The new year started out in preparation for the New (2008)

Isleta Pueblo News

Volume 3 Issue 2

February 2008

Governor’s Report

The new year started out in preparation for the New

Mexico State Legislative sessions in Santa Fe. This

year we are lobbying for capital outlay monies for the

Judicial Complex, parks, elderly, library, veterans'

post and other projects. Lt. Zuni and Lt. Lujan have

been to Santa Fe along with Rick Giron, Ulysses Abeita

and Theresa Zuni to lobby for funding. I have not been

able to go to Santa Fe due to business concerns here

at Isleta, however, I have been in contact with the

governor's office and some legislators by telephone.

We hope to receive additional funding in the amount

of 2.2 million dollars, which will help pay for the

proposed projects mentioned.

Administration is working with tribal council in

identifying ways to bring much needed revenue to

Isleta. Although gaming tribes have signed on to a

37 year gaming compact, challenges from anti-gaming

groups continue to surface with compulsive gambling

issues being brought before the legislature in Santa Fe

and heightened by the media. Off-reservation gaming

continues to surface, despite the Department of Interiors

decision not to allow off reservation gaming. Gaming

tribes in New Mexico are against off-reservation

gaming. Off-reservation gaming would allow a mecca

of casinos throughout the country, eventually killing

gaming if tribes are allowed to purchase land for

the sole purpose of building casinos. Gaming tribes

continue to monitor yet other proposals for more

casinos the state. The tribal compact agreement with

the State of New Mexico allows one more casino. The

latest proposal is to build a forty million dollar casino in

Tucumcari. Other proposals are also being requested.

January 14-16, 2007, Lt. Frank Lujan, tribal council

members and I traveled to Fort McDowell in Arizona

to attend the Southwest Indian Gaming Conference

with regard to gaming issues. The main purpose of

our attendance was to learn about the latest United

States Supreme Court ruling on tribal sovereignty.

Although tribes throughout the United States are

different in land base and jurisdiction, the impact from

court decisions impacts all tribes throughout Indian

Country. Tribes hold on to customs and traditions

through the sovereignty clause, yet, attorneys find

ways to challenge the law. Due to ongoing meetings

on this subject matter by tribal leaders and attorneys,

I will refrain from commenting on the subject matter

at this time.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL ELGIBLE

TRIBAL MEMBERS WHO RECEIVED A

HAM COUPON IN DECEMBER, 2007.

WE ARE WRITING TO REQUEST YOUR

ASSISTANCE.

PLEASE PURCHASE YOUR HAMS AT THE

ALBERTSON’S GROCERY STORE IN LOS

LUNAS BEFORE FEBRUARY15, 2008 IF

YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO.

HAMS WILL NO LONGER BE AVAILABLE

FOR PURCHASE AFTER THAT DATE.

SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE

THIS MAY HAVE CAUSED ANYONE.

IF THERE ARE ANY ELIGIBLE TRIBAL

MEMBERS THAT HAVE NOT RECEIVED

A HAM CERTIFICATE, PLEASE COME BY

THE TRIBAL ADMINISTRATION OFFICE

TO PICK UP A HAM VOUCHER. IF YOU

HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL

THE TRIBAL ADMINISTRATION OFFICE

AT 869-3111.

Water is another issue impacting Indian tribes. The

Six Middle Rio Grande Pueblo Coalition continues to

monitor water issues impacting the Rio Grande. We

continue to protect water transfers and argue with

the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy on maintenance

responsibilities. Other issues concerning voter reform

are being monitored.

January 22-24, 2008, Lt. Lujan, Councilman Joe

Waseta and I traveled to Washington, DC on tribal

issues. On January 23 we met with Congressman

Steve Pearce who assured us that he would continue to

support our tribe.

On January 25, 2008, I met with high school Principal

Claudia Krause - Johnson and the Education 20/20

Program at Los Lunas High School. Ms. Johnson and

her staff provided me with a lot of valuable information

on the Education 20/20 site at the Isleta Department

of Education. At the end of the first semester, Isleta

students earned 56 credit hours.

The 20/20 Program is a computer-based credit recovery

program where students can make up credits needed

for graduation. Once the Students recover credits they

return to the regular class schedule at Los Lunas High

School. The DOE computer lab has eight computers

that students may use to access the 20/20 Program.

On January 30,I, along with Lt. Gov. Frank Lujan met

with Los Lunas 20/20 staff including Ms. Johnson,

parents, students and the POI — DOE staff to hear

concerns from students and parents. I stressed to

the students that they need to continue with their

education and the need to graduate form high school. I

emphasized that this administration will support all

our students in their education.

Isleta Casino & Resort

Hotel Management Team

We are only five months away from the opening

of our new hotel and the beginning of a new era

for Isleta Casino & Resort and Isleta Pueblo. Our

Four Diamond Hotel will be completely unique in

its design and will raise the guest service standard

to an entirely new level. What makes this hotel even

more special is that we will be contributing to the

operations and guidance of our resort like never

before. In the Hotel Pre-Opening Training over half

of the participants are Isleta tribal members. From

the talented group of trainees, the vast majority of

all supervisory and team member positions for the

hotel will be filled by these dedicated individuals.

There are six key management positions in the hotel,

and of the four that have been hired thus far two are

Isleta tribal members. Frank Lucero will be our Kid's

Connection Manager, and Joy Sutherland will be our

Front Office Manager. Both of these tribal members

graduated from the Hotel Pre-Opening Training, and

are ecstatic about working in a managerial position

for the Pueblo. This is a wonderful time for our

people and our community. We now have a major

voice at every level of our biggest enterprise. It is

now up to us to create a success of our destiny.

Submitted

Eric Abeita-Hotel Sales Coordinator

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 2

February 2008

RECREATION

As January, 2008 comes to an end, many of our Pueblo members have been busy partaking and trying, and fulfilling New Year’s Resolutions. The New Recreation

Center probably has never experienced so many people being involved in fitness activities like we are presently. That's Great. However, every year about early February

we have a major decline in participation. What do you say we buck the trend of years past and continue working out throughout the year? Spin Classes have been a great

reason why so many people have been out in great numbers. Not only are we continuing with our regular classes, which are offered on Monday through Thursday from

12 noon until 12:40 pm and Tuesdays and Thursday from 5:30 am until 6:15 am, but also we have added two additional classes on Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:15 pm

and again at 6:00 pm. Fitness Specialist and Personal Trainer, Ray Mora teaches both of those classes. Lee Ann Lente, Feather Anderson and Derrick Jiron teach the

classes on Monday through Thursdays on a rotating basis. Michael Lente teaches classes on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. All instructors listed are certified Personal

Trainers and Spin Instructors. They can also assist you in setting up programs to meet your individual needs. If you don't ask, they can't help!

2007 Duke City Marathon

Now is the time to set your sights on the 2008 Duke City

Marathon! Why not make it part of your New Year's Resolution

to train for one of many races held every year in October.

There are the 5K, the half marathon, the marathon and various

walking events, not to mention the Marathon Relay.

The Isleta Parks & Recreation Department sponsored two

marathon relay teams again this year, and all runners had a

great time. The event was held October 21st, and although the

weather was quite brisk and windy, it was a good day for a

marathon. The Isleta Spinners have competed for three years

now and this year placed 8th in the women's relay race, 83rd

overall, in a time of four hours, ten minutes and 8 seconds.

Kathy Black was the captain, with team members Caroline

Dailey, Rochelle Apodaca, Sharon Lucero, and Katie Abeita

(see photo). The Isleta Wreck Crew’s captain was Mike Lente

and his team included Ashley Zuni, Chryshelda Abeita, Alex

Flores, and Chrystal James (see photo below). They came in at a

respectable four hours, twenty-one minutes and eleven seconds

for 88th place. Chryshelda and Chrystal were first time racers.

Congratulations to all, and let them be an inspiration to you.

Basketball

Well, the Isleta Youth Basketball League is back in full swing. Our children who are participating in the Southern Pueblo's Agency League have had a full schedule

this January playing most of their games on Friday and Saturdays. This was done so we would have as little interruption as possible with the children's education. The

only exception so far has been the games held on Wednesday January 23rd, against Santa Clara Pueblo on early release day. This was the first game ever held at the

Isleta Elementary School. Incidentally, our Tribal youth member Taylor Sandoval, Coach Bernie Jojola's granddaughter, scored the first basket ever at the gymnasium

in a game setting. Additionally, the team won the game as well as all the other Isleta teams that day. Pictured are the all the teams representing us in the SPA League.

The 3rd and 4th Grade Girls will be featured next month.

The girls 5th & 6th Girls from left to Right Top Row is Coach Blane Sanchez,

Leandra Abeita, Vanessa Bitsilly, Cassandra Lilly, Briana Olguin, Kaylee

Jojola, Breanna Abeita-Sanchez, Dawn Chewiwi, Kaitlyn Lucero. Bottom

Row Left to Right Dolores Howlingcrane, Jackie Jiron, Rhealyn Chewiwi,

and Akasha Jiron.

Pictured above are the 3rd & 4th Grade Boys. Top row Left to

Right are: Coach Bernard Chavez, Aubrey Lujan, Cody Morris,

Wayne Abieta, Andre Galbodon, Jacob Abieta, Coach Bernie

Joiola, Bottom Row Left to Right are: Marcello Chavez, Issaih

Chavez, Jayleen Danielson, and Darren Jojola.

Isleta Pueblo

News

Editor: Ulysses Abeita

Asst. Editor:

Natasha Lujan

Staff: Maxine Zuni

Beverly Piro

Brittanie Lucero

Jennifer Zuni

Published By:

Valencia Express

Pictured Above are the Boys 5th & 6th Grade

Boys Left to right Top Row: Tristan Povijua,

Juwan Vigil, Coach Carl Anderson, Tristan

Lucero, Jesse Maesta, Nick Trujillo. Bottom

Left to Right are Donavan Yazzie and Myron

Tenorio.

Picture above are the Isleta Cheerleaders from Top Row Left

to right are: Shandine King, Briana Roybal, Kasey Givens,

Taney Jojola, Dakota Kuticka and Coach Rebecca Olguin.

Bottom Row Left to Right are: Alexis Sandoval, Briana Mariano,

Morgan Davenport, Audrey Sandoval and Jenna Coley.

Isleta Pueblo News

February 2008

Aquatic News

Did you know that the High School Swim season is

a winter sport? It's not the time of year most people

consider wearing a swimsuit but swim teams all over

the country are involved in competitions! The Isleta

Recreation Center hosts the Los Lunas High School

swim team practice. Tribal member Kaitlin Jaramillo

is the swim team captain. She is the daughter of

Larry and Kristine Jaramillo. Kaitlin is an eleventh

grader on the honor roll and a member of the National

Honor Society. She does an outstanding job as the

team captain and is a valued member of the Isleta

Recreation Center Lifeguard staff. Kaitlin, Keep

Making us Proud. The pool area will close February

23rd for its yearly major maintenance program. The

entire deck area is off limits due to the chemicals and

equipment used for various projects. All three

of the pools will be drained and acid washed along

with additional electrical and mechanical projects,

which will be addressed at this time. If everything

goes as planned, the pool will reopen on March 3rd.

Sorry for the inconvenience, but it must be done.

Before February 23rd, take advantage of the

various conditioning programs available in the pool.

Water Aerobic classes are held every Monday and

Wednesday mornings from 5:30 am to 6:15 am and

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from

6 pm to 7 pm. Adult lap swimming is Tuesday and

Thursday mornings from 6:30 am to 8 am. On March

10, 2008 Adult and Child Swim Lessons will begin.

Children must six to 15 years of age. Space is limited

so please call the pool office at 869-8557 and sign

up.

Pueblo of Isleta ELDERLY CENTER

**Now Recruiting For

Legacy Corps Program**

What is LEGACY CORPS?

Legacy Corps is an opportunity to make a difference in your life and in the

lives of those around you. By signing up as an AmeriCorps member, you

receive caregiver training, as well as a small living allowance, for financial

assistance. You work 10 to 12 hours per week as a Respite Caregiver.

The Isleta Legacy Corps is housed at the Isleta Elderly center. It is funded

by an AmeriCorps grant through the University of Maryland, Center on

Aging.

Legacy Corps members must be 18 years of age or older. Call the Elderly

Center at (505)869-6661 for more information.

MEAL PROGRAM COMMUNITY SURVEY

We are always on a continuous improvement track at the Elderly

Center, and we always need the input of the community to be sure we

are doing just that. Please help us by giving us your feedback!

Home Delivered meals are available five days a week to elders age

60 and above, who are homebound; in other words, not able to come

to the congregate meal site. Eligibility requirements are set by our

funding agencies within the Federal and State governments. Client

assessments are provided by either the Elderly Program Site Manager

(Alberta Lente) or Home Services Manager (Patricia Lucero). Call

869-6661 for information.

Congregate meals are provided at the Center for elders age 60 and

above, also five days a week, with some exceptions. Pick up meals

are available by calling in advance. The meals we provide for both

programs are required to provide 1/3 of the Required Daily Allowance

(RDA), and follow the U.S. Dietary Guidelines. Our menus are

prepared by a registered dietician, who is employed by the Isleta

Diabetes Program.

1.

2.

What foods would you like to see more of on the menu?

What foods that we serve do you not enjoy?

3. What are your favorite vegetables?

4. Which vegetables do you not prefer?

5. Regarding portion size: please know that you are more than

welcome to ask for seconds, if you like. Our portions are based on a

standard, but individuals have different appetites and dietary needs.

For the home delivered meals, you may request a larger meal by

calling the office.

Please add other comments on a separate sheet of paper. Thanks

for your participation! PLEASE RETURN TO THE ELDERLY CENTER

OFFICE OR STAFF.

Page 3

Fitness Challenge

The fitness challenge, which started on 01/22/08,

has brought in another set of new tribal members to

the facility. This is a personalized fitness challenge

that can be arranged at your own convenience. This

challenge includes: Body composition, equipment

orientation, fitness log, and tri-weekly follow up

on progress, and optional personal training sessions

by appointment. The minimum commitment is a

30-minute work-out twice a week. It includes you

checking in every three weeks after the initial weigh

in. This is a fitness challenge that incentive and prizes

will be awarded along the way, along with a grand

prize awarded at the end of the challenge. If you are

interested in entering or would like more information,

please contact Marcelina Anderson at 869-8557.

Robert Adam Edaakie

Graduates from UNM

Mary Jane & Adam Edaakie are proud

to announce the graducation of our son

Robert Adam Edaakie

Jr. from the

University of New Mexico Anderson

School of Management. He received a

degree of Bachelor of Science in Business

Administration with a concentration in

Accounting on December 15, 2007. He is a

former employee of the Isleta Golf Course

and is currently employed with the public

accounting firm of Sloan and Company in

Albuquerque.

All of his family including his girlfriend Laura

Shije and lovely daughter Kendra celebrate

his

accomplishments.

Congratulations

Robert! We are very proud of you and wish

you continued success.

WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT (WIA) PROGRAM

PUEBLO OF ISLETA

WIA PROGRAM SERVICES

Registered Apprentice is now available

Registered Apprenticeship is a high flexible training model

combining on-the-job training and related classroom instruction in

which paid employees receive technical and practical training in

high-skilled occupations.

Apprentices/Employees receive:

• On-the job Training

• Related Instruction

• Mentoring

• Incremental Wage Increases

The WIA Program is partnering with businesses in the Albuquerque

Area to provide the Registered Apprentice Program to Native Americans. Individuals can work and attend classes to learn a new skill

or advance in their present career field. The Registered Apprentice

Program is offered to adults 18 and over.

For more information, please contact Mary Abeita at the WIA Program, 766-6652 or stop by the WIA Office (next to HR) in the Tribal

Administration Bldg.

Are you ready for a new look for theNew Year?

Ask for Cindy ( Jaramillo ) at:

D’s Salon, 3671 Hwy 47, Peralta

Men’s & Women’s Haircuts & Styles, Hair Coloring,

Highlights / Lowlights, Manicures / Pedicures

Call me at 869-3163 to schedule an

appointment Monday-Saturday

Receive a complimentary gift with a scheduled appointment

Page 4

Isleta Pueblo News

February 2008

Tribal Council Report ( January - April 2007 )

The 12 member Tribal Council began

established meeting dates for Tuesday

and Thursday of each week. However,

as time went on we realized that the

workload to conduct Tribal business

was overwhelming and the need to

meet more frequently was evident. The

Council also meets twice a month on

Casino and Housing matters.

As you are aware, the Tribal Council

is the Legislative Body of the Pueblo

Government. The Governor and his staff

are the Executive Branch and the Tribal

Judges through the courts represent

the Judicial Branch. Each Branch is a

separate entity with distinct duties. All

three Branches must work together in

order to have the Tribal Government

operate effectively and efficiently.

The Tribal Council realized that in

order to assist in managing the pueblo

government, it needed to establish and

appoint committees and boards. Thus

having community input in the decisionmaking process. The listing of the

boards and commissions along with the

membership was published earlier.

tribe had to establish an IHA. During

this period, Mutual help units were

developed in Isleta Pueblo.

Mesa del Sol

Mesa del Sol is a very large planned

community development project located

immediately north of the pueblo. For

the past ten years we have opposed

this project due to the impact on water,

traffic and lack of infrastructure;

however,we know this project will

commence forward. Being the case, our

option is to capitalize on their plans by

developing a partnership for jobs and

business opportunities. It will be at

least 20 years before the entire project

is complete and a buffer between the

project and the reservation have been

established.

4.

On November 5, 1996, the

Isleta Tribal Council, by Resolution

No. 96-093, passed Ordinance No.

96-001, and further established the

Isleta Tribal Council as the Board

of Commissioners (“Board”) to

operate as the managing body of

IPHA. The Ordinance also allowed

for the appointment of a five-member

Board.

Event Center

An Event Center has been proposed

by a development firm to be located

adjacent to the Casino to host various

events such as professional arena

football, basketball, rodeos, concerts,

etc; and other stores and restaurants.

The Governor's office and Council are

still in the process of acquiring all the

necessary data to determine the feasibility

of such a project. The developer is

proposing to build the facility at no cost

to the pueblo and to assume the entire

financial risk. No action has been taken

as of this date.

Comanche Ranch

The pueblo purchased the 110,000 acre

Comanche Ranch in 1997 and continues

to manage the operation as a working

cattle ranch with approximately 2000

head of cattle. Mr. Martin Abeita was

recently hired as the Manager.

Cattle Permits on Pueblo Range

Lands

On March 13, 2007, 146 permits on

29 pastures were approved for a 5

year term. These permits represent

1,854 head of cattle. The Range Patrol

Department monitors and provides

enforcement services on range lands.

Housing

The following is a history of the Isleta

Pueblo Housing Authority (IPHA)

authored by Denise Chee, Esq., Counsel

for IPHA.

1. From 1966 to 1996, the Pueblo of

Isleta, along with other Pueblos, was

a member of the All Indian Pueblos

Housing Authority (“AIPHA”).

AIPHA was established as an Indian

Housing Authority (“IHA”) to allow

its member Pueblos to receive U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban

Development (“HUD”) funding

under the U.S. Housing Act of 1937.

To receive funding under this Act, a

2. On October 26, 1996 the U.S.

Housing Act of 1937 was replaced

by the Native American Housing

Assistance and Self-Determination

Act of 1996 (“NAHASDA”). Under

this Act, tribes could receive funding

directly rather than through an

IHA. The Act also allowed a tribe

to establish a Tribally Designated

Housing Entity (“TDHE”) to receive

the funding. Alternatively, a tribe

could decide to continue receiving

funds through an IHA. Funds received

under NAHASDA are referred

to as Indian Housing Block Grant

(“IHBG”) funds.

3. After passage of NAHASDA. all

the Pueblos that were a member of

AIPHA, including Isleta, withdrew

from AIPHA and created their own

TDHEs or housing departments. As a

result, AIPHA was dissolved.

5. On June 23, 1998, the Isleta Tribal

Council, by Resolution No. 98-027,

amended the IPHA Ordinance to

clarify IPHA’s powers and authorities

and to establish a five-member Board

of Commissioners to manage the

IPHA operations. On that same

date, the Isleta Tribal Council, by

Resolution No. 98-028, designated

IPHA as its TDHE to receive and

administer IHBG funds on behalf of

the Pueblo.

6. On July 13, 1998, the Isleta Tribal

Council, by Resolution No. 98-30,

appointed a five-member Board to

manage IPHA. Two of the Board

members were members of the Tribal

Council.

7. On August 11, 1998, By Board

Resolution No. 98-01, the IPHA

Board adopted the IPHA bylaws.

8. On October 13, 1998, the Isleta

Tribal Council, by Resolution No.

98-54, transferred all housing related

funding contracts, including Bureau of

Indian Affairs Housing Improvement

Project (“HIP”) and Indian Housing

Service (“HIS”) contracts, and

authorized IPHA to apply for and

administer said funds.

9. On September 30, 1999, the Isleta

Tribal Council, by Resolution No.

99-82, approved the dissolution of the

IPHA and directed IPHA to initiate

dissolution proceedings. This action

was taken to resolve conflicts with

the tribal administration which treated

IPHA like a tribal program which

resulted in IPHA not being able to

receive any of the benefits from its

status as a legal entity. Examples

of IPHA being treated like a tribal

program were the tribal administration

insisting on signing IPHA contracts

and checks and giving directives

inconsistent with IPHA’s Indian

Housing Plan. Sometimes during this

time, the Tribal Council also removed

the Board of Commissioners.

10. On October 14, 2000, the Isleta

Tribal Council, by Resolution No.

00-118, rescinded Resolution No.

99-82, and directed IPHA to coordinate

the transfer of IPHA’s financial

activities from the Pueblo of Isleta’s

Treasurer’s Office to IPHA. This action

was taken as a result of a determination

by IPHA’s auditor that IPHA activities

would be more efficiently performed

by an entity separate from the tribal

government.

11.

Current state- From IPHA’s

inception in 1996 to 2003, the Tribal

Council has deliberated between

dissolving the IPHA and making it

a tribal program and leaving it as a

separate entity. Within the last three

and a half years, IPHA has addressed

a number of issues that has improved

its effectiveness- it has adopted

policies for all its operations, closed

grants, addressed HUD management

review findings and reports directly to

the Board. IPHA remains a separate

legal entity with its own federal tax

identification number and a set of laws

(the “Ordinance”) which sets forth its

powers, authorities and limitations, and

governs its activities. IPHA operates

under the direction of the Tribal Council

and coordinates its activities with the

Governor’s Office. The twelve member

Tribal Council has been serving as the

Board of Commissioners of the IPHA

since 2000.

IPHA

Housing

Activities

and

Programs

IPHA’s primary purpose is to provide

housing and housing services primarily

to low-income Isleta families. IPHA

receives funding from both HUD

and the Pueblo of Isleta (“POI”).

IPHA’s primary activities consist of

constructing, rehabilitating, repairing

and managing housing units pursuant to

established policies. IPHA performs the

majority of its financial activities. Its

check disbursement is performed by the

Pueblo of Isleta Treasurer’s Office.

The IPHA is required to perform the

following activities each fiscal year:

A.Prepare the Indian Housing Plan

(IHP)- due to HUD July 1 of each

year.

B.Prepare annual performance report

due to HUD sixty (60) days after

year end.

C.Prepare HUD quarterly reports.

D.In coordination with the

Governor’s Office, prepare the

HIP funding application.

E.In coordination with the

Governor’s Office, prepare IHS

funding applications.

F. Perform an annual audit, and

respond to audit findings.

Summary of Projects

Completed in 2007

Prepared by Edward P. Torres,

Housing Director

The following number of projects that

the Isleta Pueblo Housing Authority

accomplished in 2007.

1. Twenty-seven (27) roofing

projects, which were done by roofing

contractors.

2. Ten (10) home remodels that

included handicap bathrooms.

3. Twenty-one (21) projects that

needed handicap ramps, handicap

rails or grab-bars.

4. Fourteen (14) home renovations.

5. Three (3) new home construction

projects.

Two (2) of the new homes were

HUD funded projects. USDA Rural

Development Grant funded two (2)

home remodel projects. The other

projects were Pueblo of Isleta funds.

The Isleta Pueblo Housing Authority

is currently working on two (2) home,

renovations and four (4) new homes,

all to be HUD funded. There are also

approved plans for nine (9) more home

re-models and nine (9) more new homes,

all to be funded by HUD for 2008.

Isleta Pueblo Housing Authority is

currently in the process of developing

a mobile home park for transitional

use. Pueblo of Isleta was awarded

twelve (12) brand new mobile homes

by FEMA. These homes will be placed

on this park. Also, IPHA is purchasing

seven (7) mobile homes. Three (3) will

be purchased with Pueblo of Isleta funds

and four (4) with HUD funds. These

homes will be issued through Tribal

Council approved families.

Education

An education Board has been established

and members are as follows: Terry

Lente, Charlene Lucero, Rodney Jones,

and Terri Wilson. During this writing

the Director position is vacant.

The Department of Education (DOE) has

the primary responsibility of providing

educational services for all tribal

members from birth to adulthood. The

DOE has several educational service

programs available to community

members: Higher Education, Johnson

O’Malley, Adult Education, Continuing

Education, Parent Pride, Head Start,

Child Care, and Tiwa Language.

The main goals of the DOE are:

• Developing and implementing a

comprehensive five year education

plan based on the needs of the

community.

• Developing and implementing

Memorandum of Agreements (MOA)

with local public school districts and

community agencies to ensure Isleta

students’ needs are addressed in a

cooperative and supportive manner.

• Developing and implementing

MOAs with higher educational

institutions to assist Isleta students

with tuition and

partnership with Isleta Higher

Education Department.

• Developing and implementing

MOA with the New Mexico Public

Education Department for the

certification

process for community members

to obtain a Native American

Language and Culture K-12 teacher

certification

• Reviewing department policies

(higher education), federal guidelines

and contract requirements for

educational

services.

• Identifying resources (grant and

proposal writing) to enhance the

education department and educational

services for all tribal members.

• Monitoring the Challenge 20/20

Program ( a computer based credit

recovery program for high school

students) in cooperation with Los

Lunas High School

• Providing professional

development for education

department staff, parents and

students (Example: students and

parents will be attending the National

Indian Education Association

Conference October 23-29, 2007)

• Monitoring a proposal for the

planning, designing and construction

of a new educational complex:

o Construction of a new library

o Construction of offices and

classrooms

o Construction of a computer lab

February 2008

• Developing Tiwa language

curricula materials, providing

training for Tiwa Language

teachers, long range Tiwa language

revitalization plan and revising

tribal policies on Tiwa language

usage and instruction.

• Developing a database

management system within the

education department for program

planning, reporting and delivery of

service.

• Collaborating with other

educational institutions (tribal

educational departments, state

education agencies, public

school districts, Bureau of Indian

Education schools and higher

education) to ensure equitable and

quality educational services are

afforded to Isleta students.

Conservation Department

The Tribal Council convened a

task group to review and provide

recommendations on enhancing the

farming operations. With the assistance

of Mr. Mike Jiron, manager the review

team, found that many improvements

were needed to bring farming

equipment to standard. Additional

day laborers were also required. New

marketing methods were recommended

for sale of products. Other services

for farmers are also recommended to

assist in developing additional farm

land production.

St Augustine Church Restoration

This project was initiated by Mr.

Allen Cherino, Gene Jojola, and

Father Hilaire on a volunteer basis.

However, as the project progressed it

became apparent that the project was

overwhelming. The Tribal Council and

Governor’s office were approached to

consider taking over the project and

was approved. The lead person to

undertake their task will be Lt. Frank

Lujan. The approximate cost of the

project will be 3 million which will

consist of a new CCD Building. The

pueblo is advertising for a full time

project manager.

Future Projects

Other issues and projects the Tribal

Council dealt with were pending

and future projects. Many of these

initiatives have been discussed by

previous administrations and some are

future plans. Many of these projects

are contingent on the availability of

funding. Many are also subsidized by

Federal and state grants, however the

majority of the funding will have to be

provided by the Pueblo. The Planning

Department directed by Simon Shima

has provided a listing of projects

which are under consideration by the

Governor’s office and Tribal Council

but are not definite. The cost associated

with the projects are projections and not

actual. These projects will also have to

be prioritized. Some of the cost will

be borne by the Mismanagement funds

the Pueblo received from the Federal

Government.

Village proper sewer lines

$3,700,00.00

Village proper lagoon transfer

$750,000.00

Connect east & west side sewer lines

$300,000.00

Housing development infrastructure

$2,500,000.00

Village community center

$3,000,000.00

Education Complex

$3,750,000.00

Chical Sewer Infrastructure

$2,000,000.00

Isleta Pueblo News

Ranchitos Sewer Infrastructure

$2,000,000.00

Waste Water Treatment Plant

Ranchitos

$6,500,000.00

314 TR 82 Sewer Loop

$4,500,000.00

Long term Care Facility

$1,832,000.00

Health Center Expansion

$2,000,000.00

Judicial Complex

$8,354,669.00

Administration Building

$9,079,440.00

Elderly Handicap ramps

$10,000.00

American Legion Post 209/

Community Building

$2,000,000.00

Replace Ambulances

$100,000.00

Pickle Heights Rec Restoration

$750,000.00

Visitor Center @ RR Station

$1,250,000.00

Relocate Westside Casino to

South end of Reservation on 1-25

Feasibility study underway

A plan is being developed by the

Natural Resource Committee to

identify the projects related to Forest

lands, agricultural, infrastructure, and

land improvements which will be paid

for from funding received from the

Federal Government under the Land

Claim Restoration Act.

The next report will be for the months of

June through September.

Page 5

ISLETA

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Principal's Message

Greetings everyone! Our second nine

week period ended on January 7th. Our

students continue to learn and grow

every day.

The Isleta Elementary School works with

various programs to provide additional

activities for our students throughout

the year. On behalf of the students and

staff, we would like to thank them for

their efforts, The Pueblo of Isleta Project

Venture program provides experiential

activities that build trust, promote selfesteem, and team building activities.

The Isleta Diabetes Department

provides diabetes and health awareness.

Stephanie Schaffer, Health Educator

from the Pueblo of Isleta Health Clinic,

provides information for various health

topics to our classrooms. We appreciate

the work that you do for our students.

Our basketball program is in full swing

with the Isleta Recreation Center I

would like to thank Carl Anderson,

Bernie Jojola. and Blaine Sanchez for

volunteering to coach our basketball

teams. Please come out and support our

students at the games!

The Pueblo of Isleta Truancy

program continues to work with our

administration to monitor student

attendance. We all must work together

to get our students to school everyday,

on-time, and prepared to learn. From

January 7 through January 28th our

attendance is as follows:

246

31

Total Absences

students were absent with

excused medical statements

5

students were checked out and

returned back to school

39

students were checked out

early

3

students absent due to

religious reasons

16

students checked out because

they were sick or had excused

medical appointments

1

students was tardy with an

excused medical statement

217

students tardy

3

students were tardy and

checked out early on the same

day

As you can see, we have an excessive

amount of tardies and absences.

When students are late, they miss

morning announcements and disrupt

the classroom. It is very important that

your child is on-time, prepared, and

stays in school all day to maximize their

learning time.

Our third through sixth grade students

are preparing for the annual Criterion

Reference Tests (CRT) March 10-14th.

It is very important that students get

plenty of rest, eat breakfast and come

to school on-time. Students who are

late during testing days must makeup the tests at a later time. Snacks are

provided on testing days.Thank you,

parents, for your continued support and

cooperation! Please come by and visit.

Title VII Indian Education

Los Lunas High School / Valencia High School

THANK YOU parents / students, that attended our college

career day on January 26. We had about 30 colleges

and several businesses taking job resumes for student

employment. After-school tutoring is still offered at the

Isleta Higher Education, Mondays through Thursdays,

from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Please encourage your child

to take advantage of any educational assistance that is

needed.

Important Dates

Jan.31st Meeting with Governor Benavides/parents/

staff... Isleta students 20 /20 Challenge

Program. 6:00 pm

Feb.5th Parent/Senior meeting, FAFSA (The FAFSA

is the application form required by most

colleges for financial aid)

Feb.8th French class Dinner Fundraiser @ 6:00 p.m.

(cafeteria)

Feb.9th LL Title VII / Isleta JOM parent/student

meeting 9:00 am Isleta High Education

Feb.11th LLHS open house, parents will visit their

student’s classrooms/teachers and

receive a class syllabus for Semester II, 2008.

Feb.11th NM State on campus to visit students

A/B lunches.

Feb.12th VHS Parent Meeting, 5:30-6;30pm (School

Library) Suicide Prevention

Feb.13th Early release day (Staff Development Day)

Feb.14th LLHS Band Concert 7:00 pm auditorium

Feb.15th Report cards issued to parents/students

Feb.18th No School, Presidents Day

Parents / Seniors

If you were unable to attend the Parent/Senior meetings

held on January 26th (Isleta College/Career), or January

28 (LLHS auditorium) you need to call Ms. Pam Davis

@ 865-4646 ext.252. E-mail pd078@llschools.org. The

2008 graduation information is posted to help you plan

accordingly.

LLHS Senior/parent/grandparent/Staff POW-WOW has

been scheduled for April 12, 2008 at Isleta Recreation

Center. Three pre-planning parent meetings for the Powwow will be scheduled. ( Dates TBA.)

May 11, 2008 Mass for LLHS Parents / Grandparents

will be celebrated 10:00 am, Graduates are expected to

wear full graduation attire for the Mass.

LLHS REPORT CARDS DATES, 2008

Jan. 11th

April 29th

Feb.15

May 30th -this report card will be mailed

March 18th

Home work...do you want to know the assignments that

are required by your teachers? Go to www.schoolnotes.

com to get homework and make-up assignments. Just

enter LLHS’s zip code (87031). Teachers can also receive

emails from the site.

As always, we continue to invite parents to be involved

as much as possible in your child’s education. Together

we can make a difference. If you have any questions

or concerns, feel free to call Mr. Analla, LLHS Indian

Education Title VII Office @ 865-4646 ext 272. e-mail

b.analla@llschools.net

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 6

February 2008

Isleta Pueblo Public Library

The Library has restarted the Every Child Ready to Read outreach program with the

Isleta Head Start & Child Care Center. The Every Child Ready to Read program is

a time when the children come to the Library for story time. It is also a time for the

children to interact with a variety of books of all shapes, sizes, textures, and reading

levels. This generates an appreciation of books by the children and the yearning to learn

how to read. However, story time does not only have to be when the children come to

the Library. Parents and Head Start children are encouraged to visit the Library on a

daily, weekly, or monthly basis to check out books. As of this moment, the Child Care

classes have decided to attend the Library for Story Time on a weekly basis. As for the

Head Start classes, some have decided to attend the Library on a weekly basis and others

are attending every other week. Parents and Guardians of children that are not in Head

Start are also welcome to attend the Library and to get a Library Card. We have every

type of book from picture books, to pre readers, to cardboard books for those children

who play rough, and even audio books for children. If you should have any questions

about what type of book to recommend for your child, then come on in and visit with a

Library Staff member.

Jennifer Zuni, the tutor of the After School Homework Program has created an incentive

program for all students and children who would like to see the upcoming Dr. Seuss

movie, Horton Hears A Who. Students and children that decide to participate in the

program will have to earn 30 points by March 13, 2008 beginning January 22, 2008.

There are two ways to earn points; complete assigned homework or read for 15 minutes

at the Library. Homework must be done first. Admission to movie will be paid by

Library. Transportation to and from the movie in Los Lunas will be provided, as well

as dinner at Dion’s prior to seeing the movie. Children who are unable to read and need

assistance can have an adult or an older child read to them for 15 minutes at the Library

for points, but the Library Staff must be notified. Parents, if you have any questions

please call the Library at (505) 869 - 8119 or stop by and ask a staff member.

Every Child Ready to Read Outreach Program

One of the Head Start Classes during Story Time

at the Isleta Pueblo Public Library!

The Teen Library Board has been established and the members are as follows, Kyle

Lujan, Tasha Lujan, and Jeremy Francis. Their first meeting has been set for February

6, 2008. They will represent the teen community to the Library and the Library to the

teen community. So, to any young adults out there, if there is a book, cd, movie, a

certain magazine you would like the library to carry or if there is a program that you

think that would be fun and beneficial to the teen community then, they are the ones to

inform. The Library is always open to suggestions from the community.

The Isleta Pueblo Public Library is one of many Libraries to participate in the None

for the Road: DWI Awareness Program, for first time New Mexico License goers.

The UNM Continuing Education and New Mexico Department of Transportation have

provided the Library with three DVDs (2 English & 1 Spanish) for all first time licensees

to view and complete a test afterwards. After completion of the test a Librarian will

provide the needed signature on the test. DVDs will not be available for check out

because the last two DVDs were NEVER RETURNED. However, the Library has

DVD players installed on the computers provided to the community in the Computer

Lab. Headphones are available to the community as in-house only.

Both New Mexico State & Federal (IRS) Income Tax forms are available at the Library.

However, some instruction manuals are for in-house use only for the simple fact that

there are too many pages to print.

Library Aide, Ashley Aragon (Youth Development Corporation) interacting

with the Head Start Students after Story Time!

The Video Game Day on January 3, 2008 was a blast and went smoothly. So, I

(Nathaniel Lujan) would like to Thank the Library Staff and the Children who attend the

Program for helping and cooperating in making it a Fun and Joyful Event. For more

Video Game Days at the Library, please check the Event Calendar on the Library’s

MySpace Page at www.myspace.com/isleta_pueblo_library.

Mary Jane Edaakie

(Librarian Aide), reading

another book to the Head

Start Children after Story

Time!

The Library will be CLOSED on Monday, February 18, 2008 for President’s Day. So

from the Staff at Isleta Pueblo Public Library, have a fun and safe three-day weekend.

As some of you might know, the Isleta Pueblo Newsletter is now available in PDF

format. All you need is a valid e-mail address and Adobe Reader, which you can

download for free at www.adobe.com. Just send us a message (through myspace.com)

or an email, letting us know that you would like the monthly newsletter e-mailed to you.

E-mail requests should be sent to poi_library@hotmail.com. Please include your first

and last name and the e-mail address you would like the newsletter sent to. We will

add you to our distribution list and send out the newsletter as soon as it’s available to

us. Please remember that the distribution address will be different from the library’s

primary e-mail ~ so any comments, request, messages, etc, received in that inbox will

be deleted immediately. Should you need to contact any of the staff at the library, feel

free to reach us at poi_library@hotmail.com or at the library telephone number.

The latest news concerning the Library, the Library’s Policies, the Library’s hours of

operation, and the Library’s contact information can be found on the Library’s MySpace

page at www.myspace.com/isleta_pueblo_library.

Isleta Pueblo Public Library

Contact Information:

Phone Number: (505) 869 - 8119 Fax Number: (505) 869 - 7690

E-mail Address: poi_library@hotmail.com

Web Address: www.myspace.com/isleta_pueblo_library

Operation Hours:

Monday-Thursday: 8am – 8pm

Friday: 8am – 4:30pm

Saturday & Sunday: Closed

A Head Start Child Lost

in the Book!

February 2008

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 7

Video Game Day at the Isleta Pueblo Public Library

(January 3, 2008)

Step Aside Ramblers; we’re taking over this Reservation!!!

(Matthew Jojola on Drums, Wayne Abeita on Vocals, Jeremy Francis on Guitar, &

Eugene Abeita on Bass; on the Video Game ROCK BAND)

HEALTH BEAT

Heart and Circulation

By:Stephanie Schaefer, Health Educator

February is American Heart Month. We all need to be aware of our heart

and how to keep it healthy. One important way to keep your heart healthy

is to be aware of your blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of blood

pushing against the artery walls. Your blood pressure will increase when

you are in a hurry or angry and it will go down when you are relaxed.

There are other reasons why your blood pressure might rise and some of

these reasons can be deadly, including a blocked artery or kidney disease.

If your blood pressure stays high, it can cause serious health problems.

Because of this, it is important to be aware of your blood pressure rates.

Oh, Hello Ladies! I’m Timothy

and Yeah, I play the Guitar!

(Timothy on Guitar Hero III)

Just stand on the side, BOYS!!!

I’ll show you how to play the

Guitar!

(Bernadette Correa, shredding on

Guitar Hero III)

You can read your blood pressure by looking at 2 numbers, one above the

other i.e. 110/70. The first number is the number where your pressure

peaks with a beat and the second number for the pressure when your heart

relaxes between beats. The blood pressure numbers that you want are

110/70. The blood pressure numbers that should cause you to be concerned

is 140/90. The technical term for high blood pressure is hypertension. This

is the leading cause of a stroke, as well as a cause for a heart attack and

heart disease. High blood pressure also damages the eyes, kidneys and

brain.

Heart attacks indicate that there is a serious problem with your heart.

Symptoms include crushing or squeezing chest pains or tightness that lasts

10 minutes or more. It often starts in the center of the chest, then spreads to

the jaw, neck, back or arms. Cholesterol is another thing to be fearful of.

High levels of cholesterol may also put you at risk for a heart attack. There

are two different kinds of cholesterol. One is good cholesterol, high-density

lipoproteins-HDL, which actually helps move along the bad cholesterol.

While the other cholesterol is bad, called the low-density lipoprotein, and

this clogs arteries.

Heart & Circulation, SavonHealth.com

WOMAN'S - LADIES

SELF DEFENSE CLASS

Date: Sunday, February 10th , 2008

Time: 12:00 pm-2:00pm

Tuning Up to Play the St. Augustine Feast in the Village!!!

(Eugene Abeita on Drums, Keenon Gurule on Vocals, Dyllian Powell on Guitar,

Timmy Yazzie on Bass on the Video game ROCK BAND)

Who: Woman from 16 to 60+ years of age

Where: Isleta Recreation Center - Gym.

Please: no men

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 8

February 2008

March 2008

Sunday

National Brain

Injury Awareness

Month

2

Monday

Tueday

Wednesday

National

Endometriosis

Awareness

Month

National

Nutrition

Month

Save your

Vision Month

3

4

5

Thursday

Friday

National

Colorectal

Cancer Awareness

Month

National

Multiple

Sclerosis

Awareness

Month

6

Saturday

1

7

8

14

15

21

22

28

29

National Patient Safety Awareness Week

9

10

11

12

13

National Problem Gambling Awareness Week

16

17

18

19

20

National Inhalants and Poison Awareness Week

23

24

30

ISLETA PUEBLO NEWSLETTER

P.O. Box 1270

Isleta, New Mexico 87022

25

31

American

Diabetes

Alert Day

26

27

PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

ISLETA, NM 87022

PERMIT NO. 2