta is a federally recognized Indian tribe with a written Constitution

adopted pursuant to the Indian Reorganization Act and with inherent powers of selfgovernment;

A Petition to Probate the Estate of Jose Marcelino

Zuni, deceased on November 11, 2011, Case No.

CV – PR – 0074 - 2104, has been filed in the Pueblo

of Isleta Tribal Courts. Any person claiming an interest in

the Estate is hereby requested to notify the Pueblo Tribal

Court Clerk within thirty Days of this notice being posted.

A hearing in this court date is pending.

WHEREAS, Article V, Section 2(c), of the Pueblo of Isleta Constitution authorizes the Tribal

Council to "negotiate and enter into agreements with the Federal Government, State and local

governments..."

Claims must be filed in writing with the Isleta Tribal Court

Clerk. If you have any questions, please contact the Tribal

Court Clerk at (505) 869 – 9699.

Request Secretary of Interior to Transfer Operation of Isleta Elementary School

The following resolution was passed at a duly called meeting of the Tribal Council of the Pueblo

of Isleta:

WHEREAS, the Isleta Elementary School is operated by the U.S. Bureau of Indian Education;

WHEREAS, the Isleta Elementary School is an educational facility for the education and benefit

of Isleta youth;

WHEREAS, educating our youth is an important aspect of preserving the culture, customs,

traditions and the future of the Isleta culture and community; and

WHEREAS, federal law authorizes the Secretary of Interior to transfer operation of a BIE school

to an Indian tribe pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 2504(b).

WHEREAS, Tribal Council finds it is in the best interest of the Pueblo of Isleta to request the

Secretary of Interior to transfer operation of the Isleta Elementary School to the Pueblo of Isleta.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Tribal Council hereby requests the Secretary of

Interior to transfer operation of the Isleta Elementary School to the Pueblo of Isleta.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Pueblo of Isleta requests the Secretary of Interior to

make a determination whether the school is eligible for assistance to the Pueblo, pursuant to 25

U.S.C. 2504(b).

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Governor and POI staff are authorized to do all that is

necessary to effectuate the intent of this Resolution, including negotiation with BIE on proposed

funding and development of a plan to assume operation of the Isleta Elementary School, with

such proposed funding and plan to be presented to Tribal Council prior to adoption.

CERTIFICATION

We, the undersigned officials of the Pueblo of Isleta, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution

was duly adopted by the Pueblo of Isleta Tribal Council at a regular meeting held on the 10th

day of April, 2014, with a quorum present, with -9- voting for, -2- opposing, and -1- abstaining.

Tribal Council President

ATTEST: Tribal Council Secretary

Pueblo of Isleta Governor

SECOND NOTICE – A petition to Probate the Estate of

Jose Edward Jojola, deceased March 30, 2010, Case

No. CV – PR- 0925 – 2013, has been filed in the Pueblo

of Isleta Tribal Courts. Any person claiming an interest

in the Estate is hereby requested to notify the Pueblo

of Isleta Tribal Court Clerk within thirty (30) days of this

notice being posted. A hearing in this matter has been set

for August 31, 2014 at 2:00 PM.

Claims must be filed in writing with the Isleta Tribal Court

Clerk. If you have any questions, please contact the Tribal

Court Clerk at (505) 869 – 9699.

SECOND NOTICE - Take Notice that in accordance with

Pueblo of Isleta Tribal Court requirements, the Petitioner

Timothy Lucero, has applied to the Isleta Tribal Courts,

at the for an Order for Change of Name, for minor

child, from Manuel Vicente Platero Chavez to Manuel

Vicente Lucero. Any person claiming an interest in this

matter may notify the Isleta Tribal Court in writing and/

or attend the hearing. The hearing on this matter has

been set for Thursday, August 28, 2014 at 10:00 AM. Any

interested parties may contact the Isleta Tribal Court Clerk

with any questions at (505) 869 – 9699.

August 2014

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 3

Siberian Elm Tree Project Comes to an End

Pueblo of Isleta Veterans’ Association

The

Public

Services

Department,

Resources

Division has reached the

end of the Siberian Elm Tree

Eradication project. It has

been a successful project

for the pueblo with over

200 work orders completed

from

September

2011March 2014. The Resources

Division

has

reclaimed

approximately 100 acres of

land. Using the cut and treat

method removing the nonnative species in overgrown

fields, and hazardous trees.

Unfortunately,

we

have

expended all the funding

for this project, therefore,

we stopped taking work

order requests to cut and

treat Siberian Elm trees.

If you should have any

questions please feel free to

contact Frank Jiron, Forest

Supervisor at 505-869-7563.

The Association may have completed moving all that it needs

or wants from the old meeting site (the Old Headstart Bldg.) to

the future, permanent location in Los Charcos.

ISLETA ELDER CENTER

VETERAN SUPPORT SERVICE PROGRAM

Now Accepting Applications for:

Care Giving Member Positions

Providing Care for Veterans and Military Families

Service Description: The Legacy Corps is a national direct

AmeriCorps project which operates in 9 states at 15 project sites.

Members provide 8-10 hours of caregiver support services per week

to Veterans and/or military family members who are care taking of a

family member that resides in Isleta Pueblo. Hours are flexible and

training is provided. This is a one year term at quarter-time of 450

hours per year. Preference is given to veterans and military family

members. Must be 18 yrs of age and older, commit to a one year

contract. Must be willing to have a criminal background check. All

POI employees are eligible to apply.

Contact: Reyes Jiron, Veteran Service Coordinator @

Isleta Elder Center @ 505-869-9770 Ext. 9030

The State of New Mexico has finally released our 2013 Capital

Outlay Funds. The Association members met with the Tribal

Planning Department staff, and soon, work on utility hookup and renovation of the module building will be starting …

hopefully, maybe, by 11 November 2014 (Veteran’s Day), the

building will be ready for occupancy, and finally, the tribal

veterans will have a home. Until the time we have a permanent

home, the Association will continue to meet at the Recreation

Center on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM.

Any veteran, with an honorable discharge may attend the

meetings.

The Association mission is to help our fellow veterans and their

families. While trying help Veterans, we have found that there

are many Veterans who do not have their DD-214. Basically

a DD-214 is a brief history of a Veteran’s military service,

which includes the name of the Veteran, home address, dates

of enlistment and discharge, type of discharge (honorable,

dishonorable, or other), overseas duty assignments, medals

and honors earned, etc.

For a Veteran, and for the family, a DD-214 is a very important

document, just as is a birth certificate, driver’s license, etc. A

Veteran will need a DD-214 to apply for Veteran services from

the Veterans’ Administration, VA Medical facility, NM Depart

of Veterans’ Services and other Veterans service organizations.

At time of death, a DD-214 must be provided by a family

member for military funeral services, which includes a funeral

flag, headstone, etc.

Keep your DD-214 in a “safe place”. If you cannot find your

DD-214 … it can be replaced. Call one of the Veterans Service

Officer’s (VSO’s), Ulysses Abeita at 307-1582, Marcus Lujan

at 514-7332, or Theresa Zuni, NM Dept. of Veteran’s Services,

841-5346 at the Los Lunas Office, and one will be ordered for

you.

Any other inquiries on Veteran issues, call one of the above.

2014 PER CAPITA DISTRIBUTION

FIRST DISTRIBUTION

TUESDAY AUGUST 5th, 2014

NO WITHOLDINGS ON THE FIRST DISTRIBUTION,

EXCEPT VOLUNTARY WITHOLDINGS

ISLETA MAIN RECREATION CENTER 8AM - 5PM

SECOND DISTRIBUTION

TUESDAY DECEMBER 9th, 2014

Veteran Support Service Program

Now Accepting New Client Referrals.

Providing Care, Support and Assistance for Pueblo

of Isleta Veterans-includes ALL Ages,

from Any Conflict or War.

Service Description: The Legacy Corps is a direct National

AMERICORPS project which operates in 9 states-at 15 project

sites. Members provide 8-10 hours per week of caregiver support,

assistance, companionship, and advocates for caregivers of Veterans

and/or family members in need of assistance who reside on Isleta

Pueblo. Hours are flexible and training is provided for members,

Caregivers and/or family members seeking alternative assistance

in caring for Veterans and/or Family Members of Veterans.

Contact: Reyes Jiron-Veteran Service Coordinator @

Isleta Elder Center @ 505-869-9770 Ext. 9030

$700.00

$700.00

WITHOLDINGS OF UP TO 75% ON THE SECOND

DISTRIBUTION

TRIBAL COURT JUDGEMENTS, UNPAID HOUSING

PAYMENTS, COURT FINES, CHILD SUPPORT, CIVIL

RESTITUTIONS, DITCH DUES, OR INCARCERATION

BILLS AS OF OCTOBER 31, 2014

ISLETA MAIN RECREATION CENTER 8AM - 5PM

DISTRIBUTIONS MAY BE PICKED UP AT THE

TREASURER'S OFFICE UP UNTIL FEBRUARY 28, 2015,

MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

DISTRIBUTIONS NOT CLAIMED BY FEBRUARY 28th,

2015, WILL BE VOID AND NO LONGER AVAILABLE

THIS WILL BE A NON-TAXABLE EVENT, THE SOURCE

OF FUNDS ARE FROM PUEBLO LEASES & RIGHT OF

WAY PAYMENTS

TREASURY OFFICE

PHONE: (505) 869-1808

FAX: (505) 869-5275

Page 4

Isleta Pueblo News

Animal Control News

Hello Dear Friends.

If you have an interest in animals or simply love pets other than

our human selves. This is our common interest. The truest fact is,

we as humans speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.

We share our hearts and our world, our homes with our pets and

our love of nature. Most times we succeed in doing so. Our pets love

unconditionally and we provide them with food, shelter and return

their love. They live out their natural lives in our care and we are

better people for having been blessed with them in our lives.

Other times, life with a pet does not go as smoothly as we would

like. They may roam, get lost, become ill, or develop behavioral

problems. We may fall on hard times and can barely feed ourselves,

never mind provide for them. In worst cases they may be stolen from

the people they have known and loved all their lives. It is under

these circumstances, the times when we need the most help that

we should contact Isleta Animal Control Officers and the Valencia

County Animal Shelter. The fact is, our ACO's here in Isleta protect

our pets right along with us. Do they enforce laws? Of course. The

laws are made for our protection and the protection of our loved

ones, the ones that have no voice. They help us understand what

we face as a people in the way of disease that can be passed from

wild animals to our domesticated loved ones. They teach how to

provide for and protect the pets in our care. They provide free clinics

to prevent disease such as rabies vaccination, clinics to spay and

neuter our pets to prevent overpopulation of animals. In addition to

all of this and most importantly, the ACO's and the Valencia Animal

Shelter truly care about the animals and their job to protect them.

Are animals brought to the Shelter? Yes, of course they are. It is here

friends that we can make you a promise. No one human being, be it

volunteers, Animal Control Officer or County Official wants to see a

pet euthanized. The purpose of the shelter is to provide temporary

shelter, food and safety for your pets until they can be reunited with

their loved ones or when surrendered by the owner. When that is

not possible, the staff, volunteers and rescue groups work endlessly

to re-home a pet in safe environments, or are transferred out to

other states requesting animals, but only after all means have been

exhausted, every possibility of returning a pet to its original home.

If and only if all of this fails will an animal sadly be put down or

if the animal has showed aggressive behavior problems towards

humans or other animals.

If you lose a pet or one has gone missing, Isleta Animal Control (505869-7564), should be the first call you make. They are appointed to

help, not to harm and do so in the most caring of ways.

And lastly, please do visit the shelter to better understand why it

exists. In all honesty, it can be difficult to see so many misplaced

pets in this environment, but you can use it as a learning tool.

Learn what you can do to keep your own pets safe and healthy.

Volunteers are always welcomed at VCAC. There are many ways to

help. You can donate your time by fostering an animal or perhaps

walking a dog for exercise and fresh air. Bathers and groomers are

always welcomed. There is no shortage of opportunity to assist at

the Shelter.

In closing, perhaps just one statistic. In 2013 close to 500 animals

were brought to the Valencia County Animal Shelter from Isleta

Pueblo. Please do not let your pet become one of these statistics.

Learn how to be a responsible pet owner. Insure that your pet receives

preventive immunization against disease. If your pet(s) is in need of

an ID tag, the Isleta Animal Control offers free ID tags for your pets,

and most importantly, spay or neuter your pets. Never release your

pet out on its own if it is ill or has needs you cannot provide. Call for

help first. By doing so you are protecting not just your pet and your

family, but your community as well. Isleta Animal Control still

has a supply of Rabies Vaccination available, call to set up

an appointment to get your pet vaccinated 505-869-7564.

Valencia County Animal Control is open to the public Tuesday

through Saturday from 9 to 5. 505-866-2479, located at 1209

Highway 314, Los Lunas NM 87031

Visit the face book page: Volunteers of the Valencia County Animal

Shelter.

August 2014

Surveying & Mapping Division

June 2013 marked monumental changes

for the Realty office, including our

official name change to Surveying and

Mapping Division under the Public

Services Department. New appointments

include,

division

manager,

Faron

Candelaria bringing 16 years of experience

in drafting/surveying, and Ernie Salazar,

NM registered land surveyor. With input

from Ray Jojola, AutoCad Tech, Priscilla

Chewiwi, Land Survey Tech, Benedict

Lente, Land Survey Tech, Patricia Lujan,

Admin Clerk, and Margaret Lujan, Land

Survey Tech, the division is revising inner

department documents and procedures to

modernize and streamline our customer service. Our division is

in high demand for land transactions and the assistance of other

divisions on various surveying & mapping projects throughout

the community. To keep up-to-date on industry changes, the staff

recently attended a GIS course at SIPI for assistance in preserving

the 1980 mapping onto an aerial photobase. These revisions and

detailed mappings require land assignees in land negotiations to

consider access to property when dividing parcels of land. If you

do not have any reasonable alternative for entering and exiting

your property other than going across your neighbor’s property,

both parties must come to an agreement of an easement for rightof-way. Also, please be advised that all land transactions must be

registered with the Surveying & Mapping Division and require

approval of Governor/

Lt. Governor to be

considered a valid

transaction. If you

have any questions

concerning

land

assignments, please

do not hesitate to

contact the Surveying

& Mapping Division

at 869-0710.

SALVEIG LUCERO

November 25, 1978 - June 16, 2014

On June 16th, Salveig "Sally"

Lucero was called to join our

heavenly Father above.

Sally was known to be a

loving, phenomenal, and

overall wonderful person. She

was known as a free-spirit,

easy going, and full of life by

all those who knew her. She

leaves behind her daughter,

mother, grandmother, aunts,

uncles, cousins and many

friends.

Sally will forever be in our

hearts and in the hearts

of all who were fortunate

to have known her. We love you "Sally" and will miss you

tremendously. Keep watching over us from heaven. We will

be together again one day.

The family would like to thank Father George, Tribal

Administration, Elder Center, the community at large, as

well as family and friends for all their thoughts, prayers, and

support in this difficult time.

May God bless each and every one of you.

-THE LUCERO FAMILY

Page 6

Isleta Pueblo News

August 2014

Isleta Health Center - Behavioral Health Services

Submitted by: Lisa Kaye Cherino •Phone: 869-5475

The Early Recovery Skills (ERS) group, facilitated by Behavioral Health Services therapist Lisa Kaye Cherino, LISW, LADAC, is an 8

week course held every Monday and Friday throughout the year from 9:00AM-11:00AM. The ERS group teaches the substance abuse

matric series, has set rules and provides relapse prevention tools for learning about personal responsibility in making changes for a

sober lifestyle. It is also an interactive group using video media, open discussions, storytelling and incorporates art activities to enhance

the meaning of recovery. The ERS goal is to help individuals become aware of their personal “CHOICE” to be substance free.

IBHS would like to share the ERS group members’ creative art activity in defining what “RECOVERY” means to them. With group

member’s permission, below are their art drawings. For more information of the IBHS services please contact (505) 869-5475.

“Wise Eagle and Sister Mouse”

The Eagle is represented as a sponsor in recovery. The Eagle can see

everything far away and can give warnings for relapse prevention.

Sister mouse can only see what is right in front of her. Sister mouse

must stay focused in recovery to take one step at a time. If sister

mouse looks too far ahead she might become overwhelmed. She

could slip back to her old ways that we call “Relapse”.

“Even a Rose Can Grow From the Pavement”

This is about growing out into a beautiful individual even

when the world seems impossible to adjust.

“Higher Power”

God is my higher power. My recovery and I did it! One step

at a time! I am very proud and happy of myself!

“Steps of Recovery”

Each day is a step forward. It takes time to get back to the top.

Once you get to the middle, you can look back and forward and

make your choice. The steps are the “Steps of Recovery.” The

forest is the “jungle” full of chaos.

“Tug of War”

The picture depicts the struggle with recovery. It might feel

like you are playing “tug-of-war” with yourself. The canyon is

showing how one side can pull you into a hole away from the

other side. The steps represent that even though you may fall in

the hole, you can always “RECOVER.”

“Recovery”

Recovery is my way of having a sober life. It means to run for

health and to make every step count to the road of recovery. So,

remember every step you take in life. The clouds represent to relieve

stress. The tree means life. The sun shows you where you are going

to give you light to see.

August 2014

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 7

ISLETA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS

Joseph Lucero, Board Chairman •Patrick Jaramillo, Member • Michelle Jojola, Member • Tricia Jojola, Member • Rebecca Meehan,

Board Secretary • Tribal Council Liaisons: Larry Jaramillo, Juan Rey Abeita

AUGUST 2014

Registration for 2014-2015 School Year

Summer is just about over and it's time to register your kids for

the new school year! Registration will take place at Isleta

Elementary School on July 31st, August 1st, August 4th

and August 5th from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Remember to bring

your child's current immunization records, as well as any change

of address information or court documents in reference to legal

guardianship (if applicable). The first day of school is Thursday,

August 7th and we look forward to seeing all the kid's smiling faces

again this year!

Position Vacancies at IES

There are several vacancies at this time: Principal, Business Tech,

Counselor, Secretary, and Teacher (2). If you or anyone you know is

interested in applying, please visit www.bie.edu/jobs.

School Board Member Recruitment

We are currently recruiting for new Isleta Elementary School Board

members. To serve as a member, you must meet the following

criteria:

• Be an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe

•

•

•

•

•

•

Be a tribal member or descendant of Isleta Pueblo

Be a parent or guardian of a child enrolled at IES

Must not be an employee of Isleta Elementary School

Must be at least 18 years old

Must submit to the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)

background check requirement

Person must be confirmed by the Pueblo of Isleta Tribal

Council

If you are interested in serving on the IES Board, you may pick up

and submit an application on the registration dates noted above, or

any time after the school year begins.

Next School Board Meeting

Although IES Board Meetings are generally held the 2nd Tuesday

of each month, our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday,

August 19th at 6:00pm at the IES library. As always, everyone

is welcome to attend the monthly meetings. You may also send any

comments and/or concerns to the Isleta Elementary School Board

e-mail address: IES_SchoolBoard@outlook.com at any time.

Thank you and we hope to hear from you soon!

Resources in Valencia County

Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD)

(505) 866-1621: Provides assistance for child care payments (505)

865-4634: Child and Adult abuse prevention services, aging and

long term services 865-4634. Parenting groups and resource library

are available. Call for more information.

Midwest NM Community Action Program

549 Don Pasqual Rd NW Los Lunas, NM 87031 865-9697 Food

boxes, commodities, utility ssistance, EFSP, LIHEAP, Child and

Adult Care Food Program.Call for more information.

Youth Development Inc.

865-0345 www.ydinm.org

The primary focus of the division is to provide prevention services

that encourage a healthy and safe living environment. Education,

prevention, and social services include: Medicaid enrollment, VIDA

food program, underage drinking prevention, parenting classes,

teen pregnancy prevention, low cost car seat program, and financial

assistance for youth sports programs.

Valencia County Domestic Violence Shelter

P.O. Box 1095

Belen, NM 87002

Office: 864-3202

24-Hour Crisis Line: 864-1383

Services include emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis line, counseling,

child witness program, support groups, education, and community

outreach.

NM Works

222-0801 Provide work program activities and support. Call for

more information.

Human Services Department

100 S 5th St

Belen, NM 87002

864-5200

Medicaid, health insurance for children and pregnancy, food

stamps, TANF, GA, LIHEAP.

Housing

3445 Lambros Loop

Los Lunas, NM 87031 839-3854

Services include assistance for section 8 housing, homelessness,

family self-sufficiency, owner-occupied rehabilitation. Call for more

information.

NMPCA-Medicaid Enrollment Program-YDI

428 South Los Lentes Road

Los Lunas, NM 87031

(505) 865-3999 valencia-eet@ydinm.org

The Medicaid Enrollment Program enrolls eligible children in both

Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program

(SCHIP). Families receive assistance in the enrollment process to

ensure that children receive appropriate health care. YDI enrolls

over 200 children per month and during the enrollment process

refers families to other social service and health care service

providers.

Page 8

Parks & Recreation

Isleta Pueblo News

As we approach our last few days of the summer

program for 2014, many of the children have

expressed disappointment because they have

really had a great time and this means the

start of school is just around the corner. Once

again I thank all the parents for sending your

children to the program. I honestly believe

that we have given them a good combination

of fun things to do, educational field trips and

of course the best and most attended field

trip, Cliff's Amusement Park. Because of the

high numbers of children we had attending

on a daily basis, it was imperative to have a

couple of groups gone everyday on some type

of field trip. The children really enjoyed this

process because it got so many of them off

the reservation. We also had the opportunity

to host the Wings of America Running Camp

that was held here for 2-days along with

assisting our Isleta Police Department

and the U.S. Department of Justice

with Camp Triumph for the youth of

Isleta Pueblo. Also as mentioned in last

month's newsletter, I would share some

information about the State and District

Little League Softball Tournament.

Parents and children: Please note that we

will be closing our New Rec. facility the

day after per-capita distribution which is

Wednesday, August 6th through Friday, August 15th. We

will be busy cleaning, sanding our gym floor, varnishing

it along with stripping and waxing the floors. Also the

swimming pool will be emptied and scrubbed down as well.

Again this is a yearly ritual that we must do in order to

protect the integrity of this facility. Pictured are many of

the children involved in either Wings of America Running

Camp playing one of the many games they had for them

in the gym, along with pictures of the Police, and Military

personnel who were the mentors for Camp Triumph.

State District Little League Tournament

The Little League season has come to an end. League Director, Vernon Abeita reports

that he had 151 players registered with Little League. The Pueblo of Isleta had 3

teams play in All-Stars in Major Softball, Senior Softball and Senior Baseball. The

District 9 All-Star Tournament was held in Isleta with 4 different divisions playing

to move on to the State All-Star Tournament. Isleta Major Softball team played hard

during the tournament. The defense was great but fell short to South Valley 8-2 and

then lost Westgate 11-1. Westgate moved on to win the Major Softball Tournament

coming from behind in the loser's bracket.

Our Senior Softball team dominated the tournament playing a double header with

Mt. Taylor (Laguna) and won the tournament to move on to the State Tournament.

The Senior Softball Division had 3 District Championships.

Isleta Senior Baseball team received an "Advance without play" waiver from Little

League International from Williamsport, PA. With this waiver, it allowed the Senior

Baseball team to play in the State Tournament. Our Senior baseball team received

our first ever District 9 baseball title.

Isleta Little League was selected to host the State Senior Softball Tournaments

here in our Pueblo which were held July 12th through July 14th. Teams came from

Pojoaque Valley, Albuquerque (Petroglyph), Dine/Gallup, and Isleta Pueblo. Isleta

played Petroglyph and took their first win. Isleta then played Silver City but fell short

which put Isleta in the loser’s bracket. Isleta rallied in the loser’s bracket and defeated

Pojoaque Valley which advanced allowed them to advance to the championship game.

In the championship game Isleta battled hard but lost to Silver City who advanced to

the Regional Tournament in Vidalia, LA.

August 2014

August 2014

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 9

The State Senior Baseball Tournament

was held at South Valley Little League on

July 19th to July 24th, 2014. Due to heavy

rains that left the South Valley field under

water, the tournament was moved to the

Big Baseball field at Chical Neighborhood.

Our Isleta Senior team took advantage of

playing in their home field and defeated

Dine/Gallup with a score of 6-5. The games

were moved back to the South Valley

on Sunday. Isleta played hard the next

2-days but lost to Deming on

Sunday and to North Valley

Monday night. The Major

Softball team was managed

by Christine Abeita and

coached by Krysta Lucero

and Charles Lujan. Senior

Softball was managed by

Terrie Wilson and coached by

Paulette Waseta and Robert

Mariano. Senior Baseball

was managed by Ryan Lujan

and coached by Joe Lucero

and Edwin Zuni. Congratulations to all of our teams, coaches and managers, you represented this great Pueblo of Isleta

with honor, and we all are so proud of you.

On a closing note: During District Tournament play, we the Parks & Recreation Department received many compliments on the

playing condition of our fields and our beautiful parks. This is a great testament to the hard and dedicated work my Park Management

staff under the direction of Robert Apodaca and Assistant Donald Lucero has taken. Staff, Great Job. Pictured above is a collage of

shots from Tournament play here on our Pueblo of Isleta.

Summer Recreation

This summer program was

one of our toughest because

of high number of children in

attendance everyday, but my

staff was up to the challenge.

I am so proud of them of the

job they performed. Again, it

is not to say we didn't have

any problems, but considering

how big our program has

become, they weren't too

bad. We did deal with

disciplinary problems swiftly

and efficiently. For those of

you parents whose children at

times had to be disciplined we

apologize, however, it was a must, otherwise these children

will run all over us if we didn't give them consequences

for their actions. No child was suspended long term (if

any, a day or two at most) but we did take privileges away

from them, like not being able to go on a field trip. Also

I am so proud of the many volunteers who assisted us

in our programming efforts. I am especially pleased with

Tata Mel Lucero's dedicated work as a volunteer to his

Pueblo of Isleta and the children of his community. Tata

Mel was part of the 6 & 7 year old age group leaders. It was especially refreshing that when Lead

employee for the 6 & 7 year old group, Roberta Chavarillo left us for other employment, he continued, and this added some stability to

those two Rec. Leaders (Brianna Abeita-Sanchez and Akasha Jiron) who took charge of the group. Tata Mel, from the bottom of heart I

thank you, and I am sure the people of this Pueblo would thank you as well once they read this article. Brianna and Akasha, thank you

for stepping up as well. Pictured below is Tata Mel in the gym insuring the children are safe and taken care of. Also several pictures

from our Arts/Crafts Program headed up by Nana's Abenita, Gloria, and Marie with Art projects depicting the 4th of July.

Parents & Children/Reminder

We will be closed the day after per-capita distribution (Wednesday, August 6th) for a much needed clean-up until Saturday, August

16th. We will clean, sand, and varnish our gym floor, strip and wax all the tile floors and do some minor repairs. The swimming pool

will also be emptied and scrubbed. The after-school program will begin on Monday, August 18th at both locations New Rec. and Old Rec.

Both programs will pick up children at school, but Old Rec. program actually takes the children home at the end of the day. For Old Rec

program particulars, please call Kimberly Chiwewe at 382-0208. For New Rec. you can call us at 869-9777. Don't forget, Cross Country

coach Phillip Abeita is still looking for those interested in being part of the Cross Country team. He has jumped the gun a bit and has

started practice on Mondays and Thursdays at 6:00 pm. However, there is still time to be a part of this program. For more information

Phillip can be reached at new Rec. at 869-9777.

Page 10

Isleta Pueblo News

August 2014

Pueblo of Isleta Public Library

Happy Feast Time, People of the Island. I hope you fortunate people enjoyed your

first round of Per-Capita because the people at IRS are happy for you and their “job

security” come April next year.

NEWS:

During the month of June the Library was

awarded a $31,000 “Grant” from our Isleta

Resort & Casino for new Library Furniture

and Shelving. The Library has already

purchased and received the new Library

tables and chairs for both the General

Collection and Teen Room sections. This

may be the first time the Library has ever

received brand new Library tables and

chairs, so PLEASE be gentle with our new

furniture as we do not know when we will

blessed with new furniture again. Our new

shelves have been purchased but we are

told to expect them in 2-3 months, so come

October the Library should have hopefully

undergone a major “facelift”. Of course,

none of this would have been possible

without the aid and support of our Library

Tribal Council Liaison, Council Woman

Barbra Sanchez who has been supporting

the Library heavily this past year both

locally and at the State level with the New

Mexico State Library.

The Library will be a participant in the

Isleta Resort & Casino’s collaboration with

the Kutz 4 Kidz, which is an Exclusive

event for the Kids of the Pueblo of Isleta

where they will receive FREE Haircuts

and Free Backpacks (first 200 Kids). This

event will take place on Sunday, August 3

at the Isleta Hotel Grand Ballroom from

10 am to 2 pm. All that we ask for is that

parents, PLEASE DO NOT leave your

children unattended, despite how tempting

the Casino may be. The Library will have a

booth and a possible game for the families

while they are waiting for their turns at

a haircut. Should your family be taking

advantage of this opportunity, be sure to

visit our booth.

The new school year is upon us which

means all students planning on attending

the Library’s Homework Help program will

have to reregister with the Library again.

A lot of changes can take place in 365 days.

With that said, Registration will begin on

Monday, August 4th and will continue on

throughout the school year. We would like

to be informed of any allergies, multiple

contact numbers, emergency contacts,

possible behaviors issues, and any specific

educational needs.

With this year’s Summer Reading Program

completed, the Library staff will be revisiting

our regularly scheduled monthly meetings

which take place the first Wednesday

of each month. Our first Staff meeting

will be to discuss upcoming programs for

adults and students as well as possible

department improvements, and will take

place on Wednesday, August 6th. This will

mean that the Library will be CLOSED

from 10:30 am to approximately 3:30 pm.

Patrons may conduct Library business from

8 am to 10:30 am and 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm on

Junior S.R.P. showing off their Super Hero Capes.

that particular day. Should you have any therefore we will be donating all unclaimed

suggestions for programs or department lost and found winter apparel to First

improvements, please send an email to Nations in Albuquerque on Friday, August

Nate Lujan at poi02002@isletapueblo.com 15. Should you be missing your favorite or

or you may call the Library (505.869.9808) “lucky” casino jacket, you may want to visit

and speak to him yourself. Together we the Library and sift through our lost and

can create a Library that meets your found items before then.

needs, while making other Pueblos and

Communities envious.

We have noticed that many of our Patrons

are having difficulties with the Isleta Resort

& Casino’s online application procedure. So,

when Annelle Lerner, Director of Human

Resources of the Isleta Resort & Casino and

Agnes Abeita, Benefits Specialist of I.C.R.,

visited the Library as part of a “Pueblo

Tour”, we took advantage of the opportunity

to share our Patrons’ many frustrations and

complaints about their online application.

This unofficial meeting has resulted in a

collaboration attempt to teach or give the

Library staff insight to some of the issues

which our Patrons are facing. By no means,

will this collaboration lead to the Library

staff becoming experts with the Casino’s

online application, so please voice your

frustrations to the proper personnel. The

Library staff is making an honest attempt

at learning a confusing procedure, so we

may provide you with better support.

A Youth Group posing w/their Noodle

Tower for the team building exercise.

Over the winter months, the Library has

acquired a great amount of jackets, beanies,

and other winter apparel from students and

library patrons who left such items behind

to be forgotten and never claimed. With the

fall and winter seasons around the corner,

our collection will without a doubt increase,

Another Youth S.R.P. Group messing

around w/a Camera.

One of the Youth making an attempt at the

Optical Illusion Challenge.

Page 12

Isleta Pueblo News

August 2014

Isleta Health Center

“HEALTH BEAT”

Stephanie Barela, Health Educator

505-869-4479

Community Health Fair 2014 Review

On July 12th, the Isleta Health Center, with the support of POI Head Start,

held our 10th Annual Community Health Fair. This Year’s theme was

‘Pueblo of Isleta – Partners in Your Healthcare’ and we hope that we were

able to deliver to you all that the Isleta Health Center and the Pueblo has to

offer when it comes to your health.

After taking off a year in 2013, this year’s fair returned to its original location,

the Isleta Health Center, and took place from 9:00am to 12:00pm. First, we

want to apologize for any confusion about the location change, especially if

you showed up at the Recreation Center and didn’t find us there! Secondly,

we changed the location because we decided to scale down the event in order

to focus on the great programs the Health Center and the Pueblo of Isleta

has to offer; additionally, it was also a great opportunity to showcase our

wonderful facility as well.

Purchased / Referred Care

Pictured: Antionette Peralta and Wendi Abeita

We consider this “open house” a success, with about 205 community members

stopping by, who all had a chance to take part in different screenings and were

able to receive information on different health topics, check their children’s

immunization records, and gain more knowledge of Isleta Health Center’s

policies and procedures. Besides the 30+ booth participants, we also had the

Isleta Police Department with the DWI BAT Mobile available to walk in and

explore, as well as the Isleta EMS ambulances and the CHR program vans

out for viewing. Finally, we had a rock climbing wall, a healthy snack, and

several raffle prizes from local establishments such as gift certificates from

Abuelita’s in the South Valley and a comfortable pair of slippers from Red

Wing Shoe Store.

The Isleta Health Center and Isleta Head Start would like to thank the

Health Fair Planning Committee, our 30 plus exhibitors, and everyone else

who helped to make the Isleta Community Health Fair a great success.

We would also like to thank all of our donors:

Crystal Springs Bottled Water

Red Wing Shoes (Nob Hill)

Whole Foods Grocers

Abuelita's (South Valley)

Einstein’s Bagels

Chili's (Los Lunas)

Isleta Behavioral Health

Burritos Alinstante

Presbyterian Health Plan

Benny’s Mexican Restaurant

Lovelace Health Plan

Sopa's Restaurant

Isleta CHR

Isleta Health Education

Childhood Immunization Review

Guests checked their children’s immunization records.

Pictured: Rebecca Meehan and Val Baca

It was a FANTASTIC DAY!! THANK YOU for joining us!!

If you happened to miss it this year,

MAKE SURE YOU CATCH IT NEXT YEAR!!

Optometry Department

Pictured: Tanya Garcia, Amanda Benavidez-Abeita,

and guests

Traditional blessing by Joe D.

Lucero to start the 2014 Isleta

Community Health Fair

With Health Fair emcee Ron

Jojola

Diabetes Prevention Program

Pictured L-R: Guests, Lois Coomer, and Eugene Jojola

August 2014

Isleta Pueblo News

Community Health Representatives Booth

Pictured: Frances Anchondo and Marcel Pecastaing

Page 13

“Exit Booth” Where guests turned in their Health Fair

Evaluations for a healthy snack and prizes!

Exit Booth managed by POI Head

Start & Childcare Staff

Community Health Fair 2014 - Review Continued

Stephanie Barela, Health Educator

Tobacco Usage Rates In Isleta

505-869-4479

The Health Education Department here at the Isleta health Center

is constantly working on finding out how many people in Isleta

use commercial tobacco on a daily basis. A survey which is given

out almost yearly in order to assess Isleta commercial tobacco

usage rates was once again offered to guests at this year’s Isleta

Community Health Fair. The question on the survey was, “Have

you smoked at least one cigarette for non-ceremonial purposes in the

last 30 days?” Thank you to everyone who answered this question!

These answers not only help to determine the smoking rates in

Isleta, but they also help us fund events such as the community

health fair and Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation program,

and help us to educate the community.

MOST OF YOU DO NOT SMOKE!!

Ninety Percent (90%) of those that filled out the evaluation noted

that they do not smoke. So although at times it may feel like

“everybody is doing it,” they are not!

Along with the above mentioned survey question, we also offered

a Commercial Tobacco Use Survey at the Freedom From Smoking

booth and from that survey we are able to determine several things

about the smoking rates in Isleta:

• The average age of those that filled out the Commercial

Tobacco Use Survey at the 2014 Health Fair was 41 years old.

•

Of those surveyed, 70% were female and 30% were male.

• Of the two genders surveyed, 96% of males in Isleta DO NOT

smoke compared to 93% of females in Isleta who don’t smoke.

These survey results suggest that adults in Isleta Pueblo may be

smoking even less than the national rate, where only 79.5% of

males and 84.2% of females don’t smoke, according to the CDC

website. The number of non-smokers in Isleta is much higher

and has actually increased in the past four years. In 2012, the

Isleta tobacco survey results showed 77% of those surveyed did

not smoke at all, while 84% did not smoke in 2011 and only 60%

in 2010 said they did not smoke. This year the results were

great, with 87% of those surveyed stating that they are not a

smoker. These results are very promising and it is great to

know that less people are harming their bodies with commercial

cigarettes.

• Most of the people from Isleta that filled out the survey said

they do not live in a household where someone smokes (75% said

they don’t vs. 25% said they do). This is GREAT! This means

that MOST of you know that the smoke is harmful to those

around you.

• Most of those surveyed did not know about the Isleta Health

Center’s Freedom From Smoking Program (64% did not, while

36% did). The Isleta Health Center has been offering this 8

session program to help people quit smoking since 2006. This

program is offered a few times a year at the Isleta Health Center.

The next group starts September 22, 2014 at 5:30. Call

869-4479 for more information and to sign up.

• 46% of those surveyed said that they have attempted to

quit smoking in the past, while 54% said they have not. Of

those that attempted to quit, 69% attempted cold turkey and

19% attempted using the Isleta Health Center’s Freedom From

Smoking Program. If you are interested in quitting smoking,

studies show that people are more likely to quit with a quit

smoking program, so SIGN UP now and QUIT SMOKING!

Page 14

Isleta Pueblo News

August 2014

Isleta Health Center

Behavioral Health Services Prevention Program

Submitted by: Kory Kie

Phone: 869-5475

Finally, ten members of the IBHS-PP youth

group were involved with the Coalition

to Stop Violence Against Native Women

(CSVANW) Youth Summit. We provided

a presentation on bullying and offered

experiential education/learning activities

for other native youth participants that

were also in attendance.

Summer Is Winding Down for IBHS

Prevention Program

At the end of June, two of our youth were

chosen as representatives for the “4th Annual

Youth THRIVE Conference” in Portland,

Oregon. Glorianna Jaramillo and Gloria

Zuni were chosen because of their great

leadership skills, being positive mentors for

younger participants, and their continued

participation with the Isleta Behavioral

Health Prevention Program (IBHS-PP).

At the THRIVE conference, Glorianna was

involved in the Video Production Workshop

and the experience she gained in this

workshop will enable her to use her newly

obtained skills not only personally, but also

to help our own IBHS-PP Multimedia Class.

Gloria, on the other hand, was engaged in

the WE R NATIVE Ambassador Workshop.

Furthermore, we are extremely excited to

announce that as of June 27th, Gloria Zuni,

is a newly appointed Youth Ambassador

for We R Native (wernative.org). With this

newly appointed ambassadorship, Gloria

has made a commitment to help promote

We R Native, as well as plan, implement

and evaluate community events through the

Isleta Behavioral Health Services Prevention

Program to try to make changes within her

own community. This ambassadorship is a

year long journey, so let’s all cheer her on

with positive encouragement and words

of advice to help her with this yearlong

journey.

tortillas with “tamale filling.” They were

able to recognize the importance of learning

traditional cooking and the importance of

learning from their female role models to

help them in the future. As an incentive, the

Summer Language Program along with the

Prevention Program went on a Overnight

Rafting/Camping outing. There were 19

youth participants and 4 adult chaperones

on our trip to Northern New Mexico.

July started out on a good note and was a

busy month. With the 4th of July holiday to

the Monsoon Season beginning. Of course,

we have been very thankful for all of the

moisture; it has helped our community

garden out tremendously. The Prevention

Youth Group also hosted a series of Grocery

Bingo and Food Sales to help fundraise

for an incentive trip for the youth. We

are thankful for all the donations and the

community’s support for our youth.

The summer has also been dedicated to

the Tiwa Summer Language Program.

At the Language Program, a series of

presentations were provided to age groups

of 10-17 years old. The presentation series

included: Bullying, Healthy Relationships

(Teen Dating Violence), Suicide Awareness/

Education, Domestic Violence Awareness,

and Gender Identity (Male/Female Roles

within Native Communities-Isleta). The

girl’s class was taught how to make blue corn

The week of July 21-24th, our youth group

was a part of Camp Triumph. Camp

Triumph, which featured 50 registered

youth participants from Isleta, was hosted

by the United States Attorney’s Office/

Department of Justice in collaboration with

other Law Enforcement Service Providers,

as well as our own Isleta Police Department.

A HUGE THANK YOU goes out to the

Pueblo of Isleta Tribal Administration,

Tribal Council, Police Department, Social

Services and Truancy offices. Without the

resources these departments contributed,

this would not have been such a successful

week! Awesome work!

We are currently finalizing plans for the

next IBHS-PP Isleta Youth Summit to be

held on August 16th & 17th. The goal of

the summit is to empower youth to create

change within their native communities by

developing leadership skills. The summit

will include discussions on many topics

affecting Native youth today, including

bullying, suicide, substance abuse, and

health issues. We will include a “Community

Potluck” on the agenda, so we encourage

community members to bring their favorite

potluck item! All Isleta youth are invited

to sign up and be a part of this no-cost

Prevention Youth Summit.

Again, we want to thank all of our youth

participants for being a part of our program.

To reaffirm their positive choice in being

involved, they are reminded of their

commitment to the Prevention Program as

well as their own well being. Thank you

to parents also for encouraging, supporting,

and allowing your children to be a part

of this program. This program is offered

to any native youth ages 10-17 years old.

If more information is needed about the

program, or about events, please contact

IBHS @ 505.869.5475. Thank you.