# Report from Governor Frank Lujan

> Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more.

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Apueblo_isleta%3A595082567a8e8bae

## Record

- **Collection:** Tribal code
- **Document type:** Tribal code

## Text

Isleta Pueblo News

Volume 7 Issue 3
Report from Governor Frank Lujan
This year, 2012, February has 29 days. And
as most of you know, this is called "leap
year". This event happens every four years.
As I was driving to the office, I wondered if
there are any birthdates on this day here
at the Pueblo. I looked into this possibility
and sure enough we have one. This young
lady will have a birthday every four years.
Her name is Destiny Lucero. She is the
daughter of Wayne Lucero and Jennifer
Vallejos. Grandparents are Norbert Lucero
and Jacqueline Jiron- Benavides. She was
born February 29, 2008.
According to Wikipedia, a person born on
this date may be called a "leapling" or a
"leaper". In common years they usually
celebrate their birthdays on February 28
or March 1. In some situations March 1
is used as the birthday on a non-leap year
since it is the day following February 28.
Technically, a leapling will have fewer
birthday anniversaries than their age in
years. This phenomenon is exploited when
a person claims to be only a quarter of
their actual age by counting their leap-year
birthday anniversaries only. So, having
researched a little about leap year, Destiny
will stay young for a long time. Destiny,
Happy Birthday, your first in four years.
Getting more serious, last month's article
I wrote stirred some controversy. I made a
serious error in reporting Councilman Mark
Dixon was suspended for dereliction of
duties for not providing minutes from 2010.
Councilman Dixon was in fact suspended for
ninety (90) days not for dereliction of duties,
but for violating Tribal Council Resolution
No 02-198 by representing an individual as
spokesperson in a court case while serving
as an elected official contrary to conflict of
interest principles. I am publicly apologizing
to you, Councilman Dixon, for my error
and for any embarrassment this may have
caused. I certainly hope we can put this
behind us and move forward to working for
a productive year.
More importantly, on 2/2/12, 1st Lt.
Governor Torres was found guilty of DWI.
Many of you may have read this in the
Valencia County News and other news
media. Lt. Gov. Torres was not on duty
and was not using tribal vehicle when this
incident occurred. I consider this a private
matter involving Lt. Governor Torres. I do
not believe that his conduct rises to the
level of misdemeanor involving misconduct
reflecting the integrity and dignity of
the tribal government. He is being held
accountable for his actions. He is required
to pay fines, attend DWI classes, and have
an interlock ignition device. He has turned
in the keys to his tribal vehicle since the
incident, and will not be allowed to drive a
POI vehicle for five years pursuant to POI
policy.

It is important to note that since this
incident occurred, Lt. Gov. Torres has
all along agreed to resign from his office.
He made this clear when he and I first
discussed the charges against him. I have
made a decision and I do not want him to
resign. I need him to assist me in my duties
as Governor. He has proven to be a valuable
Lt. and I appreciate his contributions to the
Pueblo and all the assistance he has given
to the Office of Governor. We all make
mistakes, we pay for our mistakes, and we
pray to our Creator and ask for forgiveness.
I ask you for your forgiveness as well.
Let's all re-focus to the needs of our
community. Let's all commit to our Pueblo,
our peoples, our priorities, and be the proud
people that we are. Most of you probably by
now have read the news article published
in the Valencia County News about our
Residence Ordinance. I submitted written
comments hoping to assure accurate
reporting. I was a little disappointed the
article did not state this ordinance has
been in the books a long time, perhaps more
than 50 years ago. I can understand the
frustration some people feel, especially our
elders who have been married and living
here for a long long time. Nevertheless,
we are proceeding forward and expect to
review many more applications. Today,
Monday, February 27, 2012, is the deadline
for applying. However, some have requested
additional time because of circumstances
within their household, they cannot meet
the deadline. My Lieutenants and I have
decided to handle these requests on an
individual basis because of differing causes,
situations, and understanding their issues.
But for those that are simply ignoring the
requirement, be advised that penalties may
be imposed if you fail to get permission
or consent to reside. So please, get your
applications in.
This week, Feb. 27th thru 30th, Lt.
Chewiwi and I are attending the REZ
2012, The National Center for American
Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED)
conference in Las Vegas, as are members
of the Tribal Council and the Isleta
Business Corp. (IBC). Lt. Chewiwi, Mr.
Marvis Aragon, and I will be meeting
with individuals and companies that may
have an interest in creating partnerships
or consider investing in projects that we
have ongoing or creating new projects.
The Pueblo has for a number of years been
presented with various types of business
opportunities which we seriously need to
consider. For example, expanding our Lava
Block project and become a commercial
home builder, develop a utility authority,
a company to provide high speed internet
to the community, telecommunications,
natural gas, etc. utilizing infrastructure

March 2012

that already exists in the Pueblo proper,
and other projects that are being studied
by the IBC. There are over 480 Tribes and
Alaskan Native Corporations in attendance.
This year's theme is Indigenous Economic
Globalization Now — Empower. Create.
Innovate. In accordance with the NCAIED,
last year created an estimated $657 million
in contracts and created 6,700 jobs. I am
very optimistic the Pueblo of Isleta is on the
verge of being a major player in the world
of economic development. We have started
and we will continue to focus on creating
native entrepreneurs and tribal enterprises
to help supplement our gaming activities in
generating revenue. This is why I encourage
all our students to continue on with their
education, because the Pueblo needs you
now and in the future. In closing, let's all
re-focus our energy on our future.
You've probably read and heard of the
social media like face book, twitter, blogs
and perhaps other media where people are
talking about tribal politics and taking aim
at individuals. Apparently people like using
these air waves to release their frustration
or anger.
We should re-focus all our energy for the
good of the Pueblo, for the future of the
Pueblo. Let us release the negativity, and
instead, release the good in each of us
caring for one another, respecting ourselves,
our traditions and culture. We have our
annual evergreen dances on going and how
beautiful they are. We are so blessed we
still have these ceremonies much like they
were years ago. People come together at
the plaza, to watch the dances and sing the
songs as the day goes by. These ceremonies
are very powerful and meaningful and this
is how we pray to our Creator. This is how
we promote spiritual harmony, re-energize
ourselves and our community.
I will do my very best to keep a positive
attitude and continue to work hard. We
have a lot to accomplish and working
together every day, with our council, with
you, we can and we will become prosperous
and strengthen our sovereignty for future
generations to come. Thank you for your
encouragement and your words of wisdom.
Ha-Woo.

SAVE THE DATE

Isleta Health Center
and Head Start's
Annual Community Health Fair
July 14, 2012
at the Isleta Rec Center
9am-Noon
Contact Stephanie Barela,
869-4479, with any questions.

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Isleta Pueblo News

March 2012

PUEBLO OF ISLETA PHONE DIRECTORY

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Animal Control Program

Isleta Pueblo News

We hope everyone in our community is doing well and is in good
health. We just want to remind our community on a few things.
Our phone number has changed. We had phone issues and were
not getting messages and we do apologize for that. Our new
phone number is 869-7564, and please leave us a message. Our
cell phone numbers are also on the voicemail.
Just a quick history about the Animal Control Program here
on the Pueblo. It has been in place since 2008. The Animal
Ordinance that we enforce has also been in place since 2008.
This current Animal Ordinance supersedes Section 1-1-46,
Cruelty to Animals, of the Pueblo's Legal Code. Our duty is to
enforce this Ordinance to ensure the safety of our community as
well as the safety and well-being of the animals that reside on
our Pueblo. If you would like a copy of our Animal Ordinance,
please contact us and we will be more than happy to provide
you with a copy.
We have had a few people inquire about rabies vaccinations.
We will be doing another shot clinic in the near future. Once
we know when, we will put out notice. Also, we will not be
doing house calls anymore, so please try and make the rabies
clinic. Also, please limit the number of animals you bring to
the rabies clinic to two (2) per household. As per our Animal
Ordinance, the number of animals allowed per household is
two. We need to make sure everyone has a chance to get their
animals vaccinated.
We are trying to get the stray (feral) cat problem down in the
village. We have noticed there are a lot of cats that are making
homes in the old abandoned structures in the village. PLEASE
DO NOT feed these cats. Cats can and will multiply quickly
which will lead to colonies, which we have seen. Stray cats often
carry diseases including rabies. Some can be transferable to
humans. Some of these diseases that can be transferred from cat
to humans are salmonellosis, bartonellosis, cryptosporidiosis,
toxoplasmosis, campylobacterosis. If you notice a cat problem
around your area, please let us know.
Also, please try and tag your animals. The tag should include the
animal’s name, the owner’s name, phone number and address.
We would like to try and cut down the number of animals we
take to the shelter. Unfortunately, if we don't know where the
animal(s) came from, we have no other option but to take it to
the shelter and hope the owner calls to reclaim their animal(s).
Please call as soon as possible if your animal goes missing. The
shelter will only hold the animal for 72 hours before it becomes
their property. The shelter also has its own rules and fees for
owners that want to reclaim their animal(s).
We have seen fewer animals running loose in the streets. We
thank everyone that is trying to cooperate with this. Just a
reminder, the first offense is a $25 fine per animal, the second
offense is a $50 fine per animal and the third offense will result
in forfeiture of the animal(s).
Also, if you have been issued a citation anytime within the past
few months and have not paid the fine, they are now filed in
Tribal Court. Anyone who fails to pay within the allotted time,
we will file your citation in Tribal Court.

Nothing But Bling
Fashion Jewelry/Purses
REALLY LOW PRICES
OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY

Fry Bread Stand
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Both shops at the Y Across
the street from Palace West
505-869-9417

March 2012

Important Information for
Acequia Madre Members
In preparation for the upcoming 2012 irrigation season both Edwin
Wilson (assistant Mayordomo) and I, Joe Padilla (head Mayordomo),
would like to introduce ourselves and inform the Acequia Madre
members who to contact for any issues or concerns regarding irrigation.
In summary, the work orders submitted for the 2011 farming season
are currently being addressed and most will be completed prior to the
start of this year's irrigation date.
We are generating a list of new work orders for any repairs or general
maintenance (i.e. new turnouts, check gates, etc.). Please contact me,
Joe Padilla at (505) 264-1277 or Edwin Wilson at (505) 604-3675 to
inform us of any repair or maintenance AND to schedule an on-sight
meeting of the area needing attention.
All new work orders are submitted as a group to the Natural
Resources Department for consideration. If this list is accepted by
the department then construction will be implemented at the END of
the 2012 farming season.
Ditch Work will be held on March 17, 2012 at 8:00am -please meet by
the "old" Tribal Administration Building in the village.
Respectfully,
Joe Padilla, Head Mayordomo
(505) 264-1277
Edwin Wilson, Assistant Mayordomo
(505) 604-3675

Pueblo of Isleta Veterans Association
The next meeting will be on March 21, 2012 at 6:30 PM at the Veterans
Association Center (the old Headstart Bldg. in Chical) at 6:30 PM.
Any veteran with an honorable discharge may join the Association
for an Annual Fee of $25.00.
At our last meeting, Gov. Frank Lujan offered to the Association one
of the modular buildings that will be vacated by the tribal programs.
This will give us a temporary meeting center at the Richard "Dickie"
Baker property in Los Charcos. We submitted a request for capital
outlay funding from the New Mexico State Legislature in the amount
of $875,000 for construction of Veterans' Center. Because of the
economy, it's a long shot that we will receive any funds from the
state, but we are hopeful. We want to thank State Representatives
Alonzo Baldonado and David Chavez who sponsored our capital
outlay request.
Even if you do not now have intentions to join the Association, come
to the next meeting to find out what we are all about.
If you are a veteran and have questions on veterans issues, call
Theresa Zuni, NM State Veterans Officer at 841-5346 or Ulysses
Abeita at 307-1582.

Isleta Health Center

P.O. Box 580 / 1 Sagebrush St.
Isleta, NM 87022
Phone: 505-869-3200
TO: Patients of the Isleta Health Center
RE: Form and Letter Requests to Providers
In order to serve you better, the Isleta Health Center's Medical Clinic
is changing the process for completing paperwork such as PNM/Gas
Company forms, letters for housing, handicapped placard applications,
jury duty letters, and FMLA.
We request your assistance so we may understand why you need us to
complete your paperwork. When you call or bring in paperwork, we will
now ask for information regarding the reason you need the paperwork
completed. In addition, you will need to complete your section of the
paperwork in advance, such as your name, date of birth, address, and
phone number.
We will complete your paperwork within 2-3 business days after
submission. Thank you for helping us to complete your important
forms and letters. If you have questions, please feel free to call the
medical clinic.

March 2012

Isleta Pueblo News

PUEBLO OF ISLETA
ISLETA POLICE DEPARTMENT
P.O. Box 699, Isleta, NM 87022
Office: 505.869.9705

FROM THE OFFICE OF JUANA JIRON
Administrative 1 / Adjudicator
February 28, 2012
The Isleta Police Department is proud to announce and welcome to our Law
Enforcement Department Officer Devin Trujillo. Officer Trujillo graduated from
the Federal Land Management Program # Class 107 Basic Law Enforcement
training at Artesia, New Mexico on January 17, 2012.
Officer Devin Trujillo will attend DPS Certification by Waiver training to get
his state certification in August. We want Officer Trujillo to be fully aware of
the ethical responsibilities of his position and strive constantly to live up to the
highest possible standards of professional policing.
"Congratulations Officer Devin Trujillo."

PUEBLO OF ISLETA
ISLETA POLICE DEPARTMENT
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION
24-HOUR ISLETA POLICE
ANONYMOUS TIP-LINE: (505-264-7258)

COMMUNITY CRIME AWARENESS ALERT

THE ISLETA POLICE DEPARTMENT'S CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
DIVISION IS CURRENTLY INVESTIGATING A RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY
THAT OCCURRED AT A RESIDENCE OFF OF TRIBAL ROAD TEN DURING
THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 20TH-24TH, 2012. THE OFFENDER(S) FORCED
ENTRY INTO A RESIDENCE AND TOOK SEVERAL ITEMS, INCLUDING
FIREARMS.
SEVERAL SIMILARITIES RELATING TO VICTIM "PROFILING" AND
OFFENDERS WHO TARGET CERTAIN HOMES HAVE BECOME
APPARENT, AND THE ISLETA POLICE DEPARTMENT WANTS TO ALERT
THE COMMUNITY TO CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING FACTORS THAT
MAKE A HOUSE A DESIRABLE TARGET FOR BURGLARY/BREAK-IN.
• #1 TARGET PREFERENCE IS MOBILE HOMES SITUATED IN
SECLUDED OR SPARSELY POPULATED NEIGHBORHOODS
• ENTRY POINTS (DOORS/WINDOWS) ARE HIDDEN FROM PUBLIC
VIEW (FACING OPEN FIELDS OR CONCEALED BY TREES OR
SHRUBS).
• EXTERIOR DOORS ARE NOT RE-ENFORCED WITH DEADBOLTS
OR SECURITY SCREENS OR DOORS.
• IN MANY CASES, EXISTING VEHICLE ACCESS GATES ARE NOT
SECURED PROPERLY.
FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO RESIDE IN A HIGH RISK LOCATION,
THE ISLETA POLICE DEPARTMET RECOMMENDS RESIDENTS TAKE
PRECAUTIONS TO DETER CRIMINALS AND MAKE THEIR HOME LESS
"APPEALING" TO BUGLARS. THERE ARE MANY INEXPENSIVE WAYS
TO ACHIEVE THIS, LIKE:
• POSTING SIGNS WARNING OF SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS OR
ALARM SYSTEMS IN USE
• INSTALLING REAL (OR FAKE) CAMERAS
• RE-ENFORCING CONCEALED-SIDE OR VULNERABLE DOORS
AND WINDOWS AGAINST FORCED ENTRY.
• SECURING VEHICLE GATES DAILY, AND INSTALLING
ADDITIONAL WIRING OR MESH ON LIVESTOCK GATES TO PREVENT
BURGLARS FROM "CRAWLING THROUGH".
• INSTALLING HEAVY DUTY MESH SCREENING ON VULNERABLE
OR CONCEALED-SIDE WINDOWS.
• HAVE AN OLD OR BROKEN DOWN "JUNKER"? WASH IT, AIR UP
THOSE TIRES AND PARK IT AT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS NEAR THE
HOUSE.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL CRIMINAL
INVESTIGATIONS SUPERVISOR DARIN MALLON @ HIS OFFICE: (505)
869-9714 - LEAVE HIM YOUR NAME, NUMBER AND WHEN TO CALL.

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PUEBLO OF ISLETA
POLICE DEPARTMENT
REPORTING A CRIME EMERGENCY AND NON-EMERGENCY.
If you've been the victim of a crime or think you
have witnessed one, you should report it to the police
straight away. Your information could be used to
prevent other crimes and help keep other people
safe. Find out about the different ways of reporting
a crime.
EMERGENCIES - Dial 911
If you've just seen a serious crime being committed,
then you should DIAL 911 as soon as possible.
Your call should be answered within ten seconds. A
dispatcher will ask you to describe what has happened
and where you are. They may ask if you need any
other emergency services, such as an ambulance. If
the situation is an emergency, a police officer will
come to the scene to talk to you. They'll ask you to
explain what happened, and they can help you decide
what to do next.
Reporting non-emergency crimes
If you want to report a minor crime, such as a stolen
mobile phone or missing property, you should call
the Isleta police dispatcher to have an officer take
a report. By not using 911 for minor crimes, you're
making sure that people in genuine emergency
situations can reach the police quickly.
Non-emergency crimes can include:
•
vandalism
•
graffiti
•
abandoned cars
•
Unknown people in your area
Giving a statement
Whether you reported an emergency or nonemergency, you will have to give a statement to the
police. That means that you'll have to tell an officer
what happened to you or what you saw. They may ask
you questions or ask you to repeat yourself, to make
sure the statement is as accurate and as detailed as
possible.
When you've finished giving a statement, the police
will usually read it back to you to make sure that
their written account matches yours.
If you agree, you'll sign the statement and get a crime
reference number. If you want to contact the police
about the same incident in the future, you'll need to
keep that reference number in a safe place.
If you're a victim of theft, you'll need to use the
reference number when you tell your insurance
company.
How to report crime anonymously
If you want to report a crime, but do not want to be
identified to the police, call or text message to the
Isleta-Crime-Tip-Hotline at; (505) 264-7258
REMEMBER! You can call Isleta-Police-Crime-TipHotline at any time (505) 264-7258
PLEASE KEEP THESE ISLETA POLICE
DEPARTMENT
DISPATCH
TELEPHONE
NUMBERS IN A HANDY PLACE BY YOUR
TELEPHONE.
(505) 869-3030
(505) 869-3370
(505) 869-4943
You can also submit an anonymous crime-tip message
via Email at: Crimetiphotline@isletapueblo.com

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Isleta Pueblo News

March 2012

Letter to the Community Regarding the Ethics Discipline of Diane Peigler and ReGina Zuni
The
Ethics
complaints
against
Councilwomen ("Cwm.") Diane Peigler and
ReGina Zuni have stirred much discussion
and controversy in the Pueblo of Isleta. You
may have seen the many letters, posters and
Facebook blogs circulated by these women.
The Pueblo of Isleta Ethics Code requires
the Acting Chairman of this Ethics Board
to share a written summary of these cases
with the community, and we feel that it is
important for the community to see a short
account of the enactment and purpose of the
Ethics Code, before moving to the specifics
of these complaints.
The POI Code of Ethics and
Councilwoman Peigler's
challenge to it.
Tribal Council enacted the Ethics Code for
the Pueblo of Isleta on December 30, 2010.
Section 1 of the Code expresses the purpose
and intent of the Code:
A. The government of the Pueblo of Isleta is
founded upon the consent of the governed.
Therefore, the People of the Pueblo of
Isleta are entitled to have complete
confidence in the loyalty and integrity
of their government. The purpose of this
Ethic Code is to require accountability to
the People of the Pueblo of Isleta by their
elected and appointed tribal officials...in
exercising the authority vested in them as
a matter of public trust, by:
(1) establishing standards of conduct
to avoid such conflicts of interest as...
activities by Tribal Officials which
permit opportunities for private gain
or advantage to influence government
decisions;
(3) requiring Tribal Officials to abstain
from using any function of their office
or duties, in a manner which could
place, or appear to place, their personal,
economic or special interests before the
interests of the People of Isleta...
The purpose of this Code is to ensure that
elected officials always put the needs and
interests of the People of Isleta foremost in
their consideration and actions. Notably,
Cwm. Peigler moved that the Ethics Code be
enacted, and voted in favor of it. Now that
the Code is being applied to her and Cwm.
Zuni, they argue against it, saying that the
entire Code is unconstitutional under the
Pueblo of Isleta Constitution because the
Secretary of the Interior did not approve it.
The POI Constitution provides for actions
that do not require such approval, federal
law does not always require it and the
Isleta Tribal Attorney strongly believes
that Tribal Council has the authority to
enact a code to oversee its own conduct.
We agree and find it surprising that these
two Councilwomen would argue that the
Bureau of Indian Affairs should have even
more control over the affairs of the People of
Isleta than it already does. This is perhaps
an example of Tribal Officials putting their
own interests above those of the people they
have been elected to serve.

Councilwoman Peigler challenged the
constitutionality of the Ethics Code in both
Tribal Court and the Court of Appeals,
but both courts declined to hear the case
until after this Ethics Board ruled on
these complaints. The courts had ample
opportunity to rule that the Code was
unconstitutional in its entirety, but they did
not so decide. In her lawsuits, Cwm. Peigler
also argues that the Code of Ethics violates
her freedom of speech. There are sections
of the Ethics Code that limit what a tribal
official can disclose to the public about her
position and about the workings of tribal
government. This Board is aware that while
not all speech is protected, the question on
those sections of the Code is whether it is
constitutionally fair to ask Tribal Officials
to limit their speech in some circumstances.
Here, Tribal Council needs to address
unexpected negative consequences in a new
piece of legislation enacted with noble and
honorable intentions. This is for Council
to decide, and this Ethics Board did not
inflict any penalty for any action by either
Councilwoman that might possibly support
a freedom of speech issue.
The Allegations against
Councilwomen Peigler and Zuni
Pueblo members Matthew Zuni and
Kateri Jojola filed ethics complaints
against Councilwomen Diane Peigler and
ReGina Zuni for actions that arose out of
a September 2011 incident at a Subway
restaurant in Bosque Farms, where Cwm.
Peigler and Zuni were having lunch. Mr.
Zuni and Ms. Jojola allege that when they
entered the Subway as customers, Cwm.
Peigler confronted them and assaulted them
verbally and physically. Cwm. Cynthia
Jaramillo also filed a complaint against
Cwm. Peigler. Ms. Jojola and Mr. Zuni first
brought their concerns to Tribal Council,
which instructed them that the Ethics
Board was the proper forum to address
their concerns.
The complaints against both Cwm. Peigler
and Zuni included allegations of conflicts
of interest and hampering the business of
Council based on their refusal to remove
themselves from Council meetings that
addressed the incident at Subway or issues
related to the ethics complaints ultimately
filed against them. The Complaints against
Cwm. Peigler also included allegations of
failing to act in a way that reflects credit
on the POI government, using her official
title while conducting personal business,
knowingly misinforming the community
to purposely discredit and undermine an
elected official or Tribal government, and
adversely affecting the confidence of the
People in their government.
Allegation of Conflict of Interest and
Impeding Governmental Efficiency
Tribal Council found the issue of conflict of
interest to be so crucial that it is forbidden
at least twice in the Ethics Code, which
specifically forbids Tribal Council members
to deliberate or vote on any matter in

which they may have personal or financial
interests. Without question, both Cwm.
Peigler and Zuni had conflicts of interest
when Council addressed issues concerning
ethics complaints filed against them; namely
their ability to block disciplinary action
against themselves. It does not take a Code
of Ethics to define such an obvious conflict,
and it is incomprehensible that these
women, as long time government officials,
did not recognize this classic conflict; they
were required to remove themselves.
Similarly, because an efficiently functioning
government is important to the People of
Isleta, the Ethics Code prohibits impeding
and delaying Tribal business. The Code
specifically orders Tribal Council members
not to hold up Tribal business, efficiency,
or economy by refusing to follow directions
and procedures set forth by a majority of the
Tribal Council...especially when delaying
the meeting means blocking charges against
themselves.
This Board spent many hours reviewing the
minutes and recorded proceedings of several
Tribal Council meetings to determine
whether Councilwomen Peigler and Zuni
interfered with Tribal business. We found
that they did: each time Council addressed
issues related directly to the complaints
against them or to the Ethics Board panel
that would hear their cases, both women
were asked to remove themselves from the
meeting, due to conflicts of interest. Each
time, both women loudly and stubbornly
refused to leave, shouting, name-calling,
bullying and so seriously disrupting the
meetings that some had to be adjourned.
Many, many hours of meeting time was lost
due to their antics, and important business
of the Pueblo was forced to take a back seat
to their personal rampage. Rather than face
the possibility that they might be in the
wrong, these women accused the Governor,
the Tribal Attorney, the Council President
and other Council Members of being weak
and ineffective and created ill feelings and
division on the Council.
For example, at the September 29, 2011,
Council meeting, Cwm. Peigler and Zuni so
inflamed and obstructed the meeting that
President Lujan asked Sheriff Chewiwi
to escort them from the room so that the
meeting could continue. When Cwm.
Peigler and Zuni threatened to have the
Sheriff arrested for assault if he touched
them, Governor Lujan was asked to
intervene. Governor called the POI police
to keep the peace. POI Police sent female
officers for fear that Cwm. Peigler and Zuni
would charge male officers with assault.
The Councilwomen tried to intimidate the
female officers, loudly insisting the officers
were acting outside their authority and
that any attempt to remove them would be
unconstitutional and illegal. Based on the
Councilwomen’s behavior, the POI Police
Officers declined to remove them from the
meeting. This embarrassing display with
the police lasted more than an hour and
resulted in the cancellation of the meeting.

March 2012

Isleta Pueblo News

Astonishingly, Cwm. Peigler and Zuni
followed through on their threats to the
officers: they authored, signed as Council
Members, and delivered a threatening letter
to Police Chief Alvarez. In this letter, they
warned the Chief that if the department took
any action against them, or tried to remove
them from another meeting, they would
sue the department for violation of their
constitutional rights. The Councilwomen
took this action on their own initiative with
no input or approval from the POI Tribal
Council, and circulated the letter to the
Isleta Tribal Members.

and argumentative behavior, their refusal
to recognize Tribal Council directives, their
apparent belief that they have power to act
independently of the Tribal Council, their
threats to the POI Police and their habit of
circulating letters to the community that
impugn the integrity of Tribal Council,
its members and actions, the Ethics Code
and this Ethics Board, we have come to the
decision that their actions have violated the
public trust as well as the spirit of behavior
anticipated by the Ethics Code.

The
impact
these
Councilwomen’s
actions have had on the atmosphere and
productivity of Council meetings is well
described in Council President Lujan’s
statement at the October 20, 2011, Council
meeting. The President lamented the need
to constantly admonish them against verbal
attacks, unruly behavior and creating a
hostile work environment during Council
meetings, and expressed his concern that
these Councilwomen believe each council
member has individual power to act,
regardless of the wishes of the majority.
Several other Council members joined
in the discussion and expressed similar
feelings. While Cwm. Peigler and Zuni were
within their rights to make their concerns
about this Ethics process known to Council,
their angry rehashing of issues bridging
many meetings and spanning many months
was not healthy discussion, but belligerent
disruption of government business.
Allegation against Cwm. Peigler: using
official title while conducting personal
business, using public office for private
gain and purposely discrediting and
undermining the integrity of the
government or individual officials:
This Ethics Board believes that Cwm.
Peigler violated the literal terms of the
Ethics Code by using her official title and
by unnecessarily disclosing unflattering
information about Tribal Council and Cwm.
Jaramillo in a Counterclaim she filed against
Ms. Jojola and Mr. Zuni in Valencia County
Magistrate Court. As stated, Cwm. Peigler
is arguing in Tribal Court and the Court of
Appeals that these provisions of the Code
violate her POI Constitutional right to free
speech. Because of the possibility that the
above-discussed sections of the Code might
be found to be unconstitutional, this Board
did not impose any punishment for such
violations.
Allegation of failing to reflect credit
upon the Pueblo of Isleta government
and adversely affecting the confidence
of the People in the integrity of their
government.
Complainants allege that cumulatively,
these Councilwomen’s actions failed to
reflect credit on the government of the
Pueblo and resulted in undermining the
confidence of the People in the integrity
of their government, in violation of Ethics
Code. After observing these women
engaging in public altercations with Tribal
and Council Members, their confrontational

Decision of the Ethics Board
Diane Peigler was suspended from her
duties as Councilwoman for 90 days for
her violations of Ethic Code provisions
regarding conflict of interest and impeding
Tribal business. This decision was based
on the ongoing nature of her disregard of
the ethical duties of her office and her two
previous suspensions without pay from
Council, once specifically for abuse of power,
verbal abuse and interfering with the police;
all of which demonstrate a pattern of abuse
of her position and a breach of the People’s
trust.
ReGina Zuni was suspended from her
duties as Councilwoman for 90 days for her
violation of the Code provisions regarding
conflict of interest and impeding Tribal
business. This decision was based on the
ongoing nature of her disregard of the ethical
duties of her office and on her suspension
without pay from Council for 90 days in
early 2011 for representing an individual
in criminal court as a spokesperson and
for using Tribal Court and Council staff
for non-Council purposes, making this her

Page 9

second suspension in less than one year; all
of which demonstrate a pattern of abuse of
her position and a breach of the People’s
trust.
The Ethics Code allows this Board to
recommend that Tribal Council remove
Cmw Peigler and Zuni from public office,
and we so recommended. The letter to POI
Police Chief Alvarez that they coauthored,
signed as a Council Members and delivered
to the police department clearly breaches
many provisions of the Code. Councilwomen
Peigler and Zuni cloaked themselves in the
power of the Tribal Council to direct the
POI Police Department to follow the law
as they dictated and they copied the Tribal
members on their outrageous letter; clearly
attempting to suggest to the People that
they had the power to speak for the Council,
in violation of the Ethics Code provision: No
Tribal Council member shall give directives
without formal approval of the Tribal
Council via formal motion process. This
provision specifically bars an individual
from making a government decision outside
official channels and further bars Tribal
Officials from using their position to coerce,
threaten or intimidate a person or group
to provide... personal gain to themselves.
As discussed, both women’s actions show
a blatant abuse of power and disregard of
their positions as servants of the People of
Isleta, and demonstrate their use of public
office for private gain and placing their
personal interests before the interests of
the People of Isleta.
Ray W. Abeita
Date 2/29/12
Acting Ethics Board Chairman

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 10

March 2012

LOS LUNAS SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS FROM TITLE VII INDIAN EDUCATION
Ben Analla – LLHS 865-4646 ext 6145

VHS – 565-8755 ext 6232

t-shirt. You can make this payment to
Jennifer Trujillo in the front office. You
must show your receipt to Amber Reno
in order to ensure you get a t-shirt in
the size you need.
• Yearbook Senior ads – If your
parents did not receive a letter in the
mail regarding purchasing a senior ad,
see Mrs. Graham for more information.

LOS LUNAS HIGH SCHOOL
2012…with only two more months of school
left, you are being reminded to keep up
with your daily school attendance and
continue to work hard in all your classes.
Seniors have a lot of activities scheduled…
including preparation for post-secondary
education, such as completing the FAFSA
and scheduling for the ACT & SAT!
Important Dates:
March 5

March 7
March 12 – 16
March 20

March 20

March 26
March 31

April 6 – 9

AP Parent Meeting @
6 PM in Library
Early Release
Spring Break
Eighth Grade Parent
Night @ 6:00 PM in
Auditorium
Title VII Indian Education
Parent/Student Meeting @
the TRC Building
(across from Los Lunas
Elementary School)
SBA Test…look for more
information
10th Annual Senior/
Parents/Grandparents
& Staff Powwow at the
Isleta Recreation Gym
from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Powwow Grand Entry is at
5:30 PM and the Grand
Entry for Seniors/Parents/
Grandparents & Staff will
be at 6:30 PM.
Spring Break

2012 LLHS Tiger Youth and Coaches will
be offering a softball camp to improve their
softball skills. For more information call
865-4646.

VALENCIA HIGH SCHOOL
• Senior Parent Night - March 20,
2012, information meeting at 6 PM.
We will cover a number of graduation
– related topics. We hope to see parents
and students here.
• Senior Dues - Your $30 senior dues
need to be paid by April 2nd. Senior dues
pay for graduation – related expenses.
i.e., the senior celebration and senior

Counselor’s Information
All students who wish to graduate in May
and receive a diploma must fulfill all their
graduation requirements without exception.
If anything is missing, the next chance
to graduate will be at the end of Summer
School. (If parents are not on Parent Portal
contact Esther or I ASAP). This means that
you must pass the current required classes
that you are taking, as well as completing
any Credit Recovery classes, well in
advance of the Graduation Ceremony, so
that the names are accurately printed on
the graduation and award programs.
All seniors should apply to at least one
New Mexico college as a back up plan
even if you are not sure if you are going to
attend college. Because the Bridge/Lottery
scholarship is only given to students who go
to college in New Mexico, right away in the
fall semester, seniors and parents will want
to take this opportunity for free tuition
money seriously and make sure that once it
is awarded they do not lose it. It is best to
apply to the college or colleges of choice on
line. Then have our registrar, Kim Greigo,
send your transcript and test scores to the
college of your choice. (If you have any
questions about applying or testing, please
contact me ASAP). If you are thinking about
going to both UNM and UNMVC, apply and
get accepted at UNM first or they will not
consider your application once they see
that you are accepted at UNMVC. If you
are planning on attending both UNMVC
and UNM, or both UNM and CNM, you
must have a consortium agreement on file
with both schools. Also. Keep a copy of
all correspondence and e-mails with the
colleges. Find the contact information for
both the admission office and the financial
aid office at the college of your choice and

do not hesitate to ask questions such as
what else is needed, what else would be
wise to do, what is required to keep the
Lottery Scholarship, etc. All seniors and
their parents should submit the FAFSA to
get into the federal and college financial
aid systems. Both the parents and students
will need pin numbers which will follow
them throughout their college careers; so
keep them in a safe place. Undocumented
students and parents should not apply online but instead fill out the paper versions
and give them directly to the New Mexico
college financial aid offices. We will be
helping students and their parents fill
out FAFSA. More scholarship and college
information is available at our website. Go
to “llschools.net” open the Valencia High
School page. Then click on “counseling” on
the left hand column.
Seniors who are taking AP classes need to
make sure that they have those AP exam
dates and times on their calendars. GearUp
will pay for the exams except for a $5.00
registration fee if you do not qualify for a
fee waiver.
VHS Important Dates
May 2
Student Performance

Auditions
May 7 – 11 Senior Finals
May 10
AP: Lit and Comp Exam
May 11
AP: Euro Exam
May 13
Tentative Baccalaureate (not

VHS Sponsored)
May 14
Senior grades due by 8 AM.

Check – out 9 AM – 12 PM.
Robing Practice I. AP: Bio Exam
May 15
Robing Ceremony in Gym @

7 PM. Students arrive @ 6

PM. AP: Gov’t Exam
May 17
AP: Econ Exam
May 18
Graduation Practice @ 8 AM.

Senior Celebration (TBD)
May 19
Graduation at UNM Pit @ 9

AM. Students arrive

at 8 AM.
For any questions please contact Peter
Scherer, Licensed School counselor @ 5658755 ext. 6209. E-mail: pscherer@llschools.
net.

Graduation Celebration Time

Maureen Abeita Closes Out UNM Swimming Career

As we look forward to a shining future. The
Pueblo of Isleta Department of Education would
like to invite all students who are graduating,
either from High School or Post Secondary, to a
Graduation Banquet. Tentative date is May 3,
2012 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Please
contact the Department of Education and let us
know the name of your graduate, school, and
degree (Post Secondary only).

The UNM Swimming and Diving Team closed out the regular season this month.
Maureen Abeita ended her 4 year college swimming career. She will graduate
in December as a two time Academic All-Conference selection with a major in
Emergency Medicine. Last year as a junior she swam the sixth-fastest time in
both the 100- and 200-yard Butterfly for the Lobos. As a sophomore she had
the fifth fastest time in the 200-yard Butterfly. As a member of the Lobo Swim
Team she contributed hundreds of hours per year at different community service
projects. She began swimming for the first Isleta Swim Team when the Isleta
Recreation Center opened, swam with Duke City Aquatics, a year round club
team for 10 years, and for St. Pius High School lettering in Swimming and
Water Polo and an Honor student her junior and senior year. Congratulations to
Maureen, she displayed extraordinary dedication and commitment to both her
studies and swimming. Maureen is the daughter of Patricia W. Abeita and the
late Joe I. Abeita.

Department of Education is now accepting
nominations for the Isleta lifetime Educator,
who will be honored at the annual Graduation
Banquet on May 3, 2012. Please contact the
Department of Education for more information.

March 2012

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 11

Parks & Recreation
With February 2012 (Leap Year) coming to an end and March 2012 beginning and weather beginning to warm up we believe that activities
will be a major focus for all to be involved. February was one month that had a number of cancellations to activities due to traditional
activities taking place. Although several basketball games for our Elementary School children were played, several were cancelled due
to traditional activities taking place not only at our Pueblo of Isleta but several others as well. Even the NACA High School Pow Wow
was rescheduled for March 3rd from February 18th because so many native students were involved in traditional activities in their
own reservations. Several highlights for the month of February involved Zumba, and the sale of Valentine's Day Bouquets by our Arts/
Crafts program that benefits children's activities. In addition to the upcoming March madness (Basketball tournaments throughout the
country) we will be hosting several activities here at the Pueblo of Isleta gymnasium. They are as follows: NACA High School Pow Wow
on March 3rd, the Isleta Karate One Tournament on March 10th, a Job Fair on March 19th and the Los Lunas High School Pow Wow
on March 31st, 2012. Special Note: Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday March 11th. Don't forget to Spring forward by 1 hour.

Zumba
As mentioned before, Zumba is the latest
craze in exercising that is sweeping the
country and is really making a major
impact in Indian Country. The week of
February 20th, several stories were run
in the local and national news about such
a craze that featured Zumba in Indian
Country here in New Mexico. Like the
craze that is helping many of our people
battle obesity and diabetes, we too are
offering a number of Zumba classes here
at the Pueblo of Isleta. Every Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday at 5:30 am at
Old Rec. at Pickle Heights classes are held free of charge by Instructor, Caroline Dailey. On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00 pm the
Salvador sisters, Rachel and Natalie offer the classes at a charge of $3.00 per class to all tribal members. On Saturdays at 12 noon we
are offering an Aqua Zumba class with Paparazzi Dance Instructor, Ada Kiehne. The cost for this class is $5.00. This particular class
is really great for those people who have problem with their knees and joints. Pictured above are two action shots of the Aqua Zumba
class taking place.

Park Management

Basketball

Now that the weather is beginning to warm up, our park
management crew is busy fertilizing and adjusting up the
watering schedule for our park system. This will go a long way
to having some of the greenest and most beautiful parks in
the southwest. With that said, please remember these are your
parks and if you see anyone vandalizing our parks or buildings,
please call the Isleta Police Department or someone at the Rec.
Center as soon as possible. Every time someone vandalizes our
parks they are stealing from all of you tribal members because
it takes money from the general fund to replace any damage
that is done, plus the extra man hours that it takes to do the
work. Pictured below are two of our parks already showing
signs of life because of this year's mild winter and of course our
pro-active fertilizing schedule.

As mentioned earlier, a number of basketball games have had to be
cancelled or postponed because of traditional activities taking place
not only here but at other Pueblos as well. Carl Anderson, our head
basketball coordinator, will be meeting with the other coaches on
trying to reschedule games if and when possible. We will notify the all
the coaches and participants as we get the information. We do know
that our games scheduled for March 10th here at the Rec. Center will
be held at the Isleta Elementary School.

Swimming Pool News
Please Note: Probably within the next few weeks or so we will be
closing down the swimming while we re-plaster and refurbish a lot of
our equipment in aquatic area. This is something that we have to do
every several years if we are to protect your investment in our Parks
& Recreation Program. We will however keep everyone posted once
we get our bids in and a potential starting and finishing date.

Valentine's Day Bouquets
On February 14th , Valentine's
Day, our Arts/Crafts program
headed up by Nanas Abie,
Marie and Gloria and assisted
by Roberta and LeeAnn,
sold bouquets of balloons,
candy and chocolate-dipped
strawberries all to do a service
to the community, especially
you procrastinators, and it was
in benefit of the afterschool
children's program. Pictured
is one of the beautiful
arrangements they made.
Great Job Nanas.

Page 12

Pueblo of Isleta JOM Program

Isleta Pueblo News

March 2012

Greetings! We hope everyone is doing well. It has been a while since we put an article in the newsletter.
There is quite a bit of information we need share with you.
New Location
We wanted to update you and let you know
that we have moved to the new Department
of Education building adjacent to the new
Library. The administrative component is
currently located at the new facility. As far
as family activity events we are going to
utilize the JOM Tutoring Building at the
Old Elementary School till the end of the
school year. If you have reimbursements
to submit or have any questions, please do
not hesitate to stop by and visit us at the
new location. Our phone number remained
the same 505-924-3189, please note if you
have to call to the JOM Tutoring Center the
number is 505-924-3169.
School supplies
We wanted to remind parents of JOM
eligible students that we still have school
supplies available for the second semester
of school. We are requesting a copy of the
student's Certificate of Indian Blood or
Tribal ID. There is a constant battle to
"unfreeze" the student count from 1995.
We are currently locked into those numbers
although we have a higher population of
students to provide services to. Students
that are eligible for services by the Pueblo
of Isleta JOM Program are all Native
American students enrolled in Los Lunas
Public Schools and only the Isleta students
enrolled in Albuquerque Public Schools.
Effective October 1991, the blood degree
quantum provision, as stated in public law
99-228, became applicable in determining
eligibility for JOM services.
Eligible students must be a member of
an American Indian tribe OR Alaska
Native OR be at least one-fourth (1/4)
blood of a descendant of a member
of an American Indian Tribe which
is eligible for the special programs
and services provided by the United
States.
Tutoring
Critical update, we needed to let you all
know that we do not have tutoring available
at this time. Our one and only tutor resigned
in February to pursue her life-long goals
and further her education. Bernadette
was a great asset to the JOM Program as
she made a difference in the lives of many
students. We wish her the best and she will
definitely be missed. The tutoring position
is currently being reviewed and we hope to
have more information in the immediate
future. At this time, we are recommending
that parents of students in need of tutoring
contact their school site to discuss tutoring
options. Generally, schools have a before,
during or after-school tutoring program.
February Activities
We kicked off the month with JOM Parent
Meeting and Parent Appreciation Breakfast
on Saturday, February 4. We did not see
as many parents as we would have hoped

and we are always looking for new ways to
encourage parents to attend these meetings.
We feel it is important that you attend so
that you can be informed about services and
activities offered by the program. As stated
time and time again, this program is here to
meet the needs of your student! You, as the
parents, have a strong voice when it comes
to services and activities provided by this
program. Please, let us hear your voice!
As you may have heard the Pueblo of Isleta
JOM Program was elected to head up the
2012 NJOMA Conference Student Strand.
We are looking for dedicated volunteers to
assist in the process. We are also looking
for high school students that would like to
help in this process. I believe that some of
the best ideas come from the students. We
have so many students that are extremely
creative and intelligent and it would be
great to have them involved in activities
such as this. It is also a great addition to
any student's college application!
On February 9, we held an activity called,
"Share a Heart". Students and their families
were asked to join us for an evening of
making special Valentine's Day cards or
hearts for the elders in the community.
Several families and their students made
beautiful cards with thoughtful words. All
the cards made were delivered to the Isleta
Elderly Center on February 13, 2012.
On February, 18 we took a group of
students to Santa Fe to visit the Museum of
Contemporary Arts. While there students
were able to take in the following art
exhibits: Under the Influence Iroquois
Artists @ IAIA (1962-2012), Vision Projects,
Wendy Red: Rez Car, Richard Glazer Danay:
Shake, Rattle and Roll, and Peter B. Jones:
Prophecy. Student discussion focused on
"Prophecy".
Upcoming Events
Pottery Seminar: Due to circumstances
beyond our control we are unable to host
this event. We are hopeful that we will be
able to reschedule this activity.
March 8, 2012: FREE BOOKS! Literacy
Night and JOM Parent/Student Meeting
5:OOpm-8:OOpm
JOM
Tutoring
building @ Old Elementary School
Join Beverly, Geraldine and the Indian
Education Committee as we gather to
discuss upcoming activities and events
scheduled for JOM eligible students. We
will discuss budget, IEC board vacancy and
elections, and the 2012 NJOMA conference.
If there are any parents interested serving
as an IEC member please attend this
meeting. During the meeting students
will also be able to select 5 brand new free
books to take home and enjoy. We have a
wonderful selection of books available to
students including: Diary of a Wimpy Kid
(all titles), the Twilight Series, Angelina
Ballerina, Call of the Wild, Holes, Sponge
Bob books, Judy Moody, and chapter books

about coming of age for teens, as well
as books that support learning, such as
dictionaries, thesauruses, reference guides,
and a wide variety of other special interest
books. Remember these books are FREE,
FREE, FREE for your students!
March 10, 2012: FREE, FREE, FREE!
ALL AGES/ALL GRADE LEVELS, come
with us as we visit the Indian Pueblo
Cultural Center and Old Town.
We will be taking students to visit the
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. The Indian
Pueblo Cultural center is noted as one of the
best museums in the Southwest. It's a host
to a large culmination of Native American
culture, art and history all in one location.
After visiting the Indian Pueblo Cultural
Center, students will enjoy lunch at Little
Anita's followed by a walk-thru visit to Old
Town. Students will be able to visit the local
artisans on the plaza, visit gift shops, and
possibly the Albuquerque Museum.
March 14, 2012: 2012 NJOMA Planning
Meeting in Gallup, NM
We will be traveling to Gallup, NM to discuss
plans for the 2012 NJOMA Conference.
As stated earlier we are coordinating
activities for the student strand. The
NJOMA conference is a gathering of all
JOM Programs including parents, students
and other community members. While at
this conference, we will discuss many key
issues that impact the education of Native
American students in public schools. The
interest in JOM seems to be dwindling
and it is important to get more parents
and students involved in all aspects of
JOM. Along with the planning of the 2012
NJOMA Conference, we wanted to inform
parents that there are a few scholarships
available through the National JohnsonO'Malley Association. The first is the
Chief Ellis Scholarship, in the amount of
$2,500. The second is the Chief Old Person
Scholarship and ranges between $500.00
to $1,000. Along with these scholarships,
there is also the 2012 NJOMA Art Contest.
We have several talented young artists
with the potential to win this contest. The
theme is, "JOM an Everlasting Educational
Gift". Students are asked to incorporate
this theme in their artwork. Artwork is to
be completed on an 8 ½ x 11" paper.
March 24, 2012: FREE! FREE! FREE!
ALL AGES/ALL GRADE LEVELS The
National Museum of Nuclear Science
and History in Albuquerque 9:00am —
3:00pm.
Join us as we take a group of students to the
National Museum of Nuclear Science and
History in Albuquerque. Tech City (ages
8-13): Engineering All Around Us. The new
exhibit dedicated to teach students about
how engineering surrounds daily activities
allows students to practice the steps of
engineering: plan, build, test and modify.
( Continued on next page )

March 2012

Isleta Pueblo News

JOM Program (Cont’d)
While this is available specifically for this age group,
there will be tons of other hands-on activities for students
of other ages and abilities. Come join us!
Ongoing parent and student support:
There was a time, not so long ago when we had a group
of dedicated students (Carol, Rianne, Kolton, Mark,
Stephen and Kirstyn) that were involved in JOM. These
students gave us their time, they brought their ideas to
the table, and they lead JOM in a new direction. These
students have graduated and are all in college. We would
like to have a new group of students to lead the way for
their peers. We are seeking students that are interested
in making a difference in for their peers. If you have a
student that is interested, please have them attend the
next activity on March 8 which is the literacy night/IEC
Meeting. We are interested in starting a collective group
that would bring students together and allow them to
share their thoughts and ideas to help make a difference
for Native American students.
Parents, this one is for you. Can you imagine what would
happen if JOM ceased to exist? No reimbursements for
lab fees, SAT/ACT tests, or PE Uniforms, no school supply
distribution, no additional support with calculators, no
summer programs, no interventions or support for your
student's education? JOM is barely holding on and we
need you to help strengthen it. We know JOM has a
stigma attached and many are misguided in the belief
that it's only for the kids that are less fortunate. Let us
correct the misconception. This program is for all Native
American students enrolled in a public school. We do not
utilize income as a basis for eligibility. It is a program
that provides educational support to Native American
students; we are not here to offer a "hand-out"! We are
here to provide educational support to our children and
parents! If anyone has questions, ideas or thoughts about
JOM, please do not hesitate to contact us. Parents, we
rely upon you to assist with the process of making this
program the best! There is also a NJOMA Website, it is
new and you can find valuable information about JOM
at this website: www.njoma.com. As always, if you have
questions please don't hesitate to contact us, 505-9243189.
Geraldine and Beverly

Making Strides Against
Breast Cancer Walk
Sunday, April 29, 2012
5 Mile Walk along Rio Grande
Cottonwood Mall
Join TEAM ISLETA and make strides to end Cancer!
Call the Isleta Health Center at 869-4479,
to Sign up with the team, or go to:
www.makingstrides.acsevents.org/Albuquerque
and search for " Team Isleta "
and Join our team.
Then on April 29th at 7:30am at Cottonwood Mall, walk
to support those that have passed away from cancer, are
cancer survivors or are currently dealing
with this terrible disease.
Call the Isleta Health Center at
869-4479 for more info.
Sponsored by Isleta Health Center

Page 13

SAVE THE DATE
April 2012 marks the 14th Annual Child Abuse Prevention and
Awareness Campaign for the Pueblo of Isleta! Our theme
this year is Fostering Healthy Child, Family, & Community
Connections. The following are upcoming events inviting
the entire community to participate and show support
in promoting child abuse awareness.
April 4 @ 5:30pm:
Magic Night- Making Child Abuse Disappear
Isleta Library
April 11 @ 5:30pm:
Family Fun Night
Head Start and Child Care Center
April 14 @ 10am:
Child Abuse Awareness Parade/Interactive Game Day
Sponsored by Isleta Social Services
Route to start at Recreation Center
April 18 @ 5:30pm:
Child Abuse Awareness Fun Walk/Run
Walk/Run to start at Cottonwood
Registration information to follow

Happy Dental Assistant Week
March 4-10, 2012

Say thank you to the Dental Assistants that work at the
Isleta Health Center!
Stephanie Romero has worked here for 9 years.
Verna Lucero has worked here for 16 years.
Darlene Cortez has worked here for 2 years
Jasmine Baca has worked here for 2 years.

Tony A. Jojola – 1914–2012
Tony Jojola went home to be with
our Lord on January 10, 2012.
Tony was born June 23, 1914 to
Francisco and Juanita Jojola. Tony
had one brother, Manuel Jojola
and one sister, Ramalda Lucero.
He was drafted to the U.S. Navy
in 1941 and served in World War
II. In 1943, he married Gertrude
Valdez. They had seven children,
Lorenzo, Helen, Marie, Bart,
Donald, Bobbie and Michael. He
had 14 grandchildren, 25 greatgrandchildren and 13 great, greatgrandchildren. Tony’s greatest joy was seeing his grandchildren and
great grandchildren. We will miss you Te-eh. You will forever remain in
our thoughts, hearts, and prayers. Thank you to all the family, relatives,
friends and community who showed their love during our loss. May you
all have long lives and God bless you.

Page 14

Isleta Pueblo News

March 2012

REDUCE YOUR RISK

Get Smart. Get Fit. Get Checked.

Isleta Health Center, Health Educator: Stephanie Barela 869-4479
(Information from the "Guide to Preventable Cancers')
The key to leading a long healthy life is to get smart, get fit and get checked! We can all play a part in reducing our
risk for cancer by choosing a healthy lifestyle that avoids commercial tobacco and includes healthy food choices, exercise,
and protection against too much sun, moderate alcohol consumption and regular cancer screenings. Learn about ways to
PREVENT OR REDUCE YOUR RISK FOR CANCER in this section in the Newsletter.

Cervical Cancer

In the past, one of the most common causes
of cancer death in women in the US was
Cervical Cancer, but because women are
getting their Pap test (a.k.a. Pap smear) more
regularly it is one of the most preventable
cancers. This cancer is more common among
Native Americans than it is among white
women and it is often diagnosed at a later
stage in Native American women. (Guide
to Preventable Cancers, Prevent Cancer
Foundation, pg 10, 2009)
RISK FACTORS- Women are more at risk
if they
o are infected with the human
papillomavirus
(HPV),
a
sexually transmitted disease
o were sexually active at a young age
o have many sex partners
o don't have regular pap tests
o smoke commercial tobacco
o have used birth control pills for a
long time
o have weakened immune systems
RISK REDUCUTION AND EARLY
DETECTION
o
Avoid infection with the human
papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually
transmitted disease, by using condoms
the right way every time you have sex.
However, condoms cannot give complete
protection against HPV, because it can
infect areas that are not covered by
a condom. Avoiding HPV is the most
important way to reduce your risk of
cervical cancer.
o
Stay away from smoking commercial
tobacco, and don't breathe in secondhand smoke.
o
Begin regular screening for cervical
cancer within three years after becoming
sexually active, but no later than age 21.
Talk to your doctor about how often you
need your pap test (annually, every 2-3
years, etc).
o
At age 30 consider adding the HPV
test to the Pap test for your regular
screening. After 3 normal Pap tests and
a negative HPV test, a woman may get
screened every 3 years with a Pap test
and an HPV test. However, if she has
been exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES,
a drug once used to prevent miscarriages)
before birth, is infected with HIV or has
a weakened immune system, she should
continue to have yearly screening.
o
Consider getting the HPV vaccine,
which is recommended for girls age 11

and 12 and also for young women age 1326 if not vaccinated. The vaccine is most
effective if given before a person has
become sexually active.
o
Even if you have had a total
hysterectomy because of cancer, you
should still continue regular screening.
SYMPTOMS — Precancerous conditions
in the cervix usually cause no symptoms
and are undetected unless a woman gets a
pelvic exam and a Pap test. If you get any
of these symptoms, discuss them with your
doctor:

o
Increased or unusual discharge from
the vagina
o
Blood spots or light bleeding at times
other than normal period
o
Menstrual period that lasts longer
and is heavier than usual
o
Post-menopausal bleeding
o
Bleeding or pain during or after sex
TREATMENT- Surgery, radiation therapy
and chemotherapy, alone or in combination.
Treatment depends on the stage of cancer
and the type of tumor cells, as well as the
women's medical condition.

March 2012

WIC NOTES

Isleta Pueblo News

March is Nutrition MonthLet’s keep it simple
Smart Snacks: Baked bagel chips, nonfat frozen yogurt,
low-sodium vegetable juice, small baked potato w/ lowfat cottage cheese, baked sweet potato slices.
Quick Snack: Keep plain or vanilla low-fat yogurt in
the fridge. Everyone can add their own fruit or granola!
Blend 1 cup of yogurt with 1 cup of fruit and 2 tablespoons
of orange juice to make a tasty smoothie to share.
Baby Snack:
Steamed vegetables are healthier
than boiled. Put 1/4 inch of water in the pan with the
vegetables. Heat water to boil and reduce to a simmer.
Cover and steam until your desired doneness. Smash
vegetables with cooking water into a puree easy for baby
to eat.
Nutrition and physical activity go hand in hand.
Toddlers and preschoolers should have 30 to 60 minutes
of physical activity each day.
• For toddlers, dance to songs, chase or throw a
ball.
• For preschoolers, balancing games and tumbling
increase strength and body control.
In the WIC world every month is nutrition month
and we are available year around to talk with you about
your family's nutrition habits. Just give us a call 9243180. You do not have to be a WIC participant to call.
We would love to hear from you.
Heidi Lanes, WIC Nutrition Coordinator

WIC Breastfeeding Corner
Women, Infants, and Children Program
According to the Surgeon General 2011, children who are
not breastfed have a 32% higher risk of overweight and
obesity. Research published in the December 2011 edition
of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition looked at
the risk of obesity related to consumption of sweetened
beverages and found that children were more likely to be
overweight and obese if they had not been breastfed and
were consuming sugary drinks. Researchers included
over 1400 children between the ages of two and four
years old in this study; 15% of these children were obese
and 27% were overweight. The study found that obesity
was highest in children who had not been breastfed
for a year or more and were consuming sugary drinks.
Breastfeeding for a year or longer and limiting children
in their consumption of sweetened beverages like juice,
sodas, sweet tea, and Gatorade, was a protective factor
in decreasing a child's risk of obesity.
Janette Kiraly, IBCLC, RLC-Breastfeeding Educator
If you need advice about breastfeeding your child, or if
you want to talk to someone about your child's eating
habits--Call WIC at #924-3180
The Pueblo of Isleta WIC office is open to the
public.
WIC Office Hours
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 8-4:30 pm
Tuesday: 8 to 6 pm
Other WIC Stuff
Mark your calendar- Monday March 12th from 9:00-3:00
Noelle Jackson, Health Educator for Alb Area Dental
Support Center, NAPPR will be at our WIC office. Come
by and receive a free dental goody bag. Adults, infants
and children welcome. You do not have to be a WIC
participant.

Page 15

Isleta Elder Center
Activities Calendar
March 2012
March:
March 1:
Catholic Mass - 11:30 am
March 3:
Cancer 101 (Learn About Cancer) - Isleta Golf

Course - 9am
March 5:
Elder Field Day - "19TH Annual Historic Art of the

Americas Exhibition" -New World Passion - Peyton Wright

Gallery Santa Fe - 9am
March 5:
Commodities
March 7:
Tax Preparation - AARP /TCE - 9am - 4pm
March 7:
Taco Sale - Elder Center Fundraiser - 9 am - 4pm
March 8:
Poker Club - 1pm
March 9:
All Indian Game Day - Registration Deadline
March 12:
Shopping Assistance - Atrisco Plaza - 10 am
March 13:
Shuffleboard Practice/Lunch - Manzano Mesa

Multigenerational Center - 11 am
March 13:
Isleta Cancer Education & Support - Support/Discussion
March 15:
General Meeting - Presentation by: POI Solid Waste

Division
March 16:
St. Patrick's Day Pancake Breakfast/Bingo - 9am
March 20:
Caregivers Training - 12 noon
March 21:
Elder Field Day - Bingo @ Hard Rock - 10 am
March 22:
Matinee Bingo w/Rio Bravo Meal Site - 10 am
March 27-29: All Indian Game Day (Pueblo of Pojoaque) - Lv. 11 am
March 29:
Commodities
March 30:
Monthly Birthday Cake! — 12 noon

March 20th Is National Native
HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
There are more than 1 million people in the United
States living with HIV. One-fourth of them do not
know that they are HIV-infected. Due to the stigma
associated with HIV/AIDS, we, as a community,
have never really openly talked about this issue. I
believe it is time that we begin to educate ourselves
about the virus, possible exposure to the virus and
face the reality of HIV/AIDS testing. The only way
to know if you have HIV is to GET TESTED. Sixtyone percent of Al/AN men living with HIV/AIDS in
2005 are men who have had sex with men.
Another 15 percent were infected through injection drug use. Sixty-eight
percent of Al/AN women living with HIV/AIDS in 2005 were infected through
heterosexual contact, and 29 percent were infected through injection drug
use. Therefore, the population that is most at risk is heterosexual "straight"
women. Current research and reports also indicate that HIV/AIDS is on the
rise in Native American communities. We are all human and make mistakes.
It is possible that we have made a mistake that exposed us to the virus,
a mistake such as unprotected sex. The staff at Isleta Behavioral Health
Services are understanding and are without judgment. For more information
about the HIV/AIDS virus, please feel free to come to the Isleta Health center
and speak with a physician. Free and confidential or anonymous HIV tests
are available. To find an HIV testing site near you, go to www.hivtest.org,
call 800-232-4636, or send a text message with your zip code to "KNOWIT"
(566948). Also visit www.nnapc.org.
If you are in need of support or someone to talk to about fears regarding HIV/
AIDS testing, you may contact a counselor at IBHS, 869-5475. Our lives are
so incredibly precious and sacred; we have to take care of ourselves, and each
other.
Information gathered from the National Native American
AIDS Prevention Center
Article submitted by: Krystal Lucero, BSW, LADAC

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 16

March 2012

Pueblo of Isleta Public Library
Happy Spring to everyone. Hope this reaches you and your family in good health. A warm thank
you to all our brave men who participated in our traditional evergreen dances. It was a beautiful
sight to see. We appreciate all the hard work and time you took to continue teaching our young
generation the rich tradition that has been handed down to us. Hur-Kem.

News
It is with great pleasure to introduce to you
our newest member of our Library Staff, Ms.
Tara Abeita. She is now our new Full-Time
Library Aide. So please welcome her when
you come in to visit. She is still learning, so
please be patient with her.
We are also happy to have Gilbert Henry
back with us from AmeriCorps. He will
help tutor the after school students and
spearhead other programs in the near
future.
As stated in last month’s newsletter, the
library staff went to the Round House in
Santa Fe, New Mexico on February 2nd
for Library Legislation Day. We met with
the Pueblo’s Legislators to remind them to
continue supporting our Library and other
libraries throughout New Mexico. I am
pleased to announce the General Obligation
Bill (Go Bond) was passed. With this said,
we are now asking you to look for the Library
Bond on the November ballot.
From here on out, new movies will be
released on Wednesdays, at 10:00 a.m.
Patrons will be allowed to check out one
(1) new movie. The reason being is that
everyone gets an equal opportunity to check
out at least one new movie.
Attention: calling all cooks/chefs, the library
is looking for a cook/chef for multiple events
taking place in April, May and August, if
interested, please talk to Nate. A portfolio
of what you can do and a valid food handlers
card is required. We are looking for a buffet
style chef, but is not limited to just that.
Show us what you have to offer and we will
take a look at your portfolio. We would
like to keep you as a contact person for our
various programs, and I’m sure a little extra
income could come in handy. We would like
to give someone an opportunity in our local
area, opposed to an outside vendor.
Starting this month we will be getting a
new automation system, which will require
a library card for all patrons to log onto
the computer and check out any type of
material. We will be learning the new
system too, so please be patient with us as
we are all learning together.

Upcoming
On March 19, pick up your copy of Charlie
and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl,
and read the book to earn your spot in
the Willy Wonka activities. On Tuesday,
March 27th, make your own Willy Wonka
Factory out of candy. (Top 4 Best Factories
will earn a golden ticket). On Wednesday,
March 28th, Invent your own candy and
write a story about it. (Top 4 winners will
earn a golden ticket). Thursday, March
29th, Play Willy Wonka Bingo. ( 4 winners
will earn a golden ticket). Earn your Golden

On Our way to our IT’Z fieldtrip
Ticket to go to Teri’s Sweet Garden to make and Michael Jackson – The Experience, will
your own chocolate! Only 12 people will go. be one of the dance competitions to choose
There will be a limited number of copies, so from. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will
hurry in to read Charlie and the Chocolate be awarded Gift Cards at Jouney’s Kidz at
Factory.
Coronado Center, Target, and Hastings. So
put on your dancing shoes and let’s dance.
On Wednesday, April 4th the library,
in collaboration with the people at Recap
the Magic and Juggling Shop (www. Just a quick overview of what we did in
magicanandjuggling.com), will be kicking off February. Our Valentine activities were a
the Social Service’s Child Abuse Prevention big hit with our patrons. It was only two
and Awareness month with a Magic Show days, but we had a great time. On Monday,
for families to attend in hopes of helping we made cupids arrows with pretzel sticks
Child Abuse Disappear. The Magic show and heart shaped sugar candies. The
will be about 45 minutes long, and will second day, we dipped various fruits, such
start at 5:30 p.m., so parents, guardians as strawberries, bananas, green apples,
and children are encouraged to attend the oranges and even marshmallows in melted
Magic Show as a family for some fun and milk chocolate. It was a delicious treat,
free entertainment.
we had fun making them and giving them
to our special Valentine. Thank You for
Attention: All Skilled Players, the library
everyone who participated.
will once again host a Game Tournament
during Spring break. Wednesday, March 14
thru Friday March 16, 2012, students will
be competing to win 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place
prizes. Winners will be awarded gift cards
to GameStop, Hastings, and an iTunes Gift
Card. On Wednesday, they will be playing
“Call of Duty” Black Ops, on Thursday,
“Mario Kart Wii”, and on Friday, “Mortal
Kombat” will be the final showdown. Those
Valentine Sweet Treats
who have attended in the past can vouch
for its popularity and good times they have The Project Ventures Traveling Photo
had. Check it out; you will want to be in Gallery was set up in the library for a few
another one soon. Bring in your competitive days so patrons could take a look at all
spirit and join in the fun.
the hard artwork that was put together
by students of Project Venture Photo Shop
Also, at the same time, for a little more fun
Class. Nice artwork students, keep up the
and simple play, we will also be hosting a
good work.
Spring Break Wii Game Dance Tournament
which will take place on Wednesday, March Our first incentive field trip to IT’Z turned
14 and Thursday, March 15 from 1:30 p.m. out to be a blast. We took the first twenty
to 4:30 p.m., featuring the games Black Eye kids who earned their 25 points by reading
Peas – The Experience, Just Dance 1,2,3,
( Continued on next page )

March 2012
and doing their homework. Good job earning
your points. Students are required to read
20 minutes and/or do homework to earn
their points. A special Thank-You to the
Isleta Recreation Center for loaning us their
vans.

Library Patron looking at PhotoGallery at
the Library.
On March 2nd we celebrated Dr. Seuss’s
birthday with three days of fun activities
based around his book, “The Lorax”. Since
the “Lorax” was a long story, we broke it
into three fifteen minute sessions which we
read each day of the program. Last year’s
Dr. Seuss Birthday program was on the
book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” it was very
eventful and fun. We hope you had a chance
to join us again this year. The first craft
we made was a bird feeder, the second craft
we planted flower seeds, and on the third
night we made lorax trees, and of course we
had a “Lorax” themed cake and ice cream
and sang happy birthday to Dr. Seuss. 25
students earned Dr. Seuss gift bags, and
one family won 4 tickets to see “The Lorax”
movie. Overall, it was an eventful week,
and we look forward to it each year.
We hope you come in soon and enjoy all the
resources we have to offer at YOUR new
library. Stay tune for more great programs
to come.
Pueblo of Isleta Public Library
Hours of Operation
Monday- Thursday: 8am- 6:30pm
Friday: 8am- 4:30pm
Mailing and Physical Address:
950 Moonlight Drive
Albuquerque, NM 87105
Phone: 924-3192
Email: poi02002@isletapueblo.com
Web Address:
www.isletapueblo.com/library2.html
Facebook:
www.facebook/IsletaPuebloLibrary

Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 17

Dr. Seuss’s Birthday Party
at the Library

Page 18

Isleta Pueblo News

March 2012

March 2012

Isleta Pueblo News

HEALTHY CLEANING ALTERNATIVES:
Safe, effective household products

What if you were potentially doing more harm than good
when you clean your house? You may not know it, but
some of the household cleaning products we use regularly
to remove dust, dirt, bacteria, germs and odors may leave
behind harmful chemicals that can pollute the air and cause
potential health problems for you, your family and your pets.
Some of these products are actually pesticides regulated
under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They
range from cleaning products to pet shampoos. To see if the
product you are using is a pesticide check the label for an
EPA number. This indicates the product is classified as a
pesticide.
Prolonged exposure to certain chemicals in these products
has been linked to dizziness, nausea, allergic reactions, eye,
skin and respiratory tract irritation, and in some cases,
cancer.
While the potential health risks are minimized if exposure
to such chemicals is limited to low levels and short
periods of time, you should exercise caution and follow
the manufacturer’s written instructions when using the
following products:
• Aerosol spray products-including health, beauty and
cleaning products
• Chlorine bleach
• Rug and upholstery cleaners
• Indoor air foggers (for the removal of pests)
• Insect/rodent repellent
Fortunately, many common products offer safe and effective
cleaning solutions to the following problems:
• Grease cutter - 1 cup of lemon juice + 1 cup of water
• Scouring powder - 1 cup of baking soda + 1 cup of
water
• Laundry stain remover - 1 tsp. of white vinegar or
baking soda per machine load
• Toilet bowl cleaner-1 cup of vinegar (leave overnight
and brush the next day)
• Floor and furniture polish-2 parts vegetable oil +
1part lemon juice (for leather furniture: 1 cup vinegar +
1 cup linseed oil)
• Metal cleaners (brass and copper)-lemon juice + salt
to form a paste OR a lemon wedge dipped in baking soda
OR hot white vinegar + salt OR hot ketchup applied with
a rag
• Glass cleaner-1 part vinegar + 1 part water
• Rug and carpet cleaner-baking soda
• Flies-well-watered bowl of basil
• Moth repellant-cedar chips in cotton sachets
• Roach repellant-chopped bay leaves and cucumber
skins
If you must use chemical products, here are some guidelines
that will help minimize potential health risks:
• Identify, and avoid using toxic chemicals, if possible.
• Never use around children, pets or food.
• Buy only amount needed for applications; do not buy
chemicals in bulk, and if you must, carefully store any
unused quantities.
• Follow guidelines for proper disposal of chemicals.
• Always follow the manufacturer's directions for use
and disposal.
• Wear appropriate clothing when applying and make
sure to wash both the cloth and yourself after each
application.
• Use only the recommended amount of the product
and minimize the amount of time you are exposed to it.

Page 19

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Isleta Pueblo News

March 2012

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Apueblo_isleta%3A595082567a8e8bae. Public record. Not legal advice.