Pueblo of Isleta website: www.isletapueblo.com (2015)

Volume 10 Issue 4

Isleta Pueblo News

Pueblo of Isleta website: www.isletapueblo.com

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

MA GU WAM;

Greetings from Governor Eddie Paul

Torres, 1st Lt. Antonio Chewiwi and 2nd

Lt. Isidor Abeita

End of Legislative Session

Report/Overview

The 2015 Legislative Session was a mixed

bag for tribal affairs. It faced challenges on

issues related to rights of way, public lands,

and infrastructure policy. It also addressed

the opportunity for a new gaming compact

that will lower some of the Pueblo’s costs

to the state and resolve some outstanding

issues.

Highlights include:

2015 Gaming Compact

The Legislature approved a compact for five

tribes whose compacts will expire in June.

Those tribes/Pueblos are: Acoma, Jemez,

Jicarilla Apache, Mescalero, and Navajo.

While the compact raises revenue sharing

provided by these tribes to the state, the

new compact will CUT revenue sharing

that the Pueblo of Isleta owes the state

for the next few years. The new compact

would also resolve issues that the Pueblo

has had with the state over the issue of free

play. Going forward this compact should

resolve this matter between the state and

the Pueblo.

Defeated efforts on the transfer of public

lands

Conservatives attempted to put the state

of New Mexico on record supporting the

transfer of federal public lands to state

control; other versions of the bill ended

up dying during the session. The Pueblo

opposed these bills, despite exempting

tribal lands, over concerns on how the state

would manage the lands and its impacts on

the federal governments trust obligations

to tribes.

Amended efforts to reduce funding for the

Tribal Infrastructure Fund

The state attempted to reduce funding for

the Tribal Infrastructure Fund along with

other state funding programs set aside from

the State Permanent Fund. The Pueblo

worked with other tribes to amend HB

236 to hold the Tribal Infrastructure Fund

harmless. Senator Benny Shendo authored

the amendment on the Senate floor in the

final days of the session.

Unfortunately, there was a lowlight as

well. Despite the Pueblos successful efforts

to lobby for funding for our wastewater

infrastructure, a sewage lagoon, and the

veterans centers, the capital outlay bill

died over a partisan differences between

the House leadership, Governor and Senate

on how to spend statewide money. This

is extremely disappointing as the Pueblo

put in a great deal of effort into securing

the funding. Because of the differences in

position over the funding between the two

sides, no capital outlay bill will be funded

this year.

PNM Summer Engineer Internship

Program

PNM is proud to announce the College

Summer Engineering Internships available

in Albuquerque and at PNM’s San Juan

Generating Station near Farmington.

Interns will get a first-hand experience

in providing basic engineering support to

operational areas and an opportunity to be

a team member for part of a lager project.

The positions will also provide support to

the Tribal Relations director serving as a

liaison between New Mexico tribal entities,

company management and governmental

officials. Interns will have the opportunity

to work with company executives and other

stakeholders to represent Native American

interest affecting the utility industry.

Minimum education and/or experience:

Students currently enrolled in four-year

bachelor’s of engineering degree program

at an institution of higher education, or

working towards a graduate degree in

engineering, are eligible. A Grade Point

Average 2.5 or higher must be maintained

and the student must possess functional

computer skills. Preference will be given

to electrical, civil, mechanical engineering

majors,

and

in

Farmington,

also

environmental engineering.

Go to PNM.com/careers to see a full job

description, register, upload a resume and

apply. Deadline is no later than April

12, 2015. PNM is an EEO/AA employer.

Members of AISES, women, minorities,

disabled individuals and veterans are

encouraged to apply.

Pueblo Women Governors &

Congresswoman Michelle Lujan

Grisham

April 2015

Women leaders of the last 25 years, Teller

and Kaskalla focused on the role of women

in politics and tribal government, the

responsibilities of being a Pueblo Governor

and their personal experiences as Pueblo

women leaders.

Verna Teller was the first woman governor

of Isleta Pueblo, serving from 19871990. During her career as a political

and community leader, she has worked to

democratize tribal government, involve

women in the political process, protect

Isleta’s environmental rights and strengthen

the health of Pueblo communities through

alcohol and substance abuse programs.

Lela Kaskalla served as governor of Nambe

Pueblo from 1996-1997. During her term

she fought against anti-tribal legislation,

successfully defeating a proposed tax on

tribal gasoline distribution.

Kaskalla

has also held positions with the National

Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and

the New Mexico State Fair Commission

and served on IPCC’s Board of Directors

for nearly a decade.

Kaskalla was

recently featured in “A Thousand Voices,”

a documentary about Native American

women that aired on New Mexico PBS in

February 2015.

On the same note of making history, on

March 13, 2015, Kelly Zunie was the

first woman confirmed as Indian Affairs

Department (IAD) Cabinet Secretary by the

Senate, after the Senate Rules Committee

voted in favor of her confirmation. She

was sponsored by the first IAD Cabinet

Secretary, Senator Benny Shendo, Jr.,

and the 100th person the Committee

confirmed. There was a lot of support not

only from the tribes that were present but

also State Departments and Legislators

wanting to work with her. Being from the

Pueblo of Zuni, Governor Panteah and his

administration was present for this historic

event. We wish her success.

Albuquerque, New Mexico – Indian Pueblo

Cultural Center

In honor of Women’s History Month, two of

the only four women who have ever served

as Pueblo governors, Verna Teller and Lela

Kaskalla, discussed women in political

leadership with U.S. Congresswoman

Michelle Lujan Grisham on Saturday,

March 14, 2015 at the Indian Pueblo

Cultural Center. “Verna Teller and Lela

Kaskalla made extraordinary contributions

to Pueblo communities and the women of

New Mexico”, said Rep. Lujan Grisham.

“They led the effort to bring Pueblo women’s

voices into the decision making process

and I’m honored to be able to talk to them

about their experiences.” In this rare event

gathering two of the most important Pueblo

Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham

and Verna Teller

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 2

(Office of the Governor, continued)

E. coli bacteria, in colony forming units (CFU) per 100 milliliters of water

Major Wastewater Spill into the Rio

Grande at Isleta. Feb 27, 2015

The Pueblo of Isleta was notified by the

Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water

Utility Authority (ABCWUA) that nearly

6 million gallons of partially treated

wastewater overflowed from its Southside

Water Reclamation Plant on Friday,

February 27, 2015. The wastewater

overflowed into the Albuquerque Riverside

Drain, which flows into the Rio Grande on

Isleta Pueblo near the Black Bridge. The

Reclamation Plant is about seven miles

north of Isleta Pueblo on the east side of the

River. The Chief Engineer of the Plant and

the New Mexico Environment Department

reported that the overflow occurred after a

power surge caused switches and fuses to

malfunction at the plant’s primary clarifier

wet well pumps.

Sampling for bacteria after the spill

The Pueblo’s Environment Division

collected water samples to measure the

presence of E. coli bacteria after the spill.

Samples were collected from the Rio

Grande near the NM 147 Bridge and from

the Albuquerque Riverside Drain west

of Isleta Lakes. Samples were collected

February 27, March 2, March 4, and March

5. Additional samples were collected at

Isleta’s south boundary and south of Isleta

Diversion Dam on the west bank of the

Rio Grande. Sample results appear in the

following table:

Public health and safety alert

The Pueblo’s Environment Division issued

a safety advisory on February 27th for the

Rio Grande on Isleta Pueblo because E. coli

bacteria in water at elevated levels were

unsafe and could have caused illness. Based

on improvements in the sample results

from March 4th and 5th, the “no contact”

water quality advisory for the Rio Grande

was cancelled by Governor Torres on March

9, 2015.

The community is reminded that Isleta’s

drinking water supply is of high quality,

meets or exceeds U.S. EPA Safe Drinking

Water regulations, and is monitored daily.

The public drinking water source for all of

Isleta Pueblo is groundwater; our public

drinking water supply does not come from

the Rio Grande.

Violation of the Pueblo of Isleta’s surface

water quality standards

The ABCWUA Feb 27th spill violated the

Pueblo’s water quality standards for E. coli

bacteria. The most protective of the Pueblo

of Isleta’s water quality standards limits the

concentration of E. coli bacteria in surface

water to 88 colony forming units per 100

milliliters of water. There are always E. coli

bacteria in the Rio Grande from non-point

sources that are difficult to control. From

highest to lowest, a 2005 microbial source

tracking study conducted by AMAFCA in

the Albuquerque Reach of the Rio Grande

found that E. coli in the Rio Grande at

Isleta Diversion Dam came from birds

(43%), dogs (13%), human sewage from

April 2015

Sample Locations

Sample collection date

Friday, Feb. 27, 2015

NM 147

410.6

NM 147 south of

Isleta Diversion

Dam

not collected

Monday, Mar. 2, 2015

Wednesday, Mar. 4, 2015

Thursday, Mar. 5, 2015

187

187

110

145

75

120

poorly functioning septic systems (11%),

rodents (11%), cows (9%), horses (7%), and

pigs (3%) with less than 1 percent each from

cats, sheep, bear, deer, and raccoon.

Albuquerque

Riverside Drain

greater than

2,419.6

290.9

70.8

65.1

South Boundary

not collected

368

201

85

on each side of the NM 147 Bridge to rate

water quality in the Rio Grande. Here are 3

possible samples of signs being considered:

A six million gallon spill is major

The ABCWUA spill on February 27 violated

the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Clean Water Act. U.S. EPA Region 6 will

be issuing an Administrative Order to

ABCWUA and will evaluate the potential

for a penalty, which could be up to $16,000

for the one-day spill. The Administrative

Order should also contain requirements

for ABCWUA to develop and maintain

certain preventive measures to ensure that

this type of spill will not happen again.

Additionally, the New Mexico Environment

Department, Surface Water Quality

Division has requested a detailed report of

the spill from the ABCWUA.

To envision how much 6 million gallons is:

think of the Pueblo’s three storage tanks

east of Isleta Resort and Casino. This set of

tanks contains potable drinking water. The

capacity of the largest of the 3 storage tanks

is 1.5 million gallons. Six million gallons

would be 4 full 1.5 million gallon tanks.

The

ABCWUA

Southside

Water

Reclamation Plant average daily discharge

is 50 million gallons of treated wastewater.

The Plant’s peak flow is around 64 million

gallons per day. Peak flow occurs during

a major event in the City such as the

International Balloon Fiesta.

Plant managers apologize, explain, and

assure: “Never again”

Pueblo leadership wanted to hear firsthand what happened? ABCWUA officials

came to Isleta Pueblo on March 10th to

meet with Governor Torres and staff. They

apologized for the spill and said they were

embarrassed by it because they take a lot

of pride in the work they do. Tribal Council

was provided with a summary of the event

and the Pueblo’s response at their March

6th and March 11th meetings.

Next steps

Governor Torres has requested governmentto-government consultation with Ron

Curry, Region 6 Administrator of the U.S.

EPA The meeting is scheduled for March

27, 2015.

The Isleta Environment Division is

improving the way we get the message out

to our community that a public health risk

is present. Signs will be purchased and

placed as needed at appropriate locations

Community members who are 16-years old

or older may register to receive urgent public

safety alerts and community information

on their cell phone from Pueblo of Isleta

Emergency Management New Mexico.

Registration is available on the internet,

go to: www.isletapueblo.com. This alert

system is called Nixle.

About one week after the spill local

media covered the story, but the Pueblo

is considering using social media to issue

health advisories during this type of event.

While we do not want anything bad to

happen, we encourage everyone who learns

of a public health advisory for Isleta to

let your family and friends know. Help us

get the word out. If you have questions, a

( continued next page )

Isleta Pueblo News

April 2015

(Office of the Governor, Continued)

telephone number is always provided for

Public Health Advisories, so please call

the number posted on the advisory to have

your questions answered.

Public Services Department staff will

be meeting with the Chief Engineer and

plant operators at the Southside Water

Reclamation Plant in early April. To

improve communication and gain a greater

understanding of the plant operations

and processes, Governor Torres, the

Lieutenants, and tribal employees will be

visiting the Plant for a thorough site visit

after Easter.

What to do if you observe environmental

conditions that are not normal

If the River or other water bodies on the

Pueblo smell bad, if you see dead fish

floating on the water surface, or observe

a condition that you do not consider to

be normal, please call the Environment

Division at 869-7565 or 263-5425 and staff

will investigate.

Appointments 2015 Mayordomos

March 2015, Pueblo irrigation water

users held a meeting at the Isleta Elderly

Center for the purpose of appointing new

Mayordomos for 2015.

The following individuals have been

appointed Mayordomos for 2015:

Acequia Madre Lateral:

Alvin Zuni, Head Mayordomo:

PH: 485-6442

Eddie Abeita, Assistant Mayordomo:

PH: 907-8234

Chical Lateral:

Leonard Abeita, Head Mayordomo:

PH: 908-5101

Leon Chewiwi, Assistant Mayordomo:

PH: 261-0007

Cacique Lateral:

Brian Jiron, Head Mayordomo:

PH: 259-2688

Kevin Schroder, Assistant Mayordomo:

PH: 410-4345

Message from Governor

Eddie Paul Torres

As we celebrate Easter Sunday, the

resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, may

this Easter bring all the hope and joy into

your family and a beginning of a meaningful

start for your success and well-being. Let

us be mindful of and give thanks to our

Great Spirits for the blessings they shower

upon us and hold in your hearts those fond

memories of our recently dearly departed

love ones and their families. May the Great

Spirit always guide you and look over you.

Page 3

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Deadline for May Newsletter articles is set for Thursday, April 23rd at 4:30pm. Articles may

be dropped off at the Library or emailed to poi02002@isletapueblo.com. Should you email

your article, expect a confirmation email. If you do not receive a confirmation email, odds are

it never made it to me and then it’s time to panic so call Nate at 505.869.9808.

People whom wish to submit an article or flyer are responsible for generating their own article

or flyer. Should you need help, please call the Library at 505.869.9808 and set up a date

and time to sit down with a Library staff member whom will help you throughout the process.

The Library will NOT accept notes dropped off at the Library or information over the phone

to generate your article.

Newsletters may be found at the sixteen distribution locations mentioned below. Remember,

Digital copies of the Newsletters may be obtained from the Newsletter archive at http://www.

isletapueblo.com/newsletters.html

The sixteen Newsletter distribution locations are:

1) The Administration Building (Governor’s Office): Receptionist Desk

2) Census Office: Receptionist Desk

3) Health Center: Receptionist Desk

4) Housing Department: Receptionist Desk

5) Department of Education: Receptionist Desk

6) New Recreational Center: Newsletter Stand

7) Old Recreation Center: Front Desk

8) Tribal Service Complex: Receptionist Desk

9) Tribal Service Complex: I.P.D. Dispatch window

10) Tribal Service Complex: Tribal Courts window

11) Elders Center: Receptionist Desk & Lunch Delivery

12) Head Start: Receptionist Desk

13) Library: Newsletter Stand

14) Ranchitos Park: Blue Box (see picture for example)

Newsletter Blue

15) Old Head Start Complex: Blue Box (see picture for example)

Boxes mentioned

16) Intersection of Tribal Road 82 and Tribal Road 84: Blue

in above paragraph

Box (see picture for example)

Probate News: Since Probates are a court and legal matter where spelling and information

is highly critical, it is best that the family members submitting the Probate notice take the time

to write the notice. Remember, it is the petitioner’s responsibility to provide all information

to the Isleta Newsletter. The Newsletter staff and Valencia Express should not be expected

to write your article as we know nothing of the Probate Case. For questions regarding

Probates, please call the Tribal Courts at 505.869.9699. Thank you for understanding.

For more information about restocking newsletters and newsletter articles, please call the

Pueblo of Isleta Public Library at 505.869.9808.

Community Plan

From Public Services Director and Tribal Planner, Kenneth Pin

The Planning Division of the Public Services Department has been given the task to

develop a Comprehensive Community Plan. We envision a series of meetings with the

community to first explain the need for planning, what the plan is designed to do and

what steps we need to take to try to get there. The process is to be very interactive,

with community members freely participating. Attendance is strongly encouraged and

community members will be assured their input will count. We will make note of who

attends these meetings in the effort to ensure participation is representative of the

community. This may require separate meetings with the elders and youth or special

interest groups such as the farmers and ranchers or veterans.

We must also build political support; the plan will need the support of citizens and

political/community leaders alike. This will include the Tribal Council, Governor’s Office

and Cultural Committee. Other groups may need to be consulted to ensure buy-in into

the process.

At some point a community planning committee that is representative of the community

should be formed. This committee would be made up of interested and dedicated volunteers

who will devote time and effort to the process. This group must receive assurances that

their work, time and volunteer efforts will matter during the process. They must believe

their work will not be undone by others. So with that, we are looking for volunteers.

Farming

Isleta Pueblo News

Editor:

Nathaniel Lujan

Asst. Editor:

Tara Abeita

Published By:

Valencia Express

The Planning Division is also interested in working with farmers to raise interest in

setting up greenhouses to increase production and possibly interest farmers in winter

growing. There are programs to assist farmers who may be interested in setting up

greenhouses and Isleta’s ample water supply is an asset. There has been discussion in

the past of a farmer’s market. Perhaps we can get something organized. We will need to

work with the Conservation Manager and others to see if we can get this program going.

For both of these initiatives I can be reached at 869-4965 or poi17501@isletapueblo.com.

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 4

April 2015

The Isleta Elementary School Soon to be

Pueblo of Isleta Elementary School Update

The transition/conversion is moving along

at a fast and steady pace. The Isleta

Elementary School Transition Team

(IESTT) is continuing to meet every

week and has had several meetings with

the Pueblo of Isleta Tribal Council, the

Governor’s Office, the U.S. Bureau of Indian

Education (BIE) and the Bureau of Indian

Affairs (BIA). The meetings with the BIE

and BIA have been particularly beneficial

for the transition process to outline specific

information necessary to create a quality

transition.

The Transition Team wants to hear from

community members and especially from

parents of elementary school age children!

We will be hosting more meeting sessions

and now that the weather is getting warmer,

we will be out at various community events

to be available to answer your questions,

obtain/solicit comments about the school

transition. So, please stop by and visit with

the Transition Team. Meeting Notices will

be posted in the Isleta Newsletter and on

flyers posted throughout the community.

What follows is a Q & A about

the soon to be Pueblo of Isleta

Elementary School (POIES).

Q. How will my children benefit from

this school conversion?

A. By the Pueblo of Isleta assuming

the educational operations of the Isleta

Elementary School, the Pueblo of

Isleta’s intent is to provide an enhanced

curriculum, and to review and expand

academic programs with the goal to be

as competitive as any school here in New

Mexico. In addition, we will be able to

effectively initiate program changes. For

example, we will now be able to begin to

weave our traditional culture and language

into the curriculum.

Q. Will there be any physical changes

to the school?

A. No. At least not initially—changes to the

buildings will only be done on an “as needed”

basis. However, we are in the process of

preparing to expand upgrades to computer

equipment and internet infrastructure so

our children will be afforded the same upto-date technology as any other student in

the United States.

Q. When will the information be

available about the progress of the

school transition?

A. The Transition Team and the POI project

management team (Febasa Consulting)

have been hosting information sessions

for the community and parents; and, will

continue to do so until the BIE officially

turns over the school to the Pueblo of Isleta

on July 1, 2015. Notices of these meetings

will be continued to be posted in the Pueblo

of Isleta Newsletter and on flyers that will

be posted throughout the community.

Q. When will the school administrators,

faculty and staff be hired?

A. The Pueblo of Isleta Human Resources

Department will be handling all job postings

and announcements—since all employees

of the new Tribally Controlled School will

be Pueblo of Isleta Employees. As of March

19, 2015 (the date of submission of this

article for publication) interviews for the

Education Program Administrator (EPA)

are being outlined with the intent of hiring

the EPA by the end of April 2015. Once

the EPA is hired, he/she will oversee the

hiring of the remainder of the employees

(i.e., Principal, Faculty and Staff).

Q. Which office will be responsible for

controlling the school?

A. In compliance with P.L. 100-297,

the Tribally Controlled School’s Act,

the responsible party will be a newly

established

school

board/Governing

Board. This “Governing Board” will have

the responsibility to make decisions and

manage the school. The Governing Board

will report directly the Pueblo of Isleta

Tribal Council. The EPA will report to the

Governing Board of the POIES. And, the

remainder of the administrators, faculty

and staff will report to the EPA.

There is much work to be done before

school starts in the fall of this year. But,

the Transition Team is on the right track

to get this accomplished before the new

School Year 2015-16 (starts/begins). Please

look for flyers and future POI Newsletter

articles about updates to the transition/

conversion process.

April 2015

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 5

HISTORICAL ACHIEVEMENT IN EDUCATION AT ISLETA PUEBLO

ISLETA PUEBLO, NEW MEXICO – The

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau

of Indian Education (BIE) has formally

authorized the conversion of the Pueblo

of Isleta Elementary School from a BIE

operated school to a tribally controlled

Grant School pursuant to Public Law 100297, the Tribally Controlled Schools Act.

The Grant School application submitted by

the Pueblo has now been formally approved

and will become effective July 1, 2015.

In a public ceremony held on Thursday,

March 26, 2015, at the Pueblo, Casey

Sovo, Education Program Administrator

for the BIE located in Albuquerque,

handed a March 23, 2015 formal approval

notification by the BIE in Washington,

D.C., to Isleta Pueblo Governor E. Paul

Torres. The approval of Isleta’s Grant

application concludes many months of

work by the Pueblo to meet all of the strict

requirements of the Federal Government

to assume responsibility for control over

the school.

With this final approval, the Pueblo of

Isleta effectively assumes overall control

and operation of the School and is now

able to create and fulfill the educational

aspirations for Isleta Pueblo children as the

Pueblo and their parents determine. The

Pueblo envisions that in addition to offering

state-of-the-art classroom instruction and

technology, they will compete with local

communities to provide our local Educators

with competitive professional salaries and

will provide Instructional Programs that

will preserve, honor and instill a deep sense

of pride in the local culture and traditional

values.

The Pueblo of Isleta Elementary School

has been operated on the Isleta reservation

by the U.S. Government since the late

1890’s and has been the center of village

life for generations of Isleta Pueblo Tribal

members. The Pueblo is currently in

the process of advertising a full array

of professional education and support

positions to staff the school. Central to the

wishes of the Pueblo is that the culture and

tradition of the Pueblo be incorporated into

the curriculum. In that regard, the native

TIWA Language Program will become

a vital part of instruction at the school.

Individuals wishing information or to

apply for positions at the Isleta Elementary

School are encouraged to contact the

Human Resources Office at the Pueblo of

Isleta at poiemployment@isletapueblo.com.

This approval from the Federal Government

not only reflects a monumental milestone

in Indian education but also a major

achievement in Indian self-determination

for the Pueblo.

The Pueblo also plans an elaborate GrandOpening in a few months of a 16,527

square-foot Assisted Living Facility as well

as a 16,429 square-foot Elderly Center.

(l to r)– Michelle Jojola, Isleta Elementary School Board Member; Michael Jojola,

Elementary School Governance Board Member; 1st Lt. Governor Antonio Chewiwi; E.

Paul Torres, Governor, Isleta Pueblo; Casey Sovo, Education Program Administrator,

BIE, Albuquerque; Derek Boyer, BIE Administrative Assistant; and Andrew Casiquito,

Education Program Specialist, BIE.

Page 8

Isleta Pueblo News

Parks & Recreation

April 2015

The month of March was an extremely busy one as our staff assisted Eugene (Shoobie) Jojola from the Elderly Program with the Local

Senior Olympics. Our basketball program for our Elementary age children finally came to an end with us hosting the Jemez Day School

on Friday, March 20th. The Park Management staff has been busy preparing the parks for the upcoming Little League Season that

opens up on Saturday, April 11th. Our Recreation staff has been busy preparing for the 2015 Cross Road Running events that begins

here on April 18th. With the weather getting warmer many of our Pueblo members have been reserving park usage for small private

parties i.e.; birthdays, graduations etc. Just as a reminder, if anyone reserves private park usage please make sure you clean-up after

yourselves. Up to this point we have not charged any cleaning deposits because all who have used them in the past have been great

with the cleanliness of the parks. Please keep up the good work.

Local Senior Olympics

As the Elders from the Pueblo of Isleta compete

for the right to qualify for the State Senior

Olympics later this summer in Las Cruces, NM

they have become competitive in many different

events. When Shoobie was asked about this

year’s events, he immediately responded that

contrary to this being his first program while

working with the Elders, everything is going

fairly well despite transitioning from the old

Elderly Center to the New building. Having

Parks & Recreation staff that has done these

events in the past has really made his job a

lot easier. Pictured are Eugene (Shoobie)

Jojola as the person in charge of Local Senior

Olympics, followed by many of our Elders from

Isleta showcasing their talents in the Senior

Olympic Games.

April 2015

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 9

Youth Basketball

The basketball season came to an end for our Elementary

School students as they played their final game against

Jemez Day School on Friday, March 20. According to girls

head coach Jonathan Lente, “It’s tough to see our 6th grade

girls who were playing their last game for our Pueblo of

Isleta leave this program but it’s great to see how much they

learned and developed over the last 3 or 4 years”. Coach Lente

continued to say, “I know these two girls; especially Natalie

(Doodles) Jojola and Miyawni Curtis are going to take their

game into the next level. I honestly can see them playing for

their mid-schools and high schools if they so choose. They are

definitely that good.” On this final day of play after the game

was completed both teams, Jemez Day School and Isleta were

treated to a pizza party as a show of unity in Indian Country.

By the way our girls’ team from Isleta did win this final game

and our boys’ team lost. Overall, both teams did very well

this season and ended their seasons above .750 percentage

meaning they won ¾ of their games.

Parks System

As mentioned earlier our park management

crew has been busy preparing our parks

for the upcoming growing season and

sprucing up the basketball courts and

shade structures with a fresh coat of paint

at all parks. This brings me to an existing

problem of graffiti. On the day that the

Pueblo newsletter was being worked on, the

crew was busy painting shade structures

over in the Chical neighborhood. Upon

the crew’s return from lunch, the shade

structures which they had just painted had

already been vandalized with graffiti. We

are asking everyone in the Pueblo of Isleta to please keep on eye out for these senseless

vandals. In reality they are stealing from every Pueblo member because every time we

have to go out to re-paint, it is costing the Pueblo money. For those children and parents

who have been out to our park system for Little League practice, you are witnesses to how

beautiful our park crew already has these parks. I will again say that our parks are second

to none in the southwest. Also, on the week of March 16th we had the jogging path re-sealed with a coating that will help deter cracks

from developing. Park Superintendent Robert Apodaca is pictured with Randy Carter from Dismuke Construction Company pointing

out the cracks in the asphalt that needed to be filled and sealed. The jogging trail across the street is looking great. Hopefully later on

this year or early next year we can do the same to the track around the Soccer field.

Volleyball League

The adult volleyball leagues finally came

to an end with the power house team

coached by Melanie and Mike Lente

(The Hustle Gang) taking first place over

the Rec. Crew coached by Matt Jojola.

All 17 teams who played in the regular

season participated in this year’s finale.

Unfortunately, I was hoping to provide

a photograph of the winning team

however a photograph was not received

in a timely manner. Therefore, a picture

of the volleyball bracket will have to

suffice. Congratulations to the players

of Hustle Gang (Mike, Melanie, Andrew,

Taylor, and Sammie). All in all this has

been the biggest number of 17 adult teams

participating in the program. Special

thanks go out to League Director,

Vanessa Martin making this the best

league to date.

April 2015

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 11

Isleta Pueblo Housing Authority’s First ADA Compliant Home

In 2011, Mr. Rafael Anchondo was in an unfortunate motor

vehicle accident which left him with a long-term disability

(Incomplete Quadriplegic). Mr. Anchondo does not have

complete use of his arms and legs and will always be in need

of a wheel chair or a walker.

The Isleta Pueblo Housing Authority (IPHA) was able to

qualify Mr. Anchondo through the United States Department

of Housing and Urban Development funding. This funding is

available through the IPHA which has a waiting list comprised

of low-Income elderly and/or disabled tribal members.

Mr. Anchondo and his family are the new proud owners of the

first fully ADA compliant residence on the Pueblo of Isleta.

Mr. Anchondo had the keys turned over to his new house on

Friday, January 30, 2015. The Isleta Pueblo Housing Authority

contracted the home out to Top Notch Custom Builders, based

out of Belen, New Mexico.

Some features of Mr. Anchondo’s new home include custom

made kitchen and bath cabinetry for wheel-chair confined

people. Also included in the residence is VA tile floors for

easy wheelchair mobility, roll in shower fixtures and elevated

washer/dryer for ease of access. This type of home is built

with wide entry ways and a 5-foot wheel chair radius in the

master bathroom.

Mr. Rafael Anchondo and his family are thankful that he does have a home now and are hoping in the future he can learn to use

everything on his own. Please welcome into the community this state-of-the art home which will set the benchmark for this entire

community for a higher standard for Americans with Disabilities.

Health Beat

Health Educator: Stephanie Barela @ 869-4479

Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Distracted driving is anything you do

that could take a driver’s attention away

from the task of driving. All distractions

endanger driver, passenger, and bystander

safety. These types of distractions

include:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Texting

Using a cell phone or smartphone

Eating and drinking

Talking to passengers

Grooming

Reading (including maps)

Using a navigation system

Watching a video

Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3

player

Because text messaging requires you to not only

look, but also requires you to manually do it

and take your cognitive attention away, this is

the most concerning distraction. Simply taking

your eyes off the road for 5 seconds when you

are going 55 mph is like driving the length of a

football field. Could you ever imagine doing that

blind folded? That is potentially what you are

doing.

Nearly half a million people are injured

each year by distracted driving.

PLEASE KEEP YOUR EYES on the ROAD

and DON'T TEXT AND DRIVE!!!

http://www.distraction.gov/get-the-facts/facts-andstatistics.html

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 12

April 2015

Pueblo of Isleta Public Library

News

Ah yeah, People of the Island!!! The cold weather is coming to an end which reminds me of

an Atmosphere song that goes, “Sunshine sunshine is fine, feel it in my skin, warming up my

mind…” Which reminds me, with the warm & hot weather upon us, PLEASE DO NOT leave

your children in your vehicles while visiting the Library or you may be singing the tune of the

late Vincent Craig’s “Candy Bar Song”.

In observance of Good Friday, April 3rd

the Library will be closed. Library media

checked out on Wednesday will be due

Monday, April 6th.

Our monthly Library staff meeting will

be on Wednesday, April 8th from 8:00am12:00pm therefore the library will be closed

during this time. Keep a look out for details

on our 2015 Summer Reading Program. Ask

a Library staff member for more details.

Registration will be in May (exact day and

time still to be determined).

The deadline for May’s Isleta Pueblo

Newsletter will be April 23rd before 4:30pm.

Please call the Library for more information

and details about submitting an article.

Girl Scout meeting will be Friday, April 17

from 1:00pm-5:00pm at the Library. The

Girls involved have expressed how fun this

program is and sharing the excitement with

others. Good job girls!

Library staff members Christino, Valeri,

Dianna, and Cheyenne will be attending

the New Mexico Library Association Mini

Conference at the K’awaika Center in

Laguna Pueblo. The staff will collaborate

with other libraries and share programs

as well as learn different techniques and

approaches to running the Library to meet

the needs of the community.

Our Participants for the children’s costume contest waiting to see who won.

Upcoming

Breaking Bad fans are you out there? Come

to the Library and sign up for our Breaking

Bad inspired book club based on the book

“Breaking Bad and Philosophy: Badder

Living Through Chemistry” by David R.

Koepsel & Breaking Bad Tour. Starting

April 1st through April 29th from 5:00pm6:00pm every Wednesday. The book club is

open to the first 10 adult participants. You

must attend 4 of the 5 book sessions in

order to attending the Breaking Bad

Tour. For more information please call

Cheyenne at the Library 505-869-9808.

The Library Girl’s Fancy Shawl class is

coming to an end. The girls have been

practicing footwork and learning the

different songs. They have also been hard

at work finishing up their custom-made

fancy shawl regalia, which were designed

by the girls and with the help of their

families all the sewing was completed.

They will be performing at this year’s 14th

Annual Honoring the Graduating Seniors

2015 Powwow held at the Isleta Recreation

Center at 6:00pm. Come out and support

them and encourage them. They have

developed their own style and continue to

impress their dance instructor, Tara Abeita.

Recap

This year the Library celebrated St.

A visitor getting a picture with batman.

Patrick’s Day March 17th, with a story from Eric Toys, and Brandon Independent comic

the book “Hooray for St. Patrick’s day! By writer. Peter from 7000bc also did free

Joan Holub. After the story, participants caricature drawings for the public. Paul also

made a pot of gold with a black cauldron from 7000bc also hosted a workshop on how

and a rainbow handle made of pipe cleaners to draw your own superhero/villain. We had

and rolo candy for their gold coins. For two crafts: Wolverine Claw Craft and Domo

those of you that took your pot of gold home, Food Craft open to the first 30 participants.

I hope it brought some luck to your home, We also had a video shoot of the Harlem

family and friends. Thank you Christino for Shake, which was lead by Batman of the

Justice League of New Mexico. A very

creating a fun craft!

special shout out to the Justice League

This year’s 2nd Annual Library Comic Con

of New Mexico and the 501st Star Wars

held Saturday March 21 was a big success!

Group who volunteered their time to be at

We had Comic Vendors:Age of Comics, Lobo

our event and mingling with our visitors.

Anime and Comics, Comic Warehouse,

Throughout the day we had a raffle of items

7000BC, Coolsville, Ty Pod Mary, Old West

that were graciously donated to us by the

Comics and Toys, Gamers Anonymous,

vendors.

April 2015

Looking through 50 cent comics at the Old

West Comics and Toys Booth.

Thank you to everyone who came in a

costume and participated in our Costume

Contest. We had 2 winners from our adult

category and all children who were dressed

up in a costume received a prize. Last but

not least, we held a Halo Game Tournament,

which was open to ages 8 years old to adult.

All participants competed till the very end

and we had 3 winners. We are looking

forward to next year and bringing in a

bigger crowd.

Isleta Pueblo News

Pueblo of Isleta Public Library

Playing the classic games on the Nintendo 64, Sega and the first Nintendo console

during the Library Comic Con.

basketball. Tuesday was field trip to the

Isleta Recreation Center to play kickball

on one of the their fields. Wednesday was

another short field trip to Heritage Park

in Los Lunas to play Sand Volleyball and

Ultimate Frisbee. Our last day of spring

break we took students to bowl at Santa

Ana’s Bowling Alley and enjoyed pizza

while playing a few games of bowling.

Thank you Diane for putting on an active

and fun program for the students.

Easter Bunny Pictures were held March

25 from 2:00pm-6:00pm with a special visit

from the Easter Bunny who also made a

visit to the Isleta Head Start classrooms.

Pictures were taken in front of our garden

background painted and put together by

Library staff members Diane, Dianna and

Cheyenne. Pictures were emailed out to the

families and family pictures were printed.

If you took a picture with the Easter Bunny

please come to the Library to pick up your

picture. If you are unsure if your picture

was to be printed out, please call the

Library and we can answer any questions

you may have 505-869-9808.

Batman and Robin Adult Costume

Contest winners!

Peter from 7000bc doing free caricature

art for those who attended.

We hosted a Spring break Youth Sports

Program March 30 - April 2nd from

10:00am-3:30pm open to 10 participants.

The students were able to learn and play

basketball, kickball, sand volleyball,

ultimate Frisbee, and bowling. Monday

students utilized our basketball court here

at the library and played a few games of

horse, knock out and a regular game of

Page 13

Hours of Operation:

Library Hours

Mon-Thurs - 8:00a.m. - 6:30p.m.

Friday8:00a.m. - 4:30p.m.

Saturday9:00a.m. - 1:00p.m.

Closed on Sundays, all federally recognized

holidays and also Isleta traditional holidays.

Please contact library for more

information on closures.

Mailing and Physical Address:

950 Moonlight Drive

Albuquerque, NM 87105

Phone: (505) 869-9808

Email: poi02002@isletapueblo.com

Facebook Page:

www.facebook.com/IsletaPuebloLibrary

Web Address:

www.isletapueblo.com/library2.html

YouTube:

www.youtube.com/user/poilibrary

April 2015

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 15

Invitation Announcement

Pueblo of Isleta Head Start & Child Care Center

The Isleta Head Start & Early Head Start programs invite you to join our family by completing

an application for the upcoming 2015-2016 program year.

Applications will be accepted beginning March 4, 2015

Mission: To develop the whole child in all comprehensive areas

reflecting the traditional Isleta culture and language. A safe, positive,

healthy, and family-centered environment is supported with: a

highly competent staff; parental enrichment and enhancement of

their child’s education; a structured developmentally appropriate

learning environment; strengthened community collaboration; &

sustained stakeholder communications.

Options for you and your child:

Head Start – 3 to 5 years old

A 6-hour, 5 day-a-week program. Classrooms are equipped

with hands-on, age appropriate materials and qualified teachers.

Transportation services are available for this option.

Early Head Start- Prenatal to 3 years (3 options to choose from)

1. Home Based for Pregnant Mothers: Home visits from a

Home Visitor who brings information and materials about

pregnancy & child development.

2. Home Based for Parent & Child Birth to 3 years:

Weekly 90-minute home visits from a Home Visitor who

provides information and materials about parenting and child

development. Bi-weekly Socialization activities in a group

setting (i.e. fun walks, field trips, child development, & more).

3. Classrooms ages 3 months to 3 years:

A 6-hour, 5 day-a-week program. Classrooms are equipped with

hands on, age appropriate materials and qualified teachers.

There are no transportation services available for this option.

We invite you to come in and fill out an application:

Call to schedule an appointment to apply.

You need to bring ALL of the following:

√

Tribal Identification w/CIB # (required if

residence is outside of the Isleta Reservation)

√

Proof of Residency to ensure your physical

residence is within the Program’s service area

(New Mexico Driver’s License, Utility Bill,

Government/Tribal ID)

√

Proof of income for previous 12 months

(Such as: Public Assistance Award Letter, 2014

tax forms, W-2, 26 paystubs, etc.)

√

Proof of Child’s Birth (State issued birth

certificate, CIB Letter, Baptismal Certificate)

√

A copy of your child’s IFSP/IEP (if applicable)

For Prenatal option, Pregnant Mothers need

√

to provide proof of pregnancy

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate

to call us at 869-9796.

We look forward to working together with you and your family

to make your child’s learning fun and successful!

April 2015

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 19

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

ANSWERS to last month’s “How Much Do You Already Know About Kidney Disease?”

1. The only purpose of the kidneys is to filter blood: FALSE – the kidneys have several major functions. They remove waste materials and excess fluid from the body

and help to maintain a good balance of electrolytes and minerals in the blood. They also help regulate blood pressure.

2. True or False: Urine is made in the kidneys: TRUE – normal kidneys process about 200 quarts of blood per day resulting in removal of waste products and excess

water which comprise urine. About two quarts of urine are produced per day. Urine flows from the kidneys through ureters to the bladder. The bladder stores urine

until a person urinates.

3. Medically speaking, which term refers to the kidney function? a. Hepatic

b. RENAL

c. Dialysis

d. Urinary

B: Renal – The term "renal" refers to the kidneys, so "renal function" and "kidney function" are interchangeable terms. Renal function, when used by medical

professionals, usually refers to how efficiently the kidneys filter blood. For example, two healthy kidneys in a person have 100% renal function.

4. Common non-specific symptoms of chronic kidney disease include: a. Increased urination at night b. Loss of appetite c. Swelling of hands and feet d. ALL

OF THE ABOVE

D. All of the above – There are a number of nonspecific symptoms that may occur with kidney disease. The following is a list of some of these nonspecific

symptoms:

-Swelling of the hands and feet -Puffiness around the eyes -Shortness of breath -Fatigue -Increased nighttime urination -Frequently passing small amounts of

urine -Urine-like odor to breath -Increased blood pressure -Loss of appetite -Pale skin and/or dry itchy skin -Children may show increased fatigue and sleepiness,

a decrease in their appetite, and/or a poor growth pattern.

5. A person can have chronic kidney disease without symptoms: TRUE – Unfortunately, people can have renal disease for long periods of time before noticing any

symptoms. Although it may seem like the symptoms come on quickly, they actually have been slowly progressing over a number of years. The slow progression is

often seen in chronic kidney disease. Another term for chronic kidney disease is renal insufficiency. Over time, renal insufficiency can be followed by determining the

creatinine level in the blood with a test that is readily available to most physicians. A rising creatinine level is an indicator that renal insufficiency is getting worse.

6. Which kidney disease is known to be inherited: a. End-stage renal disease

b. Protein disease

c. Autoimmune kidney disease d. Polycystic kidney

disease

D. Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited renal disorder. In this disorder, some normal kidney tissue is replaced by fluid-filled cysts of various sizes in both

kidneys as the disease progresses, the cysts become larger and the functional kidney tissue decreases. Other organs like the lungs may also be affected by this

disease.

7. Hemodialysis is the only treatment for kidney failure: FALSE – Hemodialysis is not the only treatment for kidney failure. However, hemodialysis is usually done

before the other two options are tried. The other two options are peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplantation; however, not every patient with kidney failure may be a

candidate for all of these options.

8. A doctor who specializes in kidney diseases is called a: a. Urologist b. Endocrinologist c. Nephrologist

d. Immunologist

C. A nephrologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases. Such specialists may help patients avoid renal failure for years and can help a

patient determine the best treatments if renal failure does occur.

9. How many stages of Kidney Disease are there? a. 3 b. 5 c. 6

d. 7

B. There are five stages of chronic kidney disease. These stages indicate increased severity from mild stage I (one) to stage V (five) when the kidneys fail. Stage

I indicates slight kidney damage while stage II (two) indicates a mild decrease in kidney function. Stage III (three) represents a moderate decrease in kidney function

and stage IV (four) is a severe decrease in kidney function. Stage V indicates kidney failure.

10. Patients with kidney diseases must manage fluid intake because fluid can... a. Retention can cause swelling and weight gain b. Affects blood pressure

c. Overload can result in heart trouble d. All of the above

D. All of the above – People with kidney diseases have to be very careful about their fluid intake. Kidney disease alters the body's ability to balance fluid intake so

patients who do not monitor their fluid intake can gain weight and develop edema (swelling) because they are retaining water. This extra fluid can cause higher blood

pressure, breathing difficulties, and/or heart problems.

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE and CHECK NEXT MONTH’S Pueblo of Isleta Newsletter for ANOTHER QUIZ!

Isleta Health Center Health Educator, Stephanie Barela, 869-4479

http://www.medicinenet.com/kidney_disease_quiz/quiz.htm