Pueblo of Isleta website: www.isletapueblo.com (2026)

Volume 21 Issue 2

Isleta Pueblo News

Pueblo of Isleta website: www.isletapueblo.com

Governor’s Report

Maguwam,

Happy New Year! I hope this newsletter finds everyone in good health

and spirits.

I would like to congratulate our appointed traditional officials for this

year.

In celebration of All King’s Day that took place on Monday, January 5th

and Tuesday, January 6th. It was great to see everyone in great spirits

in welcoming the New Year and new officials. I would like to thank our

departments, families and community who helped us celebrate.

On January 12th, Lieutenants Jojola and Jones met in-person with

Maureen Joe, Field Manager for the Farmington Field Office and other

staff of the Bureau of Land Management to discuss Chaco Canyon,

specifically the proposed removal of the 10-mile buffer which currently

prohibits oil and gas drilling around Chaco Canyon. The Pueblo

maintains its position that meaningful government-to-government

consultation requires direct engagement with Department of Interior

decision makers and continues to convey its concerns about the

potential revocation's impact on this important cultural landscape.

We also continued with the celebration of the Blessing of the Canes

on Sunday, January 18th. I would like to thank our tribal officials, our

families, and the community who came to celebrate with us on one

of our special days. I would also like to, Thank the Isleta Resort and

Casino banquet staff for also assisting with making this day special.

The 2026 legislative session began January 20th. This year’s session

is 30 days and will primarily focus on budgetary matters. I look forward

to advocating for the Pueblo during this year’s session.

I would like to invite everyone to attend Indian Day on Friday, February

6th, 2026. This will be held at the New Mexico State Capitol in Santa

Fe.

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

lost their family members during the month of January.

Ha-Wuh,

Governor Eugene Jiron

Pueblo of Isleta

February 2026

Page 2

Isleta Pueblo News

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

DEADLINE for March Newsletter articles is set for

Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 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.

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)

February 2026

February 2026

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

Goodwill Industries of New Mexico

vherring@goodwillnm.org

505-944-0289 or 505-881-6401 x4097

201 Desert Willow Rd, Los Lunas, NM 87031

www.Goodwillit.org

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.

Below is a QR Code you can scan with a smart

device

2.

You can access the link on the Pueblo of Isleta

Website

Calling Public Works Office at 505-869-5170

3.

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

Child Safety Seat

Checks offered at

the Isleta Health

Center

Learn how to

property install

your Child’s Safety

Seat

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 3

Page 4

Isleta Pueblo News

Job Postings

February 2026

Visit us online at http://

www.isleta.com/career-opportunities.aspx

Fax: 505-244-8232

SHIPPING & RECEIVING SUPERVISOR

Albuquerque, NM

1580

$20.31 / Hour• Non-Exempt

TABLE GAMES FLOOR SUPERVISOR

Albuquerque, NM

0120 Craps knowledge preferred.

$26.30 / Hour• Non-Exempt

TABLE GAMES SHIFT MANAGER

Albuquerque, NM

0120

$72172.03 / Year • Exempt

HVAC TECH I

Albuquerque, NM

1350

$18.04 / Hour• Non-Exempt

IT APPLICATIONS MANAGER

Albuquerque, NM

1550

$83370.24 / Year • Exempt

PMT II

Albuquerque, NM

1350

$18.04 / Hour• Non-Exempt

$13.87 / Hour• Non-Exempt

PMT I

Albuquerque, NM

1350

$16.14 / Hour • Non-Exempt

FOOD ATTENDANT

Albuquerque, NM

IRRIGATION TECHNICIAN

Albuquerque, NM

0701

$18.04 / Hour• Non-Exempt

$15.12 / Hour• Non-Exempt

SALES ASSOCIATE

Albuquerque, NM

1601

LANDSCAPE TECHNICIAN I

Albuquerque, NM

1350

$18.04 /Hour• Non-Exempt

$30.14 / Hour• Non-Exempt

COCKTAIL SERVER

Albuquerque, NM

0333

HVAC Plant Operations Supervisor

Albuquerque, NM

1350

$10.50 / Hour • Non-Exempt

$15.12 / Hour• Non-Exempt

BARTENDER

Albuquerque, NM

0327

ROOM INSPECTOR

Albuquerque, NM

0230

$10.50 / Hour • Non-Exempt

$14.12 / Hour• Non-Exempt

FLOOR BEVERAGE SERVER

Albuquerque, NM

0390

LAUNDRY ATTENDANT

Albuquerque, NM

0230

$13.87 / Hour• Non-Exempt

$14.62 / Hour • Non-Exempt

SPRAY TECHNICIAN

Albuquerque, NM

0701

HOUSEPERSON

Albuquerque, NM

0230

$20.31 /Hour• Non-Exempt

$14.62 / Hour• Non-Exempt

ASSISTANT RESTAURANT MANAGER

Albuquerque, NM

0330

ROOM ATTENDANT

Albuquerque, NM I

0230

$54696.19 / Year • Exempt

$14.62 / Hour • Non-Exempt

FRONT DESK AGENT

Albuquerque, NM

0205

CUSTODIAN

Albuquerque, NM

1355

$14.62 / Hour• Non-Exempt

$15.12 / Hour• Non-Exempt

SHIPPING & RECEIVING CLERK

Albuquerque, NM

1580

HDCT

Albuquerque, NM

1355

$16.14 / Hour• Non-Exempt

$20.31 / Hour• Non-Exempt

SPORTS BOOK SUPERVISOR

Albuquerque, NM

0146

REVENUE AUDITOR II

Albuquerque, NM

1565

$26.30 / Hour • Non-Exempt

$18.04 /Hour• Non-Exempt

EDR ATTENDANT

Albuquerque, NM

0370

SECURITY OFFICER II

Albuquerque, NM

0180

$14.62 / Hour • Non-Exempt

FRONT OFFICE SUPERVISOR

Albuquerque, NM

0205

$18.04 / Hour• Non-Exempt

CASHIER

Albuquerque, NM

$14.62 /Hour• Non-Exempt

VALET ATTENDANT

Receives cash from both customers and employees in payment for restaurant goods and/or Albuquerque, NM

$14.12 / Hour• Non-Exempt

services. Must be able to handle all guest requests. While promoting and exhibiting World 0250

Class Guest Service to all the lsleta Resort and Casino employees and guests.

VALET SUPERVISOR

FOOD ATTENDANT (BEVERAGE)

Albuquerque, NM

$18.04 / Hour• Non-Exempt

Albuquerque, NM

$13.87 /Hour• Non-Exempt

0250

Responsible for the setup, operation, and closing of all front and back of the house snack

bar areas, including food preparation, food service and dining areas. Must be able to handle COOK

all guest requests.

Albuquerque, NM

$15.12 / Hour• Non-Exempt

00HCOOK

SERVER

Albuquerque, NM

$11.50 / Hour • Non-Exempt

SURVEILLANCE AGENT

Responsible for waiting on all food and beverage guests, accurately recording, submitting, Albuquerque, NM

$18.04 / Hour• Non-Exempt

and delivering food and beverage orders while promoting and exhibiting World Class Guest 0170

Service to all the lsleta Resort and Casino employees and guest.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

BARTENDER CART

Albuquerque, NM

$206103.86 / Year • Exempt

Albuquerque, NM

$10.50 /Hour• Non-Exempt

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

0335

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

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

OFF-SITE ATTENDANT

Albuquerque, NM

$13.87 /Hour• Non-Exempt

MAIN BANKER

Albuquerque, NM

0150

$16.14 / Hour • Non-Exempt

CAGE CASHIER

Albuquerque, NM

0150

$14.87 /Hour• Non-Exempt

STEWARD

Albuquerque, NM

0386

$14.87 / Hour• Non-Exempt

LAKES CASHIER

Albuquerque, NM

0780

$14.62 / Hour• Non-Exempt

TABLE GAMES DEALER

Albuquerque, NM

0120 Craps preferred.

$11.50 / Hour • Non-Exempt

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.

February 2026

FOR SALE

$5 – Barn Stored Bale

Call Toney @

(505) 263-8381

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 5

Pueblo of Isleta Career Opportunities

ACCOUNTANT

Health Services

01/04/2026 or Until Filled

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT II

Design & Construction

Open Until Filled

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER II

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH MANAGER

Police Department

-Open Space

Health Services

03/18/2026 or Until Filled

BILLING TECHNICIAN

Health Services

03/30/2026 or Until Filled

CAREGIVER

Assisted Living

12/24/2025 or Until Filled

CHILD/ADOLESCENT THERAPIST

Health Services

Open Until Filled

CHILD CARE PROVIDER I

Head Start

04/13/2026 or Until Filled

COMMUNlTY HEALTH MANAGER

Health Services

Open Until Filled

COOK I

Assisted Living Facility

12/23/2025 or Until Filled

COOK I

Elder Center

03/09/2026 or Until Filled

COOK II

Elder Center

03/09/2026 or Until Filled

COMMUNlTY SUPPORT

CASE MANAGER

Health Services

01/08/2026 or Until Filled

DENTIST - PEDIATRIC

Health Services

01/07/2026 or Until Filled

EMT - PARAMEDIC

Health Services

01/04/2026 or Until Filled

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

GAMING REGULATORY

Gaming & Regulatory

12/22/2025 or Until Filled

FIRE CADET

Fire Department

01/23/2026

IRRIGATION & LANDSCAPE

TECHNICIAN

Parks & Recreation

03/18/2026 or Until Filled

LABORER

Public Works

12/21/2025 or Until Filled

LANGUAGE TEACHER

Department of Education

03/l8/2026 or Until Filled

NURSE PRACTITIONER

Health Services

01/04/2026 or Until Filled

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN

Health Services

0l/04/2026 or Until Filled

PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT

Health Services

01/04/2026 or Until Filled

POLICE OFFICER I

Police Department

02/26/2026 or Until Filled

POLICE OFFICER I -

Police Department

OPEN SPACE CERTIFIED (2 Positions) -Open Space

03/18/2026 or Until Filled

POLICE OFFICER II

Police Department

02/26/2026 or Until Filled

PUBLIC WORKS COORDINATOR

Public Works

0l/04/2026 or Until Filled

RECEPTIONIST

Tribal Administration

04/16/2026 or Until Filled

RECREATION LEAD

Parks & Recreation

12/21/2025 or Until Filled

ROADWAY MAINTENANCE

WORKER I (2 Positions)

Transportation

Services

01/06/2026 or Until Filled

UTILITY WORKER

Public Works

04/01/2026 or Until Filled

UXOHAZMAT TECHNICIAN

UXO Division

04/14/2026 or Until Filled

UXO HAZMAT TECHNICIAN

ASSISTANT

UXO Division

04/14/2026 or Until Filled

VICTIM ADVOCATE

Tribal Administration

Open Until Filled

01/04/2026 or Until Filled

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 6

February 2026

February Newsletter Submission:

From the Department of Education

Moving Forward Together:

Education, Excellence, and

Community in February

As February arrives not just as the shortest

month, but as one of our most significant.

Often called the "mid-year bridge," February

is a critical time in the academic calendar.

The initial excitement of the school year

has passed, and the finish line isn't quite in

sight. This makes it the perfect moment for

us, as a community, to renew our focus and

celebrate the many ways learning connects

us all.

Celebrating Our Rich Heritage

This month, we honor Black History

Month, a time to reflect on the triumphs

and struggles of African Americans

throughout history. Education is the

heartbeat of this observance. We encourage

families to explore local exhibits, read

stories of trailblazers like Rosa Parks

(honored on February 4th), and discuss

how their legacies continue to shape our

world today. Learning about our shared

history isn't just a school requirement, it’s

a community-building act of empathy and

understanding.

Looking Ahead: Career and Technical

Education (CTE)

February is also National CTE Month.

Education today looks different than it did

twenty years ago; it is hands-on, high-tech,

and directly linked to our local economy.

From health sciences to engineering and

digital media, our students are gaining

skills that will build our future. We

celebrate the educators and students who

are bridging the gap between the classroom

and the career.

Save the Dates: February Opportunities

•

February 2–6: National School

Counseling Week – Take a moment to

thank the counselors who support our

students' mental health and academic

paths.

•

February 10: Safer Internet Day

– A great time for parents and students

to discuss digital wellness and staying

safe online.

•

February 11: International Day

of Women & Girls in Science – Let's

encourage our young scientists to keep

asking "why" and "how."

•

February 15–21: Random Acts of

Kindness Week – Education is about

more than books; it’s about character.

We challenge everyone to perform one

small act of kindness for a neighbor or

classmate.

The Power of Presence

As we navigate the second half of the

school year, we want to emphasize

that attendance is the foundation

of success. Recent studies show that

consistent attendance is the strongest

predictor of student proficiency. When a

student is in class, they aren’t just learning

facts; they are building trust with mentors

and confidence in themselves.

Let’s keep the momentum going. Whether

it’s attending a family night, volunteering

for a community event, or simply checking

in on a student’s progress, your involvement

makes our community stronger.

Christmas Party

Wishing you a healthy, inspired, and

productive February!

OPPORTUNITIES

Opportunity to attend the Look Across

the Mountain X Conference

Opportunity for Students! The Department

of Education presents a chance to attend

the Look Across the Mountain X Conference

for students!

Isleta Resort & Casino – 11000 Broadway

Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, NM

February 24–25, 2026 from 7:00 AM – 4:30

PM

**Must attend both days**

Eligibility: Total of 10 students (4 Middle

School & 6 High School)

Requirements: Middle/High School – GPA

of 2.0+ and no more than 5 absences last

semester

K–12 Isleta tribal members attending any

school or JOM eligible

Transportation: Will be provided from the

DOE office

Deadline to register: Wednesday, February

11, 2026

To learn more about the conference, please

visit: www.sec-inc.org

Scan the QR code to register or copy the

link:

https://isletapueblo.formstack.com/

forms/look_at_the_mountain_26

February 2026

Girls Who Code Club:

Calling all future coders!

Girls Who Code Club is back at the

Department of Education! Learn the

basics of coding with fun, beginner-friendly

tutorials and discover how tech can change

the world.

√

√

√

√

√

Open to all girls in 3rd–12th grade

Every Tuesday & Thursday

Starting on February 3rd,

2026 through March 12th, 2026.

5:00–6:00 PM

DOE Office

Register today using the QR code or

link.https://isletapueblo.formstack.

com/forms/gwc2025_26

Any questions, contact us at (505)

869-9790.

Introducing The Department of

Education Newest Member: Olga

Skinner

I am honored to step into the role of

Academic Success Coordinator for the

Pueblo of Isleta. In this position, I will be

meeting with students and families, visiting

schools, and working with educator and

community partners to support academic

pathways and strengthen opportunities

for learner success at a variety of stages.

I value collaboration and partnerships,

as well as work that honors community

knowledge, culture, and goals. I will work to

help students navigate their education and

pursue their aspirations. I am new to New

Mexico, having recently driven down from

Fairbanks, Alaska. I look forward to getting

to know the Pueblo of Isleta community

through listening, learning, and building

relationships in this new role.

Stay Connected:

Stayed updated with the Department of

Education! Follow us on our social media for

more information on scholarships, events,

and more!

Article on Attendance:

Why Does Attendance Matter for

Student Achievement?

“The importance of attendance in student

success cannot be overstated. Research

consistently demonstrates that chronic

absenteeism sets off a chain reaction of

negative effects on academic performance,

with consequences that compound over

time.

Early attendance patterns are particularly

crucial. Students who experience chronic

absences in preschool, kindergarten, and

first grade often struggle to achieve gradelevel reading proficiency by third grade. This

milestone is critical, as students who don’t

meet it are four times more likely to leave

high school without graduating compared

to their peers who read proficiently.

What’s more, attendance patterns in

later years continue to play a significant

role. Irregular attendance serves as a s

trong indicator of potential dropout, with

persistent low attendance in grades

8-12 substantially raising the risk of not

completing high school.

The implications of these attendancerelated challenges extend far beyond the

classroom. Students who don’t complete

high school frequently face significant

hurdles in adulthood, including increased

risk of economic hardship, health issues,

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 7

and involvement with the criminal justice

system.”

Thinking before we post: Is it kind? Is it

true?

Source: DeFlitch, S. “Why Does Attendance

Matter for Student Success?” Panorama

Education.

•

Protecting privacy: Keeping personal

details and passwords secure.

•

Being an “Upstander”: Supporting

those who may be experiencing online

bullying.

For Safer Internet Day!

For Safer Internet Day, join the global

conversation on how to make the digital

world a kinder, safer place for everyone—

especially our students.

Education doesn’t stop at the classroom

door; it extends to how we navigate the

web. Let’s commit to:

Check in with your kids today about

their favorite apps and remind them

that their digital footprint is a part of

their future success! #SaferInternetDay

#DigitalCitizenship #CommunityFirst

Page 8

Isleta Pueblo News

February 2026

TRUANCY

Greetings,

The Pueblo of Isleta Truancy Department would like to welcome all

students into the second semester of the 2025-2026 school year.

While we know the importance of education, attendance is also

an important part of being successful. The Truancy Department

works with students and their families to encourage daily school

attendance and offer various incentives to the students who

achieve perfect attendance each semester of the school year.

Perfect attendance includes zero absences, zero tardies and no

early checkouts.

The Truancy Department will continue to follow our Steps of

Enforcement listed below:

Third Absence (3rd)

Upon determining that a child has three (3) unexcused

absences, parent will be notified; first notification letter will

be sent to the address on file. Truancy Coordinator shall

inform parent/guardian of the potential consequences of

any additional unexcused absences.

Sixth Absence (6th)

Upon determining that a child has six (6) unexcused

absences, parent will be notified immediately. Five (5)

business days after the child’s parent is contacted,

an attendance review conference shall be scheduled

and conducted; child and parent will then enter into an

Attendance Contract.

POI Scholarship Deadline Dates for Application and

Supporting Documents

Tenth Absence (10th)

Upon determining that a child has ten (10) unexcused

absences and continues to accumulate unexcused

absences, (within a school semester), and/or the parent

has not contacted the Truancy Department to schedule

an attendance conference, the Truancy Department shall

recommend that a truancy petition be filed in Tribal Court.

Keep in mind that the Truancy Department is here to assist

you with any concerns or issues that you may have with your

student’s school attendance. Please do not hesitate to contact our

department for assistance.

We wish all of our families and students a happy February!

Thank you,

Isleta Truancy Department

February 2026

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 9

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 10

February 2026

ISLETA POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS

FEBRUARY – 2026

The end of January already? Welcome to

Month Two of 2026 and, of course, it is the

month of flowers, candy, cards of love, etc.

We wish everyone a Happy Valentine’s

Day!

IHSP TRAFFIC DIVISION

January 2026 has proven to be a busy month

for this division and it does not appear it will

be “letting up” any time in the near future.

Prior to the publication of this newsletter,

the Traffic Division began a saturation

patrol (January 20 through February

3) to detect traffic violations to include

speed, seatbelts, careless/reckless driving,

etc. As always, detection, apprehension

and incarceration of individuals driving

under the influence remains a priority goal

for this division as well. We remind all,

DON’T DRINK & DRIVE! DON’T DRIVE

BUZZED! DON’T DRIVE UNDER THE

INFLUENCE OF NARCOTICS (to include

marijuana). Though many do not believe

marijuana can impair a driver, they are

a depressant which affects reaction time,

motor skills, judgement, etc. So please

help us keep the roads on the Pueblo and

through the Pueblo safe for all to travel.

The division is also a promoter of child

safety when traveling in a vehicle and will,

therefore, be holding car seat clinics. As a

former car seat technician, I can attest to

the importance of placing your children in

appropriately fitting and approved child

safety seats. The Traffic Division has

certified technicians and the attached flyer

is for information and contacts.

On the afternoon of January 9, 2026,

an incident occurred which left the

Pueblo shaken and some in disbelief that

this happened at all. The Isleta Police

Department met this tragic incident with

a department wide call out, meaning

everyone was alerted and involved……all

law enforcement officers were in the field.

Officers, first on scene immediately took

charge and administered medical assistance

until Isleta EMS arrived, the crime scene

was protected and handled appropriately,

traffic was diverted to avoid contamination

of the scene as well as avoiding traffic

congestion and unnecessary spectators, etc.

Information was disseminated to officers

in the field and surrounding agencies as it

was obtained. Isleta Dispatch center was

on overdrive, answering not only regular

calls for service, but individuals who had

heard of the incident and were calling to get

information.

IPD worked the scene and Highway 47

collaborating with all shifts to bring in

additional coverage. Yes, officers are

expected to do their jobs, but these officers

always go above and beyond, some staying

over past their regular shift hours, others

coming in early to assist in any way

possible, but ALL, regardless of rank or

division, came in to ensure the safety of the

pueblo and attempt to find the perpetrator.

IPD placed wanted flyers throughout social

media, to local and across the state sharing

information to prevent the suspect from

fleeing outside the state. The saturation of

the many media avenues together with the

combined efforts with the Federal Bureau

of Investigation resulted in the suspect

turning himself in to the Albuquerque

Police Department.

The Criminal Investigation Division

worked many hours on the case not just

on the night of the incident but continue to

input many hours as of this writing. They

have taken the time and care to explain to

the victim’s family members of the process

and progress of the case. Even with the

erroneous

information

disseminated

that the alleged perpetrator charged and

incarcerated was being released, detectives

spoke with the victim’s family providing

the correct details of what actually was

occurring.

The detectives continuously

maintain communication with the victim’s

family, are diligently continuing to follow

investigative leads, assisting the FBI to

successfully prosecute the case and bring

closure to the family.

It is the belief of the Isleta Police

Department such utilization of keeping the

community informed through the media

was an integral part of apprehending the

suspect. We, at IPD, would like to thank

the community for their support to the

victim’s family and support to IPD in

providing factual information. We thank

all for understanding there are many facets

to this type of incident that could not be

publicized as it would interfere and/or

comprise the investigation.

Our goal is to provide factual information

to the public/community to reduce the risk

of fear, panic and unnecessary speculation

and we will always work to keep the

community safe.

The Isleta Police Departments extends our

deepest and sincerest regards to the family

during this time of loss and our support to

the members of the Pueblo community.

GUN CRISIS IN NEW MEXICO

EVERYTOWN for Gun Safety * Support

Fund published a fact sheet on

December 2, 2025 and following is that

fact sheet:

New Mexico is facing a crime gun crisis—

and the evidence points squarely at the

state’s own federally licensed gun dealers.

In 2023 alone, law enforcement recovered

and traced 4,847 crime guns across New

Mexico. Of those, 78 percent (3,766) were

originally purchased through Federal

Firearms Licensees (FFLs). Even more

troubling, more than three-quarters of those

guns—2,905 firearms—were sold by FFLs

operating within New Mexico.1

Many New Mexico crime guns show indicia

of trafficking. Approximately 47 percent

of all crime guns recovered in New Mexico

were purchased less than three years before

their recovery—a key red flag for illegal

trafficking.2 Additionally, between 2017

and 2021, more than 89 percent of crime

Isleta Pueblo News

February 2026

guns were recovered in the possession of

someone other than the purchaser, another

significant indication of firearm trafficking.

Based on this data, it is estimated that

1,565 crime guns recovered in New Mexico

in 2023 were likely funneled from FFLs to

obvious traffickers and ultimately to violent

criminals.

According

to

the

ATF

trafficking

investigations studied in the National

Firearms Commerce and Trafficking

Assessment (NFCTA), nearly 90 percent of

trafficking cases involve a possessor that is

prohibited from legally possessing a firearm.

Additionally, possessors or recipients of

trafficked guns tend to be convicted felons

(60 percent), known gang members (29

percent), or drug users or drug traffickers

(22 percent).3 Trafficked firearms are more

likely to be used in violent crimes.

Despite there being roughly 670 active FFLs

in New Mexico, it is estimated that just

115 are actively selling firearms.4 Further,

based on crime gun recoveries between 2017

and 2021, nearly 63% of all New Mexico

crime guns were recovered within 50 miles

of the FFL they were purchased from.5 In

other words, stop a few FFLs, and you can

make a huge impact on violent gun crime.

This isn’t an abstract national issue—it’s

a local supply chain problem. And without

meaningful action, it will continue to fuel

violence in New Mexico communities.

Traced Crime Guns by Type

In 2023, 4,847 crime guns were recovered in

New Mexico and subsequently traced. New

Mexico ranked 29th in the U.S. for most

traces of crime guns recovered in 2023, but

when considering population, New Mexico

had the 5th most traces per 100,000 people.6

Top Five Source States for Crime Guns

Recovered in New Mexico8

New Mexico FFLs supply 77 percent of all

crime guns recovered in the state.9 The state

is its own source of crime guns, making it

a viable target for trafficking reduction

Page 11

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES WITH IPD

With the everchanging atmosphere and dynamics within our community we do have

openings within the Police Department (two patrol officers) and Open Space Division

(two officers).

If you have an interest or know of someone who would be interested, please have them

access the HR website for an application and a job description or contact me:

Officer Sharon Mitamura

505-869-9705 or 505-382-3459

strategies aimed at local dealers.

Time-To-Crime

of

Traced

Firearms

Recovered in New Mexico10

Forty-seven percent (1,769) of all crime guns

were purchased less than three years prior

to recovery in a crime. The rapid movement

from purchase to use in a crime strongly

indicates New Mexico has a significant

trafficking problem.

We all know weapons are common in most

households, but the responsibility of the

gun owner remains regardless. Keep an

inventory of your weapons (make/model/

caliber/serial number) and most of all keep

them in a safe/secure area, particularly

if you have young children/teens in the

home. Curiosity and peer influences can

lead to tragic results if gun owners, do

not maintain control over their weapons.

Home burglaries are a source of weapons

acquisitions for many of our youthful

offenders or guns not kept locked up.

For the hunters, again the responsibility

lies with the gun owner/homeowners. For

youthful hunters, Hunter Safety Classes

are offered and available.

Parents, please be aware of your children’s

activities, their friends’ network, functions

they want to attend, etc. Often times

officers will attempt to get information from

parents/guardians and they have no idea

who their children/charges are associating

with.

Let’s all work together to keep the

Pueblo of Isleta a safe place to live

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.

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 12

February 2026

Pueblo of Isleta Public Library

February may be a short month, but it’s full of opportunities to learn, explore, and stay

connected at the library. As the new year continues and students settle back into their

school routines, the library remains a reliable place for FREE resources and programs

for all ages. This month, we’re also busy laying the groundwork for our upcoming

Summer Reading Program. We invite you to start the new year by stepping into the

library and seeing all the resources available to you.

News

We would like to introduce our newest

library staff member, Rebecca Farwell. She

joined the library team in late December

2025. Rebecca has been a Los Lunas

resident her entire life, other than when

attending New Mexico State University

where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree

in Marketing. Within her last role as an

executive assistant, she discovered her love

of interacting and helping the community,

which lead to her journey to find a role that

fulfilled her desire. She enjoys reading,

music, and spending time with family.

Rebecca is excited to serve the community

of Isleta with her new role as the children’s

librarian.

A staff meeting will be scheduled sometime

during the first week of February. 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 or use our services.

The library will be CLOSED on the following

dates during the month of February.

Monday, February 16th CLOSED in

observance of Presidents Day. Normal

business will resume Tuesday, February

17th.

Please keep in mind with unpredictable

weather during this winter season that

unexpected closures may occur. Notices

will be posted and up to the minute notices

will be posted on ALL library social media

accounts (FB, IG & Snapchat).

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! New library staff member,

Rebecca 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 the

library a call at the library at (505) 8699808.

Our interactive mobile library app titled

“Isleta LIB” with OCLC has come to an

end and is no longer functioning properly.

You may delete it from your mobile devices.

Should you wish to remotely search our

collections, access your digital library card,

review your account, and access some of

our digital services, you can download our

free basic mobile app titled

Librista (see image of app

logo), which can be found

in your Apple and Google

Play stores. You may also

come to the library and we

can help you set it up. We

are currently searching for a new mobile

library app developer. We apologize for any

inconveniences this has caused you.

Upcoming

The library is excited to offer a Youth

Cooking Class on Saturday, February 7th,

in collaboration with Jan’s on 4th where the

classes will be held. This hands-on class is

open to 12 youth ages 10-18 years old and

FREE of charge for those that pre-register.

Participants will learn basic cooking and

baking skills in a fun and supportive

environment. Transportation to and from

the establishment will be provided by the

library. Registration began January 23rd,

and space is limited. To sign up, please call

or visit the library in person. Register today

to reserve your spot. For more information

about this program please call the library

at 505-869-9808 and speak with a staff

member.

Registration for the 2026 Summer Reading

Program will be on Friday, May 8th

starting at 7am and will remain open until

all spots are filled. Make sure and follow

us on our social media accounts for more

announcements, and for any questions or

concerns please call the library at (505)

869-9808 and speak with a staff member.

Our Reading Tutoring collaboration with

the Tutor Doctor Albuquerque will continue

in the Summer, starting on Monday, June 8

and will conclude on Friday, July 24. This

abbreviated summer session will consist of

6 students, 2 sessions per week for a total of

12 sessions. Students must be in grades 1st

to 12th OR an individual that is working

to acquire their GED/HiSET certification.

An informational meeting has been set

for Wednesday, May 20th at 5:30 pm, and

registration open after the meeting. For

additional information, please call the

library at (505) 869-9808 and speak to Nate.

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 social media pages and library

flyers throughout the community. All our

programs are FREE and open to the public.

Recap

The Library’s Indigenous Film Screenings,

presented in collaboration with the Isleta

Cultural Center, provided an engaging and

meaningful opportunity for community

members

to

experience

Indigenous

storytelling. On December 23rd, the

screening of Yintah offered viewers a look

at Indigenous land defense and sovereignty.

The series continued December 30th with

Singing Back the Buffalo and Remaining

Native, films highlighted cultural resilience,

history, and Native communities. We

would like to thank everyone who attend

and participated in the Indigenous Film

Screenings. As well as the Isleta Cultural

Center for their collaboration in making

this series possible.

On January 5th, library youth participants

enjoyed a meaningful and engaging field

trip to the Indian Arts Research Center,

in collaboration with the School for

Advanced Research. Students took part

in an educational tour that introduced

them to Native art, history, and cultural

preservation. Following the tour, students

wrapped up the day with a fun group lunch

at Buffalo Wild Wings, where they had time

to relax, share highlights from the trip, and

enjoy each other’s company. Parents and

guardians who joined or met the group

helped make the experience even more

memorable. This field trip was a wonderful

way to start the new year with learning,

connection, and community. Thank you to

everyone who participated and supported

this special outing.

Our Summer Reading planning meeting

took place on January 8th & 9th. We

discussed different themes and planned

out the Youth and Junior calendars. Here’s

what we know so far. Youth program will

have 5 different curriculums to choose from

and will be sharing more details soon. This

program is open to 25 students 7-14 years

old. The Junior theme for this year will be

Space and Ocean. This program will be open

to 20 students, ages 3-6 years old. Please

note that 3-year-olds must be potty trained

and comfortable using the bathroom on

their own. This is a good introduction to a

school setting for children who have not yet

entered a Head Start program.

Welcome back to the Library After School

Program! We hope you had a wonderful

winter break. We’re excited to get back into

our routine with homework help, reading

time, fun crafts, and engaging activities.

For the month of February there will be lots

to do with Valentine’s Day Crafts, Incentive

field trips and much more. We’re so happy

to have you back!

February 2026

Isleta Pueblo News

Pueblo Pottery Ornament Night Library Program!

Library’s Indigenous Film Screening in collaboration with the Isleta Cultural Center.

Library’s Youth Field Trip: Indian Arts Research Center Tour

Page 13

Page 14

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.

Isleta Pueblo News

February 2026

February 2026

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 15

UNEXPLODED ORDNANCE (UXO) DEPARTMENT

We are happy to announce the newly

established Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)

Department. The UXO Department has

been working in the background of the

Department of Natural Resources as

the NALEMP (Native American Lands

Environmental

Mitigation

Program)

Program. A program created by the United

States Department of Defense (DoD) and

placed under the United States Army

Corp of Engineers (USACE). Since 1996

Pueblo of Isleta has been participating in

the NALEMP Program. The NALEMP

Program has been identifying, clearing,

and remediating impacts created by

past Department of Defense activities.

Many of these impacts are from the early

years of the training activities associated

with Kirtland Air Force Base (KAFB),

our neighbors to the north. In the early

1940s the Department of Defense leased

lands from the Pueblo of Isleta to create

bomb targets which trained aircraft

Bombardiers that were being sent to the

WWII theaters. Now over 85 years later

we continue our efforts to clear the bomb

targets of Unexploded Ordnance, Military

Infrastructure, and debris associated with

Military activities.

This December, the UXO Department

completed the Field work for the 2024

Funding Cycle. Under new guidelines

from the DoD, Pueblo of Isleta received

Technical Support from KAFB’s Explosives

Ordnance Department (EOD).

The

Technical Support provided the Pueblo of

Isleta with the ability to perform Explosive

Demolition on over 115 Military Munitions

Potentially Presenting an Explosive Hazard

(MMPPEH) items.

Governor Eugene

Jiron is shown in the picture assisting

KAFB by detonating the C4 explosives

which resulted in deeming the MMPEH

items safe. The items were later cleared,

demilitarized, and recycled. This project

was focused on clearing 3 sections of the

Los Lunas Air Force Range resulting in the

clearance of over 650 acres of rangeland

on the western boundary of the Pueblo.

Over 35,000 acres of POI lands are affected

by UXO. 25 Impact Sites are currently

identified and qualify for funding. Current

Federal Government funding shortfalls

limit the progress of the clearances of these

lands. Clearance activities at the current

funding rate are expected to last the next

30-40 years.

Through the number of acres identified,

the types of ordnance that is present, the

hazard that this ordnance presents to the

Pueblo of Isleta and the well being of its

Tribal Members, Governor Eugene Jiron

and the Pueblo of Isleta Tribal Council

found it necessary to create and approve

Pueblo of Isleta Resolution NO. 2025048 Resolution Establishing the Pueblo

of Isleta Unexploded Ordnances (UXO)

Department. The UXO Department would

like to thank Governor Jiron as well as all

of Pueblo of Isleta Tribal Council for the

continued support for our efforts in the

NALEMP Program. We would also like to

recognize and thank Tribal Administration,

IFD, WLEO’s, Tribal Sheriffs, POI Legal

Department, Treasury, Procurement, and

Britannia Environmental Consulting,

LLC. for all their assistance to make the

FY24 Project Work a success.

Protecting Elders:

The Safety of COVID and Flu Vaccines

Isleta Health Center

Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and influenza is very

important for older adults. These vaccines help protect people

from getting very sick, going to the hospital, or even passing

away from these diseases. Staying up to date with vaccines

helps keep elders, families, and the whole community safe.

Some people worry about feeling sick after getting a vaccine. It

is normal to have mild side effects like a sore arm, tiredness, or

a low fever. These are signs that the body is building protection.

Feeling a little sick after a vaccine is not the same as having

the actual disease. The vaccine cannot give you COVID-19 or

the flu. These side effects usually go away in a day or two.

Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect yourself

and others. Elders are at higher risk for serious problems from

COVID-19 and flu, but vaccines make these illnesses much

less dangerous. By getting vaccinated, you help protect your

family, your friends, and your community.

Staying healthy helps everyone, and vaccines are a safe and

effective way to do that. If you have questions about vaccines or

want to schedule your COVID or Flu vaccine for the 2025-2026

winter season, contact Isleta Health Center Medical Clinic at

505-869-4385. If you live on the Pueblo and would like to find

out if you can get your vaccines at home, contact Public Health

Nursing at 505-869-4890 or 505-869-5474.

Page 16

Isleta Pueblo News

February 2026

PUEBLO OF ISLETA

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

SEPTIC SYSTEM DO’S AND DON’TS

In order for the Pueblo to pump out the septic

tank, we first have to locate your residence.

Please have house numbers posted on

your residence. If your address includes an

alphabetic letter, include this on your home as

well. If we can’t locate your home, we won’t

be able to pump the septic tank. When you

call the Public Works office (505-869-5170) to

request a work order for a septic pumping, be

sure to include a good contact number so the

driver can contact you, if needed.

Clear access to the septic system must be

maintained by the homeowner. Please move

any vehicles, wood piles, or any other obstacles

far enough away from the septic system so the

septic truck can get close to the tank. Weeds

need to be kept under control. Please do

NOT burn the weeds, especially on the leach

line portion of your septic system. Burning

the weeds will damage the piping under the

ground, rendering the leach field inoperative as

the pipes will melt.

If there is not sufficient access, a door hanger

will be left advising the tank could not be

emptied and why. When access is available,

the homeowner should call the Public Works

office at 505-869-5170 to request a work order

to have the septic tank pumped out. Public

Works regular business hours are from 7:00am

till 3:30pm. While Public Works, if available,

can be a source to help with septic pumping,

the homeowner may also hire a private

company to accomplish the work as well. Last,

if a private company is hired there will be no

reimbursement.

Remember:

Don’t put anything down the

drains/toilets that can cause damage to the

septic system. Grease, flushable wipes, paper

towels, sanitary products, trash and excessive

toilet tissue which can cause sewage back-ups.

Grease is the #1 cause of sewage back-ups.

Tree/shrub roots are a close second. Plant

trees and shrubs as far away as possible from

your septic tank, sewer clean-outs and leach

fields. Roots will search out sources of water

(including wastewater) and once the roots

get inside the pipe, the roots will grow in size,

eventually creating a blockage in the piping.

If you have a slow draining sink or bathtub

and have poured a harsh chemical down the

drain, please advise Public Works/Housing

employees that may later respond to help clear

the back-up. Many products sold to clear drain

blockages have acid in them and are a hazard

to you and the employees that may be trying to

clear the blockage.

If you have any questions, please call the

Public Works office at 505-869-5170.

February 2026

Public Works would like to remind the

community:

• Please call the main office at 505.869.5170 for septic

pumping; same day pumping will not happen unless

there is an emergency

• Water spicks (connected to the home) is Housing

responsibility; we will take care of work orders on

standing alone frost frees

• Please call 811 for any and all line spotting before

digging; 811 will dispatch Public Works for spotting the

water and sewer lines

• After hour emergencies please call Isleta Dispatch at

505.869.3030

Public Notice and Opportunity

for Comment

Environmental Review

Location: Portion of Tract 39-001. Physical address:

33 Tribal Rd 28, Bosque Farms NM

Land Assignee: Benjamin D. Torres

Proposed Leasehold Use: home site development,

new mobile/modular home

No significant effects on the environment have been

identified

Purpose

The Pueblo of Isleta’s Leasing Law requires

(a) identification and evaluation of any Significant

Effects on the Environment of a proposed

Leasehold Use;

(b) that the Public is informed of, and has a

reasonable opportunity to comment on any

Significant Effects on the Environment a proposed

Leasehold Use may have prior to approval or

disapproval of such Lease under the Pueblo of

Isleta Leasing Law; and

(c) the Pueblo shall provide responses to

relevant and substantive public comments on

any environmental impacts before the Pueblo

approves the Lease.

The comment period is to be not less than thirty (30)

days.

Comments on Benjamin D. Torres’s Environmental

Review may be submitted to Pueblo of Isleta

Environment Department located at 3929 Hwy 47.

The public comment period will close at 4:30 p.m. on

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 which is 30 days following

publication of this Notice in the Pueblo’s February

2026 Newsletter.

Notice of Availability

A copy of the Environmental Review statement is

available without charge from POI Environment

Department to any member of the Public requesting

it by calling Environment Department at 505-8697565.

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 17

Page 18

Isleta Pueblo News

February 2026

PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT

February 2026! We are already starting our

second month of the year and once again it

already feels like the year is going by really

fast. Here’s a quick reminder for all of you,

remember that Valentine’s Day is on Saturday,

February 14th, 2026, make sure that you

get or do something special for that special

someone in your life, don’t forget.

Everything is going well here in the recreation

department. The kids in the Recreation

Program seem to be enjoying themselves, I

look forward to seeing them in the afternoon

when they get here, they always seem happy

to be here. The Fitness Sections are staying

busy as usual, we do have a few new faces

at both Main Rec and Old Rec. These are

probably individuals that are working on their

New Year’s resolution. We hope that all the

new comers stick with it and continue to show

up and work out. We have a couple of new

fitness classes that we are offering and think

they will be a draw. The Sports Section is busy

as well; the Youth Tribal Basketball League

and the Youth County Basketball League

are both in full swing and it’s good to see the

support that they get from their families. The

Aquatics Section is staying busy with swim

lessons and open swim, remember the pool is

open at 5:30am for you early birds that want

to get an early morning swim in. Our Parks

Maintenance Section continues to beautify

our green spaces; the weather has been

unusually warm this year as you all know, this

and because of this our green spaces have

needed extra care and like always our crew

has been on it.

If you need more information about anything

happening here in the Recreation Department,

please feel free to contact us at (505) 8699777.

FITNESS SECTION – Happy February

everyone! As you get ready for Valentine’s

Day, harness your Chi with our new Tai Chi

classes that we are offering at the Recreation

Center (Main). We hold classes on Tuesday

mornings at 10am and on Thursday evenings

at 4:30pm.

Classes have started off great and people

are surprised of how beneficial Tai Chi is. Tai

Chi offers benefits that improves balance,

flexibility, and muscle strength and is effective

for stress relief, anxiety, depression, pain

management, improve sleep, lowers blood

pressure, boosts cardiovascular fitness,

enhances mood and cognitive function. It can

help out in many areas. Can you believe all

of this? Come find out and try a class, this

may be something you never thought that

would be for you, but you never know until

you give it a try. Again, this is just one of the

many classes we are offering at your Isleta

Recreation Center. We hope to see you and

if you have any questions, please contact us

at (505) 836-9777 or come talk to the friendly

fitness staff, ask for Christa, Jocelyn, Raylen

or Thomas. We would love to talk to you and

answer any of your questions. We hope to

see you and/or hear from you soon. Thank

you!

RECREATION SECTION – We’ve had lots

of winter break activities at Isleta Recreation

Center. Our Isleta youth were involved in

making many Christmas craft activities, slime

making that led to experimenting making air

bubbles with straws. There were also many

fieldtrips the youth attended such as Main

Event and got some bowling time in, watched

the SpongeBob Movie, went to Explora and

checked out the newly built park in the Wells

Park neighborhood in downtown Albuquerque,

then we had some lunch at Golden Corral

and McDonald’s. The kids really enjoyed

the activities we had planned for them during

the break and here are a few pictures of kids

enjoying their time in the program.

If you would like more information about

our After School recreation Program or our

Recreation Program in general, please

contact us at (505) 869-9777 and ask for

LeeAnne Zuni. Summer is coming up so

keep your eyes open for summer recreation

program information.

February 2026

Isleta Pueblo News

AQUATICS SECTION – Isleta Aquatics is

now hiring lifeguards! We are looking for

candidates who are interested in becoming

a lifeguard! Current lifeguard certification is

preferred but not necessary as we provide all

training and certifications here on site. Isleta

Aquatics would also like to welcome everyone

to come out and swim! Open Swim will be

from 2:00pm until 7:30pm Monday through

Thursday and 2:00pm-5:30pm on Fridays.

We will still have a Saturday Session from

8:30am-11:30am! Morning Lap swim is also

available from 5:30am-8:30am M-F as well

as 12:00pm-1:00pm M-W-F. We also offer

Water Aerobics Mondays and Wednesdays

at 11:00am as well as 5:30pm, all ages and

fitness levels are welcome! Our next swim

lesson session will begin February 3rd;

lessons will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from

4:30pm-5:30pm and we are still currently

taking registrations. If you are interested in

registering yourself or someone else those

forms are available at the Recreation Center

front desk or you can email me at 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 here

at the Recreation Center. Isleta Aquatics

is also hiring lifeguards, check on the POI

website for the posting and if its not on the

POI website now it should be posted soon, so

keep checking. We provide all training and

certification on site. 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.

SPORTS SECTION – We are off to a great

start with are 5-6 yr old and 7-8 yr old co-ed

teams in the county league, we are half way

done with the winter season and the kids are

doing well, if you get a chance try to come

by and offer them your support, we think you

will be pleasantly surprised to see how well

they are doing. The Pueblo Youth Basketball

League started up on January 16th we played

Santa Domingo and both groups/teams (5th

and 6th grade boys and 3rd and 4th grade

boys) their second game was on January

24th at San Felipe. They are all playing well

and I’m sure they will only get better as the

season progresses. The Bernie Memorial

Run/Walk will be taking place on April 18th,

2026 this year. It will be here before you know

it, registration for this annual run/walk started

on January 20th, 2026 and will run through

March 20th, 2026, so make sure you sign

yourself up for this as quickly as possible. For

more information about our Sports Section

and the activities being offered, feel free to

contact Coach George Waquie at (505) 5547232.

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Isleta Pueblo News

February 2026

ACCESS TO LANDLOCKED

PARCELS

The Governor has directed the Surveying and

Mapping Department to begin formally designating

easements for access to landlocked land assignments

and ditches. This will allow Surveying and Mapping to

ensure that all landlocked parcels have a documented

right of access.

The Pueblo of Isleta Ordinance Governing Land

Transactions provides that the Governor has

authority to create easements, including ditch

easements and road easements, through tribal lands

to ensure that any land holding is not landlocked.

Creating an easement only provides a right of access.

It does not increase or decrease the area of any Land

Assignee’s property, and does not entitle any Land

Assignee or any other party to any compensation.

Through this process, Surveying and Mapping will

work with all impacted land assignees to develop the

best possible easement locations. The final easement

will be issued by Governor, with notice provided to

any impacted land assignee.

If you would like to formalize your access to a

landlocked parcel, or have any other questions about

access easements, please reach out to Surveying and

Mapping at 505-869-0710.

WHAT IS GRIEF?

Grief is the natural reaction to loss. While everyone

experiences some form of grief and loss, it is also

an intensely personal experience. It is the emotional

suffering we feel when we lose something or someone

we love. The pain of the loss can feel overwhelming and

we may suddenly experience unexpected emotions from

shock or anger to disbelief, guilt, and deep sadness.

The pain of grief is not limited to our emotional suffering

but our physical health can also suffer, making it difficult

to sleep, eat, or even think straight. These are common

reactions to loss—and the more significant the loss, the

more intense our grief will be.

Many are enduring losses during this challenging time

of the Pandemic. While we usually associate grief with

the death of a loved one, any loss can cause grief,

including:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Divorce or relationship breakup

Loss of health

Loss of a job

Loss of financial stability

A miscarriage

Retirement

Death of a pet

Loss of a cherished dream

Serious illness of a loved one

Loss of a friendship

Loss of safety after a trauma

Selling or moving away from the family home

Whatever the cause of the grief, there are healthy

ways to cope with the pain that, in time, can ease our

sadness and help us come to terms with our loss, find

new meaning, and eventually move on with our lives.

Seek help if you:

1. Feel like life isn’t worth living

2 Wish you had died with your loved one

3. Blame yourself for the loss or for failing to

prevent it

4. Feel numb and disconnected from others for

more than a few weeks

5. Are having difficulty trusting others since

your loss

6. Are unable to perform your regular daily activities

Call Isleta Behavioral Health Clinic at 869-5475

February 2026

Isleta Pueblo News

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Isleta Pueblo News

February 2026

Love Your Smile: February Dental Newsletter

Happy February! As we settle into the new year, we want to

take a moment to thank you for being part of our dental family.

Whether you're focused on new health goals or just looking

to brighten your day, we’re here to help you keep your smile

shining.

February is Gum Disease Awareness Month

Did you know that gum disease is often called a "silent"

disease? Many people don't realize they have it until it reaches

an advanced stage. This month, we are focusing on education

and prevention.

Signs to watch out for:

•

•

•

•

Gums that bleed when you brush or floss.

Red, swollen, or tender gums.

Persistent bad breath.

Gums that seem to be pulling away from your teeth.

The good news? Gum disease is preventable and

sometimes reversible in its early stages through professional

cleanings and excellent home care.

Celebrating Our Team

February is a special month in our office! Please join us in

wishing a very Happy Birthday to three of our wonderful team

members:

•

•

•

Susan

Erica

Neicy

We are so grateful for the hard work and care they provide to

our patients every day. If you see them in the office this month,

be sure to say hi!

Show Your Teeth Some Love

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and the best way to

celebrate is with a healthy, confident smile.

Don’t Forget Your Cleaning! If you have a scheduled cleaning

coming up, please make sure to keep your appointment.

Regular professional cleanings are the only way to remove

hardened plaque (tartar) that a toothbrush simply can't reach.

Keeping these appointments is the best way to prevent cavities

and gum disease before they start.

Maintaining a healthy mouth is a daily commitment. Here are

a few essential tips to keep your oral health on track this year:

•

The 2x2 Rule: Brush your teeth twice a day for two

minutes each time using fluoride toothpaste.

•

Don’t Skip the Floss: Brushing only cleans about

70% of your tooth surfaces. Flossing gets the “hidden”

spots where bacteria love to hide.

•

Drink Water: Staying hydrated helps wash away food

particles and keeps your saliva levels high, which naturally

protects your enamel.

•

Replace Your Brush: If your bristles are frayed or if

it’s been more than three months, treat yourself to a new

toothbrush!

Don’t Ignore the Ache

Are you experiencing tooth sensitivity or persistent pain?

Dental issues are much easier to treat when caught early.

If you are in pain, don’t wait! Call us today to schedule an

appointment so we can get you back to feeling your best.

Call us at: 505-869-4499

February 2026

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 23

Why should all U.S. children and teens

continue to follow the American Academy

of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended vaccine

schedule?

Following the AAP schedule helps babies,

children and teens stay ahead of serious,

preventable diseases such as measles and

pertussis (whooping cough), as well as the

fall respiratory viruses respiratory syncytial

virus (RSV), influenza and COVID.

The AAP immunization schedule is

considered the ideal timeline for healthy

children as their immune system develops.

When everyone is vaccinated, diseases have

a hard time spreading. It helps keep your

child healthy while also protecting others in

the community.

There are very few reasons to vary from the

AAP recommended immunization schedule.

If you’re wondering if your child requires an

alternative immunization schedule, make

an appointment to talk with your medical

provider.

Why is the AAP immunization schedule

different from the federal schedule?

In January 2026, federal officials suddenly

stopped recommending several childhood

vaccines. They did this despite decades

of extensive research proving that these

vaccines are safe. The AAP, the New

Mexico Department of Health, and all

of the Isleta Health Center physicians

continue to recommend that U.S. children

be immunized against these diseases.

Drs. Nelson, Pope, Kistin, Kelley and Sapien

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Isleta Pueblo News

February 2026