Pueblo of Isleta website: www.isletapueblo.com (2025)

Volume 20 Issue 9

Isleta Pueblo News

Pueblo of Isleta website: www.isletapueblo.com

Governor’s Report

Maguwam,

I hope this newsletter finds our community in good health and

spirits. I would like to start off by wishing our students a happy

and safe school year this year. We are excited to see what this

school year brings to you and your families.

First off, I would like to thank everyone who was involved with

the Broadband Project. We are happy to announce that the project

officially broke ground on Monday, August 18, 2025. A small

ceremony was held in the Pickle Heights area. We look forward to

this project and what this is in store for the Pueblo’s future.

I would like to take this time to thank all the mayordomo’s, and

their families. We would also like to thank our departments and

staff in preparing for The St. Augustine Feast on August 28th.

Ha-Wuh!

Mayordomos

Michael Sarracino & Jennifer Sarracino

Michael Toya & Roshanna Toya

Kevin Jojola & Monique Lujan

Justin Yalch & Kendra Yalch

September 2025

On August 20th, I met with Cabinet Secretary Casados of the

Children, Youth and Families Department ("CYFD") to discuss

mutual issues of concern affecting Isleta families. I shared the

importance of the Indian Family Protection Act and Indian Child

Welfare Act and steps that must be taken to ensure compliance

with the Acts and the MOU currently in effect between the Pueblo

and CYFD. I am hopeful that we can continue to have productive

conversations with CYFD.

On August 21st, I presented concerns regarding the Native

American Lands Environmental Mitigation Program ("NALEMP")

alongside the Department of Natural Resources to the All

Pueblo Council of Governors. We would like assurance from the

Department of Defense that long term NALEMP operations will

be maintained.

On August 22nd, the Pueblo was happy to host Representative

Vasquez in-person at the Pueblo. We are appreciative that

Representative Vasquez and his staff took the time to meet with

us to discuss particular NALEMP issues in-depth.

Last, I want to send my condolences to the families of those who

have lost their family members during the month of August.

As we continue to celebrate in honor of St. Augustine, Isleta’s

Patron Saint, the Mayordomos would like to extend their invite,

in joining them for the Feast day held on September 3rd and

September 4th.

Ha-Wuh,

Eugene Jiron

Governor

TRIBAL COUNCIL OFFICE

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

PUEBLO OF ISLETA

P.O. BOX 1270, ISLETA, NM 87022

Letter to the Community

Former Lieutenant Governor Juan Rey Abeita

has recently made a number of false, misleading

and disrespectful statements about the Governor

and about certain members of the Tribal Council.

His statements appear intended to create distrust

and cause divisions within our community, and

they reflect negatively on our Pueblo. Mr. Abeita

is obviously angry over the Governor's decision

to remove him as Second Lieutenant Governor.

As the Council previously recognized, it is

entirely within the Governor's authority to select

his executive branch appointees, and to remove

an appointee if the Governor loses confidence

in him. And while the Council played no part in

the Governor's decision to remove Mr. Abeita,

his subsequent conduct has shown that the

Governor's decision to remove him was a sound

one.

Turning to some of Mr. Abeita's specific allegations:

● His claim that Tribal Council Secretary Jiron is

receiving stipends as an Isleta Pueblo Housing

Authority ("IPHA") Board Commissioner while

also receiving payment as a contractor for

IPHA is simply false. The same goes for his

claim that Tribal Council Members "double dip"

by receiving payments for attending the same

meeting as IPHA Board Commissioners and

Tribal Council Members. The Council's stipend

policy ensures that there is a clear separation

between payments from IPHA or POI, based

on specific meetings attended. Mr. Abeita was

present at meetings where this policy was

discussed. He did not express any concerns or

opposition to the Council's policy on stipends,

and the Council follows this policy. There is no

double-dipping.

● His claim that he has been banned from

entering Governor's Office for 90 days is true,

but he neglects to say why he was banned.

The ban was imposed after he came into the

lobby of the Governor's Office on July 10th and

began raising his voice in a threatening manner,

causing Pueblo employees in the office to feel

unsafe. Disrespectful and threatening behavior

by anyone in tribal offices will not be tolerated.

● The next day, the parking lot behind the

Governor's Office was flooded by water that

originated from an adjacent field being farmed

by Mr. Abeita. This damaged the parking area

and, more importantly, occurred during "Prior

and Paramount" ("P&P") irrigation operations,

when the Pueblo receives its allocation of

scarce water as part of a rotation schedule. It is

concerning that a large amount of P&P water,

which is used only during drought conditions

when many non-Pueblo farmers are cut-off

from surface water deliveries, was wasted.

The flooding appears to have originated from

Mr. Abeita's fields. It is embarrassing for the

Pueblo that such a waste of scarce water was

apparently caused by the same individual

who had served as the Governor-appointed

representative to the Coalition of Six Middle

Rio Grande Basin Pueblos, a group dedicated

to protecting the water rights of Pueblos in the

Middle Rio Grande Basin. This waste of water

by Pueblo members undermines the Pueblo's

credibility to make a "water call."

● Since his removal on May 1, 2025, Mr. Abeita

does not represent the Pueblo of Isleta in any

capacity. In fact, he was recently removed as

Co-Chair for the 10 Southern Pueblos Coalition.

However, Mr. Abeita continues to post sensitive

and confidential information online, using

"transparency" to justify his actions. What Mr.

Abeita does not understand is that confidential

information that he received as a Pueblo

official is now being put out for anyone to see.

Information disclosed by him has included the

names of individuals who may not want their

personal information shared online. We are

concerned that his unauthorized disclosures

may harm these individuals, as well as the best

interests of the Pueblo.

The Council and Governor's Office want to move

forward in addressing the important matters

that affect our community, rather than having to

address the false allegations posted by Mr. Abeita

and dealing with his immature behavior. As your

elected leaders, we answer to you. If there is a

concern that you want addressed by Tribal Council,

you are welcome to come and speak during the

public comment period of Council meetings on

Tuesdays or Thursdays. If there is a concern you

feel should be addressed by Governor's Office,

call 505-869-3111 to schedule a time to meet with

the Administration.

We hope this joint statement demonstrates to you

all that we are united in our approach to maintain

the health, safety, and welfare of the Pueblo of

Isleta community.

Thank you.

Page 2

Isleta Pueblo News

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

DEADLINE for October Newsletter articles is set for Tuesday,

September 16, 2025, at 4:30 pm. Articles may be dropped

off at the Library or emailed to Nathaniel.Lujan@isletapueblo.

com. Should you email your article, expect a confirmation

email. If you do not receive a confirmation email, odds are it

never made it to me and then it’s time to panic, so call Nate

at 505.869.9808.

People who wish to submit an article or flyer are responsible

for generating their own article or flyer. Should you need help,

please call the Library at 505.869.9808 and set up a date and

time to sit down with a Library staff member who will help you

throughout the process. The Library will NOT accept notes

dropped off at the Library or information over the phone to

generate your article.

PROBATES need to be published in the Newsletter for

two consecutive months. Probates are considered court

documents, therefore, all submitters must provide: 1) Name

of Deceased, 2) Date of Deceased 3) Court Case #, and 4)

Date of Court Date. A Probate form can be found on the

Newsletter Archive page at http://www.isletapueblo.com/

newsletters.html .

CLASSIFIED ADS: The new administration has requested

that the Newsletter start a Classified Ad section for Tribal

members selling land, houses, mobile homes, vehicles, and

farm equipment. Leasing of houses and mobile homes will

be accepted. Smaller items that can be sold at the local flea

markets or weekly yard sales will NOT be accepted.

Currently, this service is FREE to Tribal members. Land,

houses, and mobile homes must be within the reservation

boundaries. Ads must meet the 160-character limit. Ads

that exceed the 160-characters will NOT be submitted to the

Newsletter. A single picture may be submitted with the ad.

Submitters of classified ads are responsible for generating

their ads as this is a FREE service.

As a reminder, Tribal business owners may submit a small

flyer at no charge. Like the classified ads, business owners

are responsible for generating their flyers as this is a FREE

service.

Classified ads and business flyers will be posted no more than

two consecutive months. In the event that the Newsletter may

exceed the 24-page limit, classified ads and business flyers

will be “bumped” for newsletter articles. Again, this is a FREE

service for Tribal members.

The Isleta Newsletter is owned and operated by the Pueblo

of Isleta. Therefore, the Governor of the Pueblo of Isleta

has the final say in all articles and contents within the Isleta

Newsletter.

For additional questions, you may call the Library and speak

with Nate or Diane at 505.869.9808.

Thank you,

Nathaniel Lujan

Newsletters may be found at the fifteen distribution locations

listed below. Remember, Digital copies of the Newsletter

may be obtained from the Newsletter archive at http://www.

isletapueblo.com/newsletters.html

The fifteen Newsletter distribution locations are:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

TR 2 & TR 22 - Chical SE of Community Hall

TR 10 - Behind the old 47 Sales

TR 1 & TR 5 – Ranchitos / Bosque Farms

Reservations Line

Ranchitos Park

Post Office - Big Tree

TR 82 & TR 84 - Teller Road

TR 78 & TR 82 - Carols Trujillo Sr.

TR 90 @ Y - CF Padilla

Mouse Town Park –

Health Center – South end of Health

Center Parking lot

Library Sunlight & Moonlight Intersection

TR 6 - 47 Intersection

TR 12 - 47 & 147 intersection (Old Smoke & Save)

TR 71 & TR 54 @ Y - Holiday Robot / Paved Road /

Railroad Tracks

TR 45 & TR 40 @ Y - Tata Mel (POI Signage)

September 2025

September 2025

Isleta Pueblo News

BROADBAND – Mike Duran Intro

I would like to take this time to welcome our newly hired

Broadband Director, Mike Duran, who was hired on July

1, 2025, and comes to the Pueblo with great knowledge

and experience. He has “hit the ground running” with the

Broadband department.

We are thrilled to see Mr. Duran making progress with

our Broadband Project. Groundbreaking for the project

occurred on August 18, 2025, which is a month and a half

after his hire date. His determination for the project and

working alongside our POI departments has been great to

see to say the least.

Mr. Duran was hired to oversee and manage our NTIA

$26 million-dollar broadband grant. He is a United

States Marine Corps Veteran and has been in the telecom

industry for over 24 years, has worked for large Fortune

500 companies such as Time Warner Cable and Comcast.

Mr. Duran brings a wealth of knowledge to this fiber to the

home project. Within his first 30 days he was able select a

vendor, and get Tribal Council approval to start Phase I.

Welcome Mike to the Pueblo of Isleta and thank you for

your ongoing commitment to our high-speed internet

broadband which will be owned and operated by the

Pueblo of Isleta.

Goodwill Good jobs! Serving Albuquerque

south valley/Isleta Pueblo, and Valencia

County

We offer individual free assistance with job search,

interview skills, and resume assistance.

Contact: Vicki Herring

Career specialist at 505-944-0289

Vicki Herring

Career specialist at 505-944-0289

Goodwill Industries of New Mexico

vherring@goodwillnm.org 505-944-0289 or 505-8816401 x4097

201 Desert Willow Rd, Los Lunas, NM 87031

www.Goodwillit.org

Isleta Pueblo News

Editor:

Nathaniel Lujan

Asst. Editor:

Diane Abeita

Published By:

Valencia Express

Page 3

Page 4

Isleta Pueblo News

September 2025

house the Main Distribution Frame (MDF)

of the Broadband Network. With all actions

taken, the Pueblo is preparing to be its own

Internet Service Provider (ISP) with total

ownership of the network.

The original Broadband grant initially

expired in 2023 but luckily, Broadband

Director, Richard Jaramillo, and Grants

and Contracts Director, Megan Crawford,

filed for a cost extension allowing the Pueblo

to build out the Broadband infrastructure

to July of 2026.

It is the hope of Isleta that after placing

seventy-seven miles of backbone and lateral

fiber and sixty-three miles of drop cable

and fiber directly to 1,526 homes, as well as

connecting wireless internet network to the

village proper, and leasing a fiber network

to Albuquerque, we will have enough money

to provide free internet to all households in

Isleta.

We’d like to make a special thank you to

our brother, the late Broadband Director,

Richard Jaramillo, for his dedication, hard

work, and invaluable contributions in

making this vision come to life.

BROADBAND

In May of 2021 Tribal Council Secretary,

Rodney Jones, brought the vision of a

Tribally owned internet to Isleta after

attending a National Telecommunications

and Information Administration (NTIA)

conference in Ruidoso. That vision is now

becoming a reality. With this vision Tribal

Council hired Marie Compos, Arthur

Heffron, Brian Schillip, and Santa Fe

Indian School Chief Technology Director,

Kimball Sekaquaptewa, to apply for a NTIA

Broadband Grant.

In August of 2022, the Pueblo of Isleta was

awarded twenty-six million dollars to build

and install fiber to Home Broadband. Santa

Fe Indian School was also awarded fiftyseven million dollars to build over three

hundred miles of middle mile fiber optic

infrastructure to connect most New Mexico

Pueblos to Santa Fe Indian School. This is

known as the Pueblo Education Network

(PEN).

The great news is that the Pueblo of Isleta

broke ground to make Broadband a reality

on August 18, 2025. A groundbreaking

ceremony took place at the intersection

of Tribal Rd 63 and Tribal Rd 64 with

Governor Eugene Jiron opening with a

prayer. The Second Lieutenant Governor,

Rodney Jones, who brought the project

to life, spoke about the wonderful start.

Broadband Director, Mike Duran, thanked

the Isleta departments for assisting with

this project.

Tribal Council has approved 4.9 million

dollars to begin phase one of this project

and Mr. Duran has selected Kelly Cable

to install the infrastructure. Meanwhile,

Tribal Council has designated a small

portion of the Casino West building to

YONAN AN CULTURAL CENTER

The Yonan An Cultural Center will host

an opening Tuesday, September 16, at

5:00pm for the exhibition installation,

“Miguel Trujillo and the Pursuit of Native

Voting Rights.” The installation is an

interactive voting booth and shares the

history of Native American suffrage. The

installation prominently features the 1948

court case, Trujillo v Garley, which granted

Native Americans in New Mexico the right

to vote in US elections. Light snacks and

refreshments will be provided.

The installation was created by the New

Mexico History Museum and was donated

to the Yonan An Cultural Center in July

2025.

St. Augustine Parish

Isleta Pueblo

MISSION STATEMENT

We are a ministry of consolation at

St. Augustine Parish to offer spiritual

comfort and support to families who have

experienced the loss of a loved one. We

will continue to honor and respect our

traditional teachings.

Isleta Pueblo News

September 2025

Job Postings

Page 5

Visit us online at http://

www.isleta.com/caree

r-opportunities.aspx

Fax: 505-244-8232

BSA COMPLIANCE TECHNICIAN

Albuquerque, NM

1540

$26.30 / Year • Non-Exempt

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

• Exempt

Albuquerque, NM

Isleta Resort and Casino seeks an experienced, results-driven leader to oversee gaming

and resort operations. Reporting to the CEO, this role provides strategic direction, ensures

operational efficiency, drives profitability, and fosters a positive, res...

HOUSEPERSON - 55HHSM

Albuquerque, NM

0230

$14.62 / Hour• Non-Exempt

SPORTS BOOK WRITER

Albuquerque, NM

0146

$14.87 / Hour• Non-Exempt

CAGE CASHIER

Albuquerque, NM

0150

$14.87 / Hour• Non-Exempt

GROUNDSKEEPER

Albuquerque, NM

0701

$14.62 /Hour• Non-Exempt

HDCT

Albuquerque, NM

1355

$15.12 /Hour• Non-Exempt

CUSTODIAN

Albuquerque, NM

1355

$14.62 /Hour• Non-Exempt

LAKES GROUNDSKEEPER

Albuquerque, NM

0780

$14.62 /Hour• Non-Exempt

COUNT MEMBER

Albuquerque, NM

0160

$15.12 /Hour• Non-Exempt

ASSISTANT RESTAURANT MANAGER

Albuquerque, NM

0331

$47236.16 /Year• Exempt

SURVEILLANCE AGENT

Albuquerque, NM

0170

$18.04 /Hour• Non-Exempt

PROMOTIONS MANAGER

Albuquerque, NM

1195

$72172.03 /Year• Exempt

RETAIL SUPERVISOR

Albuquerque, NM

0495

$16.14 /Hour• Non-Exempt

SLOTS FLOOR TECHNICIAN

$20.31 / Hour• Non-Exempt

Albuquerque, NM

Join our dynamic team as a Slots Floor Technician at Isleta Resort and Casino! In this handson role, you’ll be the expert guests rely on for assistance with slot machine malfunctions,

technical support, and general maintenance. You’ll ensure smooth ope...

PMT II

$18.04 /Hour• Non-Exempt

Albuquerque, NM

As a Preventive Maintenance Technician II (PMT II), you’ll play a key role in ensuring our

resort and casino remain safe, functional, and guest-ready. You’ll respond to maintenance

calls, assist in emergencies & perform routine checks. If you’re skilled...

DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES

•

Exempt

Albuquerque, NM

Management

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Human Resources professional to join

our leadership team as Director of Human Resources. This critical role is responsible for

developing and executing HR strategies aligned with the organization’s overall bus...

RETAIL ATTENDANT

$14.37 / Hour• Non-Exempt

Albuquerque, NM

Join Isleta Resort and Casino as a Retail Attendant, where you’ll provide exceptional guest

service, handle transactions, and maintain inviting merchandise displays. This fast-paced

role is ideal for friendly, detail-oriented individuals who enjoy helpi...

TABLE GAMES FLOOR SUPERVISOR

• Non-Exempt

Albuquerque, NM

Step into an exciting leadership role as a Table Games Supervisor at Isleta Resort & Casino!

You’ll oversee day-to-day operations of Poker, Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, and more while

ensuring games run smoothly, fairly, and in full compliance with all r...

TABLE GAMES DEALER

$11.50 / Hour• Non-Exempt

Albuquerque, NM

Bring the action to life as a Table Games Dealer at Isleta Resort & Casino! In tllis exciting

role. you’ll deliver world­class guest service wllile dealing games like blackjack, roulette, and

more. Ensure fair play, handle cllips and payouts. and create a ...

PLAYERS CLUB REPRESENTATIVE

$14.87 /Hour• Non-Exempt

Albuquerque, NM

Shine as a Players Club Representative! Greet and delight guests, support exciting promotions,

special events, and top-notch entertainment.

SECURITY OFFICER II

$18.04 /Hour• Non-Exempt

Albuquerque, NM

As a Security Officer II at Isleta Resort and Casino, you’ll help protect our property, guests, and

team members by maintaining active surveillance, responding to incidents, and enforcing safety

procedures. Your role includes assisting with investigatio...

LANDSCAPE TECHNICIAN I

$15.12/Hour• Non-Exempt

Albuquerque, NM

Grow with Us - Join Our Team as a Landscape Technician I! Bring your passion for the outdoors to

Isleta Resort & Casino as a Landscape Technician I! In this hands-on role, you’ll maintain grounds by

mowing, fertilizing, planting, and assisting with land...

SUPERVISOR F & 8

$20.31 I Hour• Non-Exempt

Albuquerque, NM

Oversees dining operations, ensures exceptional service, managers staff, and enhances guest

experiences.

FOOD ATTENDANT

$13.87 /Hour• Non-Exempt

Albuquerque, NM

Become a Food Attendant! Facilitate smooth setup, prepare delicious meals, and deliver exceptional

food service.

BARTENDER CART

$10.50 I Hour• Non-Exempt

Albuquerque, NM

Serve with a View - Join Us as a Beverage Cart Bartender! Enjoy the outdoors and provide top­notch

service as a Beverage Cart Bartender at Isleta Golf Club. In this fast-paced role, you’ll serve guests

on the course, maintain your cart, handle transacti...

FRONT OFFICE SUPERVISOR

$18.04 /Hour• Non-Exempt

Albuquerque, NM

Join our team as a Front Office Supervisor at Isleta Resort & Casino and lead the daily operations

of the Front Desk, Valet, and Call Center with excellence. You’ll guide a dynamic team, deliver

exceptional guest service, resolve issues with professiona...

COOK

$15.12 /Hour• Non-Exempt

Albuquerque, NM

Bring your culinary passion to life as a Cook at Isleta Resort and Casino! We’re seeking talented,

team-oriented cooks to help craft exceptional dining experiences across our diverse food outlets. In

this role, you’ll prepare and present high-quality

MAIN BANKER

$16.14 /Hour• Non-Exempt

Albuquerque, NM

Now Hiring: Main Banker - Be at the Center of the Action! Step into a vital role at lsleta Resort and

Casino as a Main Banker, where precision meets exceptional service. You’ll manage vault operations,

process internal guest transactions, and ensure the...

BINGO SUPERVISOR

$22.12 /Hour• Non-Exempt

Albuquerque, NM

Step into a high-energy leadership role as a Bingo Supervisor at lsleta Resort and C.Jsino! We’re

looking for a dedicated and detail-oriented professional to oversee all aspects of our vibrant Bingo

operations. In this role. you’ll supervise floor staff....

Page 6

ENVIRONMENTAL

Hello People of Isleta, we here from POI Environment

would like to thank everyone for their attendance at

another successful Environmental Fair. We had about

400+ participants and 45 vendors offering interactive

learning experiences from exotic birds and reptile

interaction to groundwater infiltration models and

Explora’s activity table. Whichever table you interacted

with, we’re sure everyone was able to learn something

new and interesting. Also, an update was provided by

Vitalant, the organization operating the blood drive,

that “it was AMAZING!” With a goal of collecting 12

units, POI was able to donate 20. This means the Blood

Drive helped save up to 60 lives! Again, thank you for

your participation in this year’s Environmental Fair

and we will see you again next year!

Isleta Pueblo News

September 2025

Isleta Pueblo News

September 2025

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

PHONE : 505-869-5170

On August 21, 2025, the contractor working

on the new 200,000 gallon elevated water

storage tank, located on TR 82 close to

Highway 314, began drilling operations to

pour 5 of the 10 required 80’ deep columns

to support the elevated tanks base. Anyone

near the area may have seen the equipment

on site that was brought in specifically for

this portion of the project. The remaining 5

columns should have been poured the week

of August 23rd. Constructing the elevated

water storage tank is a long process and is

expected to be completed by spring of 2026.

Rebar is being set in place for the concrete

pour which will be done by the end of

August for the well house. The piping from

the wellhead to the well house is already

underground. Once the well house is

constructed, the piping inside the well

house will be attached to the existing

underground piping.

It’s very exciting to see the progress being

made at the site. PNM 3-phase power

has been brought to the site, the well was

drilled in 2024 and now the well house and

elevated tank are being constructed. Once

the well house is completed and all the

required water sampling of the new well

water is done, the new well can be placed

in service.

Public Works hopes to have this new well in

service in early 2026. Once the well proves

itself, the existing well on TR 90 will be

taken off-line.

Once all the construction is completed, the

elevated storage tank can serve broadband

and cell service antennae needs.

If you have any questions about the new

well or elevated water storage tank, please

contact Public Works at 505-869-5170.

Page 7

Page 8

Transit Services Now

Serving the Pueblo of Isleta

The Pueblo of Isleta and the Rio Metro

Regional Transit District

Working Together

Bus Route 208 (No Fares until further notice!)

Bus Route 208 connects the Pueblo of Isleta and

Valencia County communities to the Alvarado

Transportation Center (ATC) in Downtown

Albuquerque during the morning/midday when the

Rail Runner does not operate. Route 208 features

three northbound trips arriving at the ATC at 9:30am,

11:00am and 1:30pm, and three southbound trips

departing the ATC at 9:35am, 11:05am and 1:32pm.

At the ATC, riders can transfer to ABQ RIDE bus

routes.

Route 208 serves two bus stops on the Pueblo of

Isleta. The stop closest to the village proper is located

on NM 147 just east of the Rio Grande Bridge.

Please do not park and leave vehicles unattended

on the adjoining roads near this stop, as the bus

and other vehicles use these roads to turnaround

and access other locations. Route 208 also stops

at the Isleta Pueblo Rail Runner Station, where

riders can transfer to the Isleta Resort and Casino

shuttle. Because the bus serves the station, riders

can also consider using Route 208 in combination

with the Rail Runner, for example, taking the bus

to Downtown Albuquerque in the mid-morning and

returning by train in the evening.

Please see route flyer that includes map, times of

Bus Route 208. (No Fares until further notice!)

Pueblo of Isleta Dial-a-Ride (No Fares until

further notice!)

The Pueblo of Isleta Dial-a-Ride operates Monday

through Friday from 8:15am to 2:45pm, providing

trips within the Pueblo and to the ABQ RIDE Route

53 bus stop on NM 314. Service to places like

Smiths, Albertsons and Wal-Mart in Los Lunas is

also provided with requests made before noon at

least one business day prior to your trip.

Request your Dial-a-Ride trip by calling Valencia

County dispatch at (505) 352-3595 before noon at

least one business day prior to your trip. Requests

are accepted between 5:00am and 3:00pm Monday

thru Friday. On the date and time of your trip, a

wheelchair accessible van will arrive within 15

minutes of your scheduled pickup time. Trips may

also be grouped together; riders should expect to

travel with others.

For more information about both services, including

a copy of the Route 208 schedule, visit riometro.

org and select “Schedules” > “Bus” > “Pueblo of

Isleta” from the grey bar near the top of the website.

Schedules for Route 208 are also available at the

Public Services Department Office at the Tribal

Services Complex.

For publication in the July 2023 issue of the Isleta Pueblo

News.

Isleta Pueblo News

September 2025

September 2025

Isleta Pueblo News

TRUANCY

Hello to Fall,

It’s that time of year for cool mornings and evenings, leaves changing

colors and falling, and the return of falls delicious flavor, pumpkin spice!

A lot of families are excited for the start of football season, and of course

the exciting start to Fall sports for middle and high school students.

Page 9

Pueblo of Isleta Career Opportunities

Position Posting

Office Location

Closing Date

ANIMAL CONTROL

OFFICER II

Police Department Open Space

11/05/2025

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER Public Defender

10/15/2025

ASSOCIATE JUDGE

Tribal Courts

11/06/2025

BILLING SUPERVISOR

Health Services

10/15/2025

CHIEF OF POLICE

Police Department

10/06/2025

The Truancy Department will continue to work with service providers

and families to help our tribal youth attend school on a regular basis.

We provide perfect attendance incentives quarterly to Isleta Elementary

students as well as perfect attendance for all 4 quarters. We also provide

perfect attendance incentives to students who attend Los Lunas Public

Schools or Albuquerque Public Schools, by semester; parents can

contact our office by telephone or email so that Truancy can verify that

your child has perfect attendance at the schools they attend.

COMMUNITY BEAUTIFICATION

COORDINATOR

Transportation Services

11/16/2025

CUSTODIAN

Public Works

10/01/2025

DIRECTOR- ELDER CENTER

Elder Center

10/29/2025

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS

SPECIALIST

Human Resources

11/05/2025

The Truancy Department was happy to attend student check-in and

orientation at the Santa Fe Indian School. It was wonderful seeing

the students arriving to school, bubbling with excitement and looking

forward to attending school. The Truancy Department provided our

Isleta students with gift cards to Wal-Mart to assist in purchasing any

last minute items that they may need for their dormitory living. We wish

these students the best of luck in the start of this school year.

LABORER

Public Works

10/01/2025

LIBRARY AIDE I

Library

11/17/2025

MAINTENANCE TECH I,

II or Ill

Public Works

10/01/2025

POLICE DEPARTMENT

ASSISTANT

Police Department

11/05/2025

POLICE OFFICER I/

OPEN SPACE

CERTIFIED (2 Positions)

Police Department Open Space

11/05/2025

SEPTIC TRUCK DRIVER

Public Works

11/18/2025

SR FINANCIAL ANALYST

Treasury

09/30/2025

UTILITY WORKER

Public Works

10/01/2025

VICTIM ADVOCATE PROGRAM

ADMINISTRATOR

Tribal Administration

11/04/2025

WATER/WWTP OPERATOR I-V

Public Works

10/01/2025

We hope you had a great start to the school year with adapting to new

routines, new schools and new class schedules. Before you know it,

the busy holiday season will approach and you will be on winter break.

As always, it’s important to build healthy habits and attend school daily,

(and on time), as it improves class grades and the understanding of

daily school instruction.

We also had the opportunity to attend the Open House at Isleta

Elementary School. This was a great evening spent with the families and

students. Students excitedly ushered their parents to their classrooms

and were happy to share their space with their families. Truancy was

happy to see the interactions of families on this evening.

The Truancy Department strives to offer great support services to all

of our families and students as we venture into the new school year;

we want to see a successful 2025/2026 school year. We would also

like to thank those who have reached out to us to ask questions as to

what our department offers and information on other resources that are

available for them.

Thank you.

Isleta Truancy Department

Page 10

Isleta Pueblo News

September 2025

Message from DOE:

We hope the 2025-2026 school year is off to a great start! Whether you're

in preschool or college, we know a new school year can be both exciting

and challenging. Here are a few tips to help you and your student have a

successful year:

Establish a Routine: Keep daily activities consistent throughout

the week, such as a regular sleep schedule, homework/review time, and

mealtimes.

•

Develop a Schedule: Take time each week to write out your

schedule and maintain a calendar. This will help you stay on top of both

small and large projects.

•

Organize Your Space: Identify dedicated spaces to study and keep

homework and supplies organized.

•

Set Goals: Think about what you'd like to accomplish this school

year.

•

Identify a Support System: Lean on family and friends who can

encourage you and be your cheerleaders throughout the year.

•

Reflect and Relax: Be sure to find moments throughout the day to

take a breath and relax.

Cooking with ILNA:

The Pueblo of Isleta Department of Education is proud to once again

collaborate with Indigenous Leaders of North America (ILNA) to host a

Cooking Class Series, held every Tuesday from September 2-30, 2025, at

the Department of Education. Participants will have the opportunity to learn

and experience new cooking dishes rooted in culture and tradition. Please

review eligibility to sign up, and register by scanning the QR code or using

the provided link: https://isletapueblo.formstack.com/forms/ilna_cooking

The deadline to sign up is August 27, 2025. Any questions, please call the

DOE office at (505) 869-9790.

Back-to-School Supply Giveaway:

The Department of Education is still distributing FREE school supplies and

is now extending this opportunity to Isleta tribal members currently enrolled

in Fall 2025 high education institutions or programs. Supplies are available

on a first-come, first-serve basis while they last. For more information or

questions, please contact the office at (505) 869-9790.

School Reimbursements:

The Department of Education is offering School Reimbursements for eligible

reimbursements. Any Isleta Tribal member attending a public or charter

school, or any Native American JOM-eligible student within the Los Lunas

School District, may qualify. To apply, submit required documents including

the original receipt, W-9, class schedule, DoE/JOM Contact Information

2025-26 form. Scan the QR code to submit your information. For questions,

please contact the Department of Education at (505) 869-9790.

September 2025

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 11

Homework Heros:

New School Year = New Goals!

Homework Hero’s is starting August 18, 2025 – tutoring for all subjects,

Monday-Thursday from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM! Open to all Isleta tribal members

(Pre-K-12th) in public, private, or charter schools across NM, plus JOMeligible Native American students attending LLPS. Don’t miss out – register

today using the QR code or the following link: https://isletapueblo.formstack.

com/forms/tutoring_25

Questions, call the DOE office at (505) 869-9790.

Dear parents or guardians,

Have you started your back to school check

lists for your child or children before the school

year? New notebooks, pens and pencils are

important to prepare children for the upcoming

school year but have you thought about an eye

exam?

Children are constantly facing demands on their

visual system at school with reading, seeing the

board, and especially with the introduction of

digital devices into the classroom. It is estimated

that 1 in 4 children have vision problems that go

undiagnosed. Improved or aided vision can drastically improve

your child's ability to learn and excel. If correction is needed, not

only will your child's learning improve but also all aspects of your

child's everyday life.

Please call our Optometry office at lsleta Health Center to set

up an eye exam appointment for your child/children at {505)

869-4080.

Page 12

Isleta Pueblo News

September 2025

September 2025

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 13

Page 14

Isleta Pueblo News

September 2025

September 2025

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 15

Attention: Pueblo of Isleta Community

Public Works has

implanted a new

work order system

for community work

orders. Community

members can submit

a work order the

following ways:

1. A QR Code

you can scan with

a smart device

2. You can

access the link on the Pueblo of Isleta Website

3.

Calling Public Works Office at 505-869-5170

Please provide as much information as possible about

the work order being placed. We will need the following

information:

• What is the issue?

• Location (Complete Address)

• Contact Name & Number

• Attached pictures, if any

NOTE: Please one work order per submittal! Our new

system will not generate multiple work orders in one

submission.

Not providing all detail information on your work order may

cause a delay!

We understand that not everyone has access to a smart

device or computer to submit a work order, calling into

Public Works Office at 505-869-5170 is still available.

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 16

September 2025

Pueblo of Isleta Public Library

Fall is here, and you can start to feel it in the crisp mornings, followed by the warm

afternoons. With the aroma of roasting Green Chile in the air and the enjoyment of

Feast Days here on the Pueblo. It’s also State Fair season, a time for parades, fry bread,

rides and the culture of New Mexico. Continue reading to see what the library has to

offer this September!

News

A staff meeting will be scheduled sometime

during the first week of September. We

will be planning upcoming programs for

children, teens, and adults. The library

will remain open during this time, so don’t

hesitate to come on in and check out any

library material.

Library Closures:

The library will be closed on Saturday,

August 30th and Monday, September 1st in

observance of Labor Day. We wish everyone

a safe and relaxing holiday! Normal hours

will resume Tuesday, September 2nd.

The library will be closed on Thursday,

September 4th in observance of St.

Augustine Feast Day. Wishing everyone

a joyful and meaningful Feast Day! May

your day be filled with tradition, good food,

community and blessings.

Job Announcement! The library is seeking

a friendly, reliable, and enthusiastic

individual to join our team for a Part Time

Library Aide I position. Key responsibilities

will be mainly assisting with the Library

After School Program by helping with

reading, homework, activities, and crafts.

To apply you can visit www.isletapueblo.

com/careers/ to view the job description

and application or you can stop by the

library to pick up a packet. All completed

applications must be turned into the Pueblo

of Isleta Human Resources Department

located at the Tribal Services Complex. For

any questions about this position, please

feel free to give the library a call at 505869-9808 and speak with a staff member.

School is back in session which means

students are everywhere. With that said,

the library would like to remind you all to

PLEASE be aware of flashing school zone

lights and obey posted speed limits as we

have students walking, riding bikes, and

so on. Parents and caregivers picking up

students from the library parking lot,

please be cautious during this time as the

library is a bus drop off/pick up point for

many students. We also ask that you do not

block the handicap parking spots dropping/

picking up your students. Thank you for

understanding. The Head Start Story Time

will also be starting soon so that means

teachers and students will be walking to

the library, so keep a look out for them as

well.

Join us for Family Story Time here at the

library every Thursday starting at 11:00am,

no sign ups required so just come on in and

stay for the fun! Library Staff member

Abbey will read a story and engage toddlers

and families in an activity or craft. This

program gives parents and caregivers the

opportunity to introduce reading to their

child(ren). If you have any questions, please

give Abbey a call at the library at 505869-9808 or by email at Abbey.Whitaker@

isletapueblo.com.

Upcoming

Join us for a fun filled evening of creativity

at the library! Families are invited to come

together and explore the colorful world

of Poke Poke Art that will be a hands-on

activity that’s perfect for all ages. We’ll

provide all the materials and guidance you

need to create your own unique masterpiece.

This program is open to 5 families with

a max limit of 3 per family and great for

children ages 4 – 8 years old. Sign-ups start

on Monday, August 25th, to sign-up please

call or come into the library. For more

information about this program, please

contact Abbey at 505-869-9808 or by email

at Abbey.Whitaker@isletapueblo.com.

Discover the Art of Pueblo Pottery! Join us

for a special Pottery Demonstration with

potter Clarence Cruz from Ohkay Owingeh

on Thursday September 25th from 5:00pm

to 6:30pm here at the library. Watch as

he shares the traditional techniques and

artistry behind creating beautiful pueblo

pottery. This program is FREE and open to

15 adults &/or teens, registration starts on

September 8th at 8am. To sign up please

come in or call Aarika at the library at

505-869-9808 or email at Aarika.Jiron@

isletapueblo.com to register. Don’t miss this

opportunity to learn about the rich cultural

heritage of our region and see a master

potter at work!

The library will be planning programs for

children, teens and adults in the upcoming

weeks and months. Please keep your eyes

and ears open. We are excited to share our

knowledge with you. You can always check

for up-to-the-minute updates on the library’s

website, mobile app, social media, Isleta

Newsletter, and library flyers throughout

the community. All our programs are FREE

and open to the community and public.

Recap

It’s Open House Season and library staff

have been busy attending Open Houses at

the following schools…

•

•

•

•

•

Sundance Elementary

Bosque Farms Elementary

Native American Community

Academy (NACA) High School &

K-8th

Isleta Elementary

Santa Fe Indian School (SFIS)

We’re off to a great start with our After

School Program with students from Isleta,

Sundance and Bosque Farms Elementary.

We currently have 20 students enrolled

in our program, with transportation to

the library after school for Bosque Farms

students. Library staff members have been

helping students with homework, reading,

crafts and activities. We already have an

incentive field trip planned for September

and students have been coming in and

September 2025

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 17

earning their spot by reading and doing

homework to attend the field trip. Incentive

field trips are a great way to get students

motivated to do their homework and

encourage them to read. If you have any

questions or concerns regarding the After

School Program, please give us a call and

speak with a staff member at 505-869-9808.

After School Program Students getting

a lesson on how to make Ice Cups to

enjoy on a hot afternoon!

Library staff drew in different audiences, promoted library services and

resources to students, parents and family members. We would like to thank

those who visited our booth, gave suggestions or stopped by for some library

swag. We would also like to thank the schools for allowing us to promote our

services to everyone.

After School Program Students

working on homework & crafts!

Page 18

Isleta Pueblo News

September 2025

PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT

Hello Isleta Pueblo, here we are in September

already, the mornings are nice and cool and

if you’re like me you are probably ready for

a bit of a cool down. September is a good

month to reflect on the year you’ve had so

far, hopefully your year has been productive

and positive. September is also a good

month to think about new beginnings, with

the change in the air weather-wise from

summer to autumn, it’s a good time for us

as individuals to think about and consider

making changes in our own lives as well.

One good change for any and all of us is to

become healthier by eating better and/or

exercise a little more, you can’t go wrong

with that.

Getting healthier makes for a longer

better life, and here at the Recreation

Department we are all about making your

lives better from enjoying the parks that

our parks maintenance crew maintains to

participating in any of the activities (runs,

leagues, afterschool recreation program,

fitness classes, swimming activities, etc.) we

offer. As you can see our whole department

is centered around trying to make the lives

of our tribal members better and healthier.

Happy September, everyone! May the

September autumn breeze bring each of

you new opportunities for love and success!

SPORTS SECTION

There are a few things coming up very

quickly, first of all we are still taking

registration for our Co-Ed volleyball which

will start Oct 7th, 2025. If you want to get

your team in this year’s Co-Ed Volleyball

League, the deadline will be September

8th, 2025.

I would also like to announce that the

youth Cross Country season has begun.

We currently have 46 runners signed-up

and attending practice. Six of the runners

are from Isleta Elementary and the other

40 runners are from Los Lunas and

Albuquerque schools. The first meet took

place at Santa Clara on August 30th. We

did well as a team and we have very strong

runners. The next meet will take place at

Cochiti on September 6th, 2025 at 9am. If

you have a chance, come out and support

our kids.

Our 2nd Annual Pueblo Harvest run/walk

is back, if you are interested in signing

up for this run you can do so at the Isleta

Recreation starting on September 1st. The

deadline to sign up for this run will be on

September 15th, all information will be

tracked on the Nike Run app (No Treadmills

or Elliptical) Outdoors only please! Run will

start on September 22nd and will conclude

October 22nd, 2025, so lace up your shoes

and join the fun.

FITNESS SECTION

As I mentioned earlier, our whole

department is here to support you and

help you with becoming healthier, so come

take advantage of all that we offer. We are

here to support and help you reach your

goals. Our Fitness Section/Team does a

great job, they are a great support group,

they will run or walk with you, if you think

you need that extra push to get you where

you need to be. Join us at the North Track

area on Tuesday mornings at 9:00am or on

Thursday Evenings at 5:30pm if you want

to start working toward getting in shape for

any of our upcoming runs or walks. If you

have any questions regarding the support

group or any of our fitness classes please

call the Isleta Recreation Center at 505869-9777 Ext: 9012.

Once again, don’t forget about the classes

(Yoga, Water Aerobics, Pilates, etc.) that

we offer. For detailed information about all

the fitness classes that are offered here at

the Recreation Center, please contact us at

(505) 869-9777 Ext: 9012. We would love to

hear from you.

Thank you and we look forward to everyone

participating and having fun.

Open Swim will be open from 2:00pm until

7:30pm from Monday through Thursday

and 2:00pm-5:30pm on Fridays. We will

still have a Saturday Session from 8:30am11:30am!

Morning Lap swim can also be scheduled

through the Aquatics office at 505-869-9783

and is available from 5:30am-8:30am M-F.

We also offer Water Aerobics Mondays and

Wednesdays at 11:00am as well as 5:30pm,

all ages and fitness levels are welcome!

For anyone interested in information

about Lifeguard certification, child or adult

swim lessons, groups and other aquatic

programming, please call Josh or Jessika

at 505-869-9783.

AQUATIC SECTION

RECREATION SECTION

We hope that your Back To School transition

has gone smoothly for both parents and

students alike. We know that this transition

can be a little stressful, so hang in there,

we will all be acclimated and accustomed to

this transition very soon.

The after-school recreation program is

going well so far. Unfortunately, we are a

little short-staffed right now so we haven’t

been able to accommodate all participants

who are registered. As soon as we are given

the OK to fill our vacant positions and as

soon as we can get people hired for those

positions, that is when we will contact the

rest of the parents who have registered

their children in this program to let them

know we are fully staffed and able to start

their children in the program.

We currently still have a few openings

for our fall swim lesson sessions and we

will continue to take registration forms

for these lessons until we can fill up all

slots. Registration forms are available at

the Recreation Center front desk or email

Joshua.roybal@isletapueblo.com and we

can send you over a printable version to

fill out at home. Registration forms can be

turned into the Aquatics Office or the Front

Desk at the Recreation Center.

If you have any questions, please feel free to

contact us at (505) 869-9777 and we gladly

answer your question.

September 2025

Health Center

Colon Cancer Screening

Here are the current guidelines for

colorectal cancer (colon cancer) screening

in the US, based on recommendations from

the US Preventive Services Task Force

(USPSTF).:

Average-risk individuals

• Age to start screening: 45 years old.

• Continued screening: Through age

75 for people in good health with a life

expectancy of more than 10 years.

• Ages 76-85: Screening should be

individualized based on a person's

preferences, overall health, life

expectancy, and prior screening

history.

• Over age 85: Routine screening is

generally not recommended.

Increased or high-risk individuals

• Earlier screening may be needed

before age 45.

• More frequent screening may be

required based on previous results.

• Your doctor may recommend specific

tests depending on your risk factors.

Screening options

Colorectal cancer screening tests include

stool-based tests and colonoscopy. If stoolbased test is positive, a colonoscopy is

needed to complete the process. Stool-based

tests include testing for hidden blood in

the stool or DNA markers that can confer

a higher risk for cancer. Colonoscopy is

the direct visualization of the colon with a

small scope and provides more definitive

information than stool testing.

Choosing the best test for you

Consult with your doctor to determine the

most suitable screening test based on your

individual risk factors and preferences.

Factors to consider include test frequency,

location, preparation requirements, need

for sedation, and potential follow-up

procedures.

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 19

Page 20

Isleta Pueblo News

September 2025

ISLETA POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS

SEPTEMBER – 2025

Greetings to all……….hopefully

everyone has settled back in to

“in school mode” and established

your normal routine.

Fall

officially begins September 22,

2025 (autumnal equinox), and most people

are ready to welcome cooler temperatures.

Fall colors will start to be seen and then…..

here come the holidays.

Labor Day, September 1 means a long

weekend and many will take to the roads

for a trip and Isleta Police Department asks

all to be prepared and drive defensively.

Here are some tips for NHTSA (National

Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

in the holiday season. Here are some key

points to consider:

•Drive Sober: Avoid driving under

the influence of alcohol or drugs, as

even a small amount can impair your

ability to drive safely.

•Plan Ahead: Schedule rideshare

services in advance or have a sober

friend pick you up to avoid risky

driving.

•Stay Safe: If you're stuck or stranded,

remain with your vehicle to stay safe

and make sure others can see you.

•Winter Driving: If traveling during

winter, slow down, increase following

distance, and maintain a safe distance

from snow plows.

By following these tips, you can help

ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday travel

experience. Remember to stay informed

about the latest safety guidelines and

adjust your travel plans accordingly.

These tips are designed to help ensure that

you and your loved ones arrive safely to

your holiday destination. Remember, safety

is always the top priority when traveling

during the holiday season.

As drivers, keep in mind during these

holidays, children will be out of school and

in their neighborhoods so be vigilant for

pedestrians, bicyclists, etc. by observing

neighborhood speeds, backing out of

driveways and just motoring on the

roadways.

IHSP TRAFFIC DIVISION

The Traffic Division continues its efforts

to make the roadways of Isleta Pueblo

safe for all travelers and ask everyone’s

assistance in this endeavor. Please observe

and adhere to speed limits, obey all traffic

signals/stop signs, ensure ALL passengers

are buckled up (children in appropriate car

seat restraints), don’t text and drive and

DON’T DRINK & DRIVE!

abilities. If you encounter issues or have

information for the department, please

do not hesitate to contact us. We are

still addressing residency and nuisance

ordinance issues as before and remind

everyone to ensure sponsors are applying

and obeying the restrictions until residency

is approved. The nuisance ordinance is

also still being enforced and if you receive

notification of problems with your property,

please remedy the situation within the time

frame given. Officers will continue follow

up visits to ensure progress is being made

on the issues.

HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL

Let’s all try to keep Isleta a safe place to

travel for everyone.

NOTE:Be aware the division will have

a DWI and/or compliance checkpoint

this month as well. So, in addition to the

warning of “don’t drink & drive”, please

be sure to have current registration and

insurance documents as well as a current

and valid driver’s license to present if you

are stopped.

The temperatures will still be relatively

above average for a bit longer and IPD

cannot stress enough the importance of not

leaving children and pets in an unattended

vehicle.

There have been numerous

incidents across the country regarding

medical emergencies for children and pets

left behind in a vehicle. Be vigilant and

remember to check your back seats before

getting out of your vehicle.

Although it may seem early, time passes

quickly and IPD has attended the first

meeting for this event at the Rec Center

and will definitely be a participant. Dates

and times will soon be announced and IPD

has already begun its preparations. We

hope to see all of you there in October, stop

by our booth, play a game and win a prize.

We look forward to seeing all of you there.

TRICK OR TREAT!!

Isleta Police Department, though going

through a transitional period continues

to serve the community to the best of its

A recent publication by the DEA lists the following information:

Fentanyl

NARCOTICS (OPIOIDS)

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved

by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an

analgesic (pain relief) and anesthetic. It is approximately

100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times

more potent than heroin as an analgesic.

Street Title

Apace, China Girl, China Town, Dance Fever, Friend,

Goodfellas, Great Bear, He-Man, Jackpot, King Ivory,

Murder 8, Poison and Tango & Cash

How is it consumed?

snorted/sniffed, smoked, orally by pill or tablet, spiked

onto blotter paper, patches, sold alone or in combination

with heroin and other substances, has been identified

in fake pills, mimicking pharmaceutical drugs such as

oxycodone.

What is their effect on the body?

Similar to other opioid analgesics, fentanyl produces

effects such as: relaxation, euphoria, pain relief,

sedation, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea

and vomiting, urinary retention, pupillary constriction,

and respiratory depression.

What are the effects of an overdose?

Overdose can cause stupor, changes in pupil size,

clammy skin, cyanosis, coma, and respiratory failure

leading to death. The presence of a triad of symptoms

such as coma, pinpoint pupils, and respiratory

depression strongly suggests opioid intoxication.

Forms of Fentanyl Citrate

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid typically used to treat

patients with chronic severe pain or severe pain

following surgery. Fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled

substance that is similar to morphine but about 100

times more potent. Under the supervision of a licensed

medical professional, fentanyl has a legitimate medical

use. Patients prescribed fentanyl should be monitored

for potential misuse or abuse.

Illicit fentanyl, primarily manufactured in foreign

clandestine labs and smuggled into the United States

through Mexico, is being distributed across the country

and sold on the illegal drug market. Fentanyl is being

mixed in with other illicit drugs to increase the potency

of the drug, sold as powders and nasal sprays, and

increasingly pressed into pills made to look like

legitimate prescription opioids. Because there is no

official oversight or quality control, these counterfeit pills

often contain lethal doses of fentanyl, with none of the

promised drug.

There is significant risk that illegal drugs have been

intentionally contaminated with fentanyl. Because

of its potency and low cost, drug dealers have been

mixing fentanyl with other drugs including heroin,

methamphetamine, and cocaine, increasing the

likelihood of a fatal interaction.

Producing illicit fentanyl is not an exact science. Two

milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal depending on a

person’s body size, tolerance and past usage. DEA

analysis has found counterfeit pills ranging from .02

to 5.1 milligrams (more than twice the lethal dose) of

fentanyl per tablet.

•

42% of pills tested for fentanyl contained at

least 2 mg of fentanyl, considered a potentially lethal

dose.

•

Drug trafficking organizations typically

distribute fentanyl by the kilogram. One kilogram of

fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people.

It is possible for someone to take a pill without

knowing it contains fentanyl. It is also possible to

take a pill knowing it contains fentanyl, but with no

way of knowing if it contains a lethal dose.

According to the CDC, synthetic opioids (like fentanyl)

are the primary driver of overdose deaths in the United

States. Comparison between 12 months-ending

January 31, 2020 and the 12 months-ending January

31, 2021 during this period:

•

Overdose deaths involving opioids rose 38.1

percent.

•

Overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids

(primarily illicitly manufactured fentanyl) rose 55.6

percent and appear to be the primary driver of the

increase in total drug overdose deaths.

Unless a drug is prescribed by a licensed medical

professional and dispensed by a legitimate pharmacy,

you can’t know if it’s fake or legitimate. And without

laboratory testing, there’s no way to know the amount of

fentanyl in an individual pill or how much may have been

added to another drug. This is especially dangerous

because of fentanyl’s potency.

September 2025

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 21

Isleta National Diabetes

Prevention Program

As of May 2025, the Health

Center’s Diabetes Prevention

and

Treatment

Program

(DPTP) was recognized by

the CDC to prevent or delay

type 2 diabetes. It is the only

tribal organization in New

Mexico with CDC recognition.

The program, which has been

heavily researched in the Diabetes Prevention Program

Outcomes Study (DPPOS), has shown that participants

who complete the program can prevent or delay type 2

diabetes for at least 15 years. The research also shows

that the program is more effective than medications at

preventing type 2 diabetes.

The National DPP lifestyle change program can help

you build healthy new habits that last a lifetime. The

program runs for one year. During the first 4-6 months

of the program, you’ll meet about once a week. During

the 2nd half of the program, you’ll meet once or twice a

month. Making lifestyle changes is an ongoing process.

Staying in the program for the full year is essential to

help you stick to new habits and avoid slipping back

into old habits. If you have not reached your goals in

the first half of the program, your Lifestyle Coach and

other group members can help you succeed.

In the first half of the program, you'll learn to:

•

•

•

•

Eat healthy without giving up all the foods you

love.

Add physical activity to your life, even if you

don't think you have time.

Deal with stress.

Cope with challenges that can slow your

progress, like choosing healthy food when

eating out.

In the second half of the program, you'll enhance the

skills you've learned so you can maintain the changes

you've made. These sessions will review key ideas such

as tracking your food and physical activity, setting

goals, staying motivated, and overcoming barriers.

Your Lifestyle Coach and the group will continue to

support you. You'll learn some new information, too.

The program will be starting soon. Dinner will be

provided each session. If interested in finding out more

information or to register, please call the DPTP at

(505)869-4595.

Page 22

September

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Awareness Month

No amount of alcohol is safe while pregnant.

Alcohol crosses the placenta and may affect the

fetus. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders can impact

physical, developmental and behavioral health.

They may be permanent. Physical symptoms

include abnormal facial features and being

small for age. Among other struggles, a child

could also have vision and hearing impediments.

Developmental issues may include delayed speech

and learning difficulties. Furthermore, behavioral

problems may exist such as ADHD and troubles

with reasoning and judgement. Keep your baby

safe and avoid alcohol while pregnant.

ISLETA WIC OFFICE 505-869-2662

Prostate Cancer

Awareness Month

Maybe you’ve heard of the prostate, and wondered

what is it? The prostate is a gland located below the

bladder that only men have. Cancer happens when

the cells in the prostate grow out of control.

Who should get a prostate cancer screening?

Prostate cancer screening is recommended on a

case-by-case personalized basis for men between

the ages of 55 and 69 years old and can be considered

at a younger age for people with a family history of

prostate cancer. Men in these age groups should talk

with their doctor about the pros and cons of prostate

cancer screening.

How is the prostate cancer screening test done?

Screening for prostate cancer is done through a

simple blood test to measure the level of “ProstateSpecific Antigen (PSA).” Some doctors may offer a

prostate exam, done through the rectum, however

this is not required.

What are signs of prostate problems?

The following are symptoms of a large prostate. In

most cases, this is a common treatable condition.

However, symptoms caused by a large prostate can

also be warning signs of prostate cancer. Men with

any of the problems below should talk to their doctor.

• Difficulty peeing • Having a dribbling urine stream.

• Frequent trips to the bathroom

• Waking up at night multiple times to pee

• Feeling like you still need to pee after you pee

• Pain or burning when you pee • Blood in the urine.

• Pain in your back, hips, or pelvis that does not go

away.

If you have questions or worries, the best thing to

do is schedule an appointment with your doctor. To

schedule an appointment at Isleta Health Center, call

505-869-3200.

Shawnee Arciniega, RN, BSN, BPH

Public Health Nurse

Reviewed by Dr. Rachel Kelley, MD

Isleta Health Center

Isleta Pueblo News

September 2025

WIC NEWS- Our tea party was a huge success! Thank you to all our

families and POI community who attended!

We greatly appreciated the generous donations for our raffle, food and music as

well as vendors that were present. Our event included donations from Pueblo of

Isleta Resort and Casino, Costco, Dion’s, Albertsons, Albuquerque Isotopes, Isleta

Recreation Center, Isleta Environmental Department, Jerry’s Market, Explora,

Zomee, NAAPR Dental, New Mexico Breastfeeding Task Force and DJ Randy

Jim’s Productions. Vendors who attended included NAAPR Dental, Presbyterian,

Isleta Head Start, PB&J Services, Black Corn Remedy and Star Medical. Thank

you everyone for making this event successful!

September 2025

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 23

Page 24

Isleta Pueblo News

September 2025