Pueblo of Isleta website: www.isletapueblo.com (2021)

Volume 16 Issue 12

Isleta Pueblo News

Pueblo of Isleta website: www.isletapueblo.com

December 2021

Governor’s Report

Maguwam,

Hello, by the time this Newsletter comes

out, Thanksgiving will have passed. I

hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable

Thanksgiving.

Again, we urge Tribal

Members and Residents to please stay

safe this holiday Season. As we did last

year about this time we are seeing a

sharp increase in COVID-19 positive cases

within the community. At the time of this

writing our COVID-19 cases have risen to

a total of 52 individuals who have tested

positive for COVID-19. There is a total

of 27 households affected by this and are

being monitored. With the state having

limited restrictions Tribal members are

not following our COVID Protocols put

in place by our COVID Mitigation Team.

Each month we [Administration] continue

to ask that we all do our part to keep the

community safe, however we continue to

see events being held where many people

are gathering and not using masks.

A new Executive order has been issued due

to the number of COVID-19 positive cases.

We currently are prohibiting all indoor

and outdoor gatherings. Local schools will

be virtual until further notice. We will

be encouraging Community-level testing.

All persons 2 years of age and older will

be required to wear a mask while indoors

and/or outdoors in public setting except

when eating or drinking or with members

of the same household. Please follow the

guidelines set out in the order.

Please follow the following COVID-19

preventative measures! 1. All persons

should perform frequent hand washing

with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

and or use hand sanitizer. 2. All persons

should maintain social distance of 3 to 6 feet

to accommodate safe physical distancing. 3.

All persons should avoid touching their face,

nose, eyes and mouth. 4. All persons who

are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19

should get a COVID-19 test as soon as

possible. 5. All persons eligible to receive

the COVID-19 vaccine should receive the

COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible.

On October 26, 2021 Administration,

Council President, Vice President and

Council secretary met with Commander

Michael Curry and staff from Kirtland Air

Force Base. This meeting was coordinated

by representative Melanie Stansbury

Staff. During the meeting Pueblo of Isleta

employees Captain Chavez (Open Space)

and Clint Lente (Unexploded Ordinance

Director) gave a presentation of issues of low

flying military aircraft. Some of the issues

and concerns presented were harassment

of wildlife, employees and Tribal members.

It was a productive meeting which helped

establish a renewed partnership. From

research the Pueblo of Isleta does have

memorandum of understanding with

Kirtland which we will definitely look at

to amend and renew as necessary. The

19 Pueblos also collectively via the New

Mexico Indian Affairs Department.

After meeting with Kirtland here on the

Pueblo, we were then invited to visit

Kirtland Air Force base on October 15, 2021

for a Tribal Leaders Visit. Colonel Curry

presented information about Kirtland and

was followed by Colonels and a Brigadier

General representing the military bases

in New Mexico. The information provided

were fly over routes that aircraft follow,

elevation at which the aircraft should fly

and no fly over zones. We also were advised

of landing and drop zones located on Bureau

of Land Management land located near the

reservation. We had the opportunity to

view the military aircraft that can be seen

flying over the Pueblo of Isleta. Everyone

expressed the continued need to have open

communication. This renewed partnership

particularly with the Pueblo of Isleta and

Kirtland will hopefully curb the number

of incidents with low level flying military

aircraft. The Pueblo of Isleta give thanks

to Melanie Stansbury and her staff for

assisting us in making this contact.

This year our irrigation water needs were

thankfully met, albeit with limited available

supply. Not to be pessimistic, but next year

we could be even further challenged if La

Niña weather predictions for the 2021-22

winter months (~90% chance) extends into

the spring (~50% chance March-May). This

forecast comes from the National Weather

Service, Climate Prediction Center, https://

www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_

monitoring/enso_advisory/ensodisc.

shtml. We will need to begin meeting

with farmers and the community on how

to plan for next year and forward if we

continue to experience drought conditions

affecting surface water supply. This year

we instituted a text messaging system

between the Mayordomos, the Middle Rio

Grande Conservancy District ISO’s, and

Isleta Tribal Administration/Irrigation to

coordinate adjusting water deliveries with

available water to meet needs and hope

to establish that communication between

farmers on each irrigation canal. We were

able to use the limited available water

by shifting from one conveyance canal to

another to meet irrigation needs though not

everyone could irrigate at the same time.

We appreciate the farmers’ willingness and

cooperation in following scheduling, not

jumping their place in line, and properly

watering to avoid ponding.

As mentioned previously, we are still

working on having our Prior and Paramount

(P&P) water stored in Abiquiu Lake due to

El Vado being under repair the next two

years. While we interpret the Six Middle

Rio Grande Pueblos having the basis to

do this, Texas has not been supportive.

More information will be provided on

P&P storage as we go forward. As part

of having meetings to plan for next year’s

irrigation season, we will need to make

sure everyone understands the conditions

that trigger the use of P&P water. There is

misunderstanding of when it can be called

for and used. Additionally, the Mayordomos,

farmers, and Tribal Administration/Water

Resources/Irrigation, will need to develop

an internally how best to administer

a limited water supply ahead of time,

(Continued Next Page)

Page 2

rather than waiting till the last minute how

to prioritize and/or equitably distribute.

The Six Middle Rio Grande Pueblos Coalition

(Coalition) submitted a letter again to the

Department of Interior requesting the

appointment of a Federal Team “to begin

discussing ideas and issues associated with

a possible quantification of the Six Pueblos’

water right through a negotiated settlement

process, including the work and studies that

would need to be undertaken first.” The first

letter sent in 2016, received no response.

With a new Administration and Secretary

that is more engaged with Tribes we received

a quick response to our October 2021, letter.

Our next step is to submit the Coalition’s

response to the Interior’s Factors to Consider

in Appointing New Teams. The State of New

Mexico’s recent report, “Climate Change in

New Mexico over the Next 50 Years: Impacts

on Water Resources” , finds that a combination

of rising temperatures, reduced snowpack,

increased aridity, and other factors will likely

result in Rio Grande flows above Elephant

Butte Reservoir, being 25% less on average

over the next 50 years. Thus, the projected

outlook on the water supply in the Rio Grande

is dismal. During a virtual meeting held

with Office of the State Engineer, Interstate

Stream Commission, Office of the Governor,

Indian Affairs Department, Middle Rio

Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD), City

of Rio Rancho, WildEarth Guardians, Bureau

of Reclamation, Albuquerque-Bernalillo

County Water Utility Authority, City of

Santa Fe, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, and

Business/Industry representatives, it is clear

the push for development in the middle Rio

Grande valley will continue and impact and

threaten Isleta’s water resources. Given the

current climate conditions and development

outlook, both indicate the need and the

potential for a negotiated settlement of the

Coalition Pueblos’ and Isleta’s claims to the

main stem Rio Grande.

On a positive note, the Peralta Main Canal

Re-alignment Project is underway and is

planned to be completed before start of

the 2022 irrigation season (see July 2021

Newsletter). Congratulations to CF Padilla

who was awarded the contract as low bidder.

The Project area will be closed to thoroughfare

traffic other than Law Enforcement/Open

Space, and any emergency access. The Peralta

Re-alignment is a component of the Isleta

Diversion Dam Settlement and associated

projects to address sediment entrapment on

the irrigation canals and provide fish passage

for the Rio Grande Silvery Minnow.

We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.

Please stay safe and limit gatherings to only

your household. Let us continue to pray to

our creator that our community is kept safe

and that we are blessed with moisture.

Governor Vernon B. Abeita

Isleta Pueblo News

Editor:

Nathaniel Lujan

Asst. Editor:

Diane Abeita

Published By:

Valencia Express

Isleta Pueblo News

December 2021

December 2021

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 3

PROBATES

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

CORRECTIONS:

DEADLINE for January Newsletter articles is set for

Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at 4:30 pm. Articles may

be dropped off at the Library or emailed to Nathaniel.Lujan@

isletapueblo.com. Should you email your article, expect a

confirmation email. If you do not receive a confirmation

email, odds are it never made it to me and then it’s time to

panic, so call Nate at 505.869.9808.

Two errors were made in last month’s probate pertaining to Jose Francisco

Roberto Jojola. The Date of Death (DOD) of 02/25/2021 was misprinted

and corrected to 02/15/2021. Also, the year of the court date of 2021 was

misprinted and corrected to 2022.

One error was made in last month’s probate pertaining to Mary J. Coriz. The

year of the court date of 2021 was misprinted and corrected to 2022.

UPDATE:

An update to the probate of Jose I. Olguin was made by the Pueblo of Isleta

Tribal Courts. Last month, the court date was printed as “To Be Determined

(TBD)”. This month, they provided the day, date, and time of the court date.

See Jose I. Olguin probate for revision.

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF:

Jose Francisco Roberto Jojola (DOD: 02/15/2021)

Case No. CV-PR-0144-2021

First Notice

TAKE NOTICE that in accordance with notice requirements, a Petition to Probate

the Estate of Jose Francisco Roberto Jojola, deceased 02/15/2021, has been filed

in the Pueblo of Isleta Tribal Court. Any person claiming an interest in the Estate is

hereby advised to notify the Pueblo of Isleta Tribal Court Clerk in writing within thirty

(30) days of this notice being posted. Claims must be filed in writing. A hearing in

this matter has been scheduled for Wednesday, January 05, 2022 at 9:30 am at

the Isleta Tribal Court, located at the Tribal Services Complex, 3950 Hwy. 47 SE,

Building A, Albuquerque, NM. If you have any questions, please contact the Isleta

Tribal Court at (505) 869-9699.

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF:

Mary J. Coriz (DOD: 04/19/2021)

Case No. CV-PR-0147-2021

First Notice

TAKE NOTICE that in accordance with notice requirements, a Petition to Probate

the Estate of Mary J. Coriz, deceased 04/19/2021, has been filed in the Pueblo of

Isleta Tribal Court. Any person claiming an interest in the Estate is hereby advised

to notify the Pueblo of Isleta Tribal Court Clerk in writing within thirty (30) days of

this notice being posted. Claims must be filed in writing. A hearing in this matter

has been scheduled for Wednesday, January 05, 2022 at 10:45 am at the Isleta

Tribal Court, located at the Tribal Services Complex, 3950 Hwy. 47 SE, Building A,

Albuquerque, NM. If you have any questions, please contact the Isleta Tribal Court

at (505) 869-9699.

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF:

Reynita M.C. Lente Jaramillo (DOD: 03/14/2017)

Case No. CV-PR-0160-2021

First Notice

TAKE NOTICE that in accordance with notice requirements, a Petition to Probate

the Estate of Reynita M.C. Lente Jaramillo, deceased 03/14/2017, has been filed

in the Pueblo of Isleta Tribal Court. Any person claiming an interest in the Estate is

hereby advised to notify the Pueblo of Isleta Tribal Court Clerk in writing within thirty

(30) days of this notice being posted. Claims must be filed in writing. A hearing in

this matter has been scheduled for To Be Determined (TBD) at TBD at the Isleta

Tribal Court, located at the Tribal Services Complex, 3950 Hwy. 47 SE, Building A,

Albuquerque, NM. If you have any questions, please contact the Isleta Tribal Court

at (505) 869-9699.

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF:

Frances Pabulita Anchondo (DOD: 08/31/2021)

Case No. CV-PR-0167-2021

First Notice

TAKE NOTICE that in accordance with notice requirements, a Petition to Probate

the Estate of Frances Pabulita Anchondo, deceased 08/31/2021, has been filed

in the Pueblo of Isleta Tribal Court. Any person claiming an interest in the Estate is

hereby advised to notify the Pueblo of Isleta Tribal Court Clerk in writing within thirty

(30) days of this notice being posted. Claims must be filed in writing. A hearing in

this matter has been scheduled for TBD at TBD at the Isleta Tribal Court, located

at the Tribal Services Complex, 3950 Hwy. 47 SE, Building A, Albuquerque, NM. If

you have any questions, please contact the Isleta Tribal Court at (505) 869-9699.

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF:

Jose I. Olguin (DOD: 07/12/2021)

Case No. CV-PR-0164-2021

Second Notice

TAKE NOTICE that in accordance with notice requirements, a Petition to Probate

the Estate of Jose I. Olguin, deceased 07/12/2021, has been filed in the Pueblo of

Isleta Tribal Court. Any person claiming an interest in the Estate is hereby advised

to notify the Pueblo of Isleta Tribal Court Clerk in writing within thirty (30) days of

this notice being posted. Claims must be filed in writing. A hearing in this matter

has been scheduled for Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 1:30 pm at the Isleta

Tribal Court, located at the Tribal Services Complex, 3950 Hwy. 47 SE, Building A,

Albuquerque, NM. If you have any questions, please contact the Isleta Tribal Court

at (505) 869-9699.

People who wish to submit an article or flyer are responsible

for generating their own article or flyer. Should you need

help, please call the Library at 505.869.9808 and set up a

date and time to sit down with a Library staff member who

will help you throughout the process. The Library will NOT

accept notes dropped off at the Library or information over

the phone to generate your article.

PROBATES need to be published in the Newsletter for

two consecutive months. Probates are considered court

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

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

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

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

newsletters.html .

CLASSIFIED ADS: The new administration has requested

that the Newsletter start a Classified Ad section for Tribal

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

farm equipment. Leasing of houses and mobile homes will

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

markets or weekly yard sales will NOT be accepted.

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

houses, and mobile homes must be within the reservation

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

exceed the 160 characters will NOT be submitted into the

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

Submitters of classified ads are responsible for generating

their own ads as this is a FREE service.

As a reminder, Tribal business owners may submit a small

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

are responsible for generating their own flyers as this is a

FREE service.

Classified ads and business flyers will be posted no more than

two consecutive months. In the event where the Newsletter

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

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

a FREE service for Tribal members.

The Isleta Newsletter is owned and operated by the Pueblo

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

the final say of all articles and contents within the Isleta

Newsletter.

For additional questions, you may call the Library and speak

with Nate or Diane at 505.869.9808.

Thank you,

Nathaniel Lujan

Newsletters may be found at the fifteen distribution locations

listed below. Remember, Digital copies of the Newsletter

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

isletapueblo.com/newsletters.html

The fifteen Newsletter distribution locations are:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

TR 2 & TR 22 - Chical SE of Community Hall

TR 10 - Behind the old 47 Sales

TR 1 & TR 5 – Ranchitos / Bosque

Farms Reservations Line

Ranchitos Park

Post Office - Big Tree

TR 82 & TR 84 - Teller Road

TR 78 & TR 82 - Carlos Trujillo Sr.

TR 90 @ Y - CF Padilla

Mouse Town Park –

Health Center – South end of Health

Center Parking lot

Library Sunlight & Moonlight Intersection

TR 6 - 47 Intersection

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

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

Railroad Tracks

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

Page 4

Isleta Pueblo News

Job Postings

Visit us online at

http://www.isleta.com/career-opportunities.aspx

Fax: 505-244-8232

OUR LOCATION

Isleta Resort and Casino is located 7 minutes south of downtown Albuquerque at Interstate 25 and Hwy 47, exit 215.

The Human Resources office can be found on the east side of the building through the Employee Entrance doors.

December 2021

December 2021

Isleta Pueblo News

Pueblo of Isleta Career Opportunities

Page 5

Position Posting

Office Location

Closing Date

ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT I

AGRICULTURAL IRRIGATION TECHNICIAN

AUTO & DIESEL MECHANIC

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

ANIMAL CRUELTY INVESTIGATOR

ASSISTANT MANAGER

BACKGROUND SPECIALIST/ADJUDICATOR

BENEFITS COORDINATOR

BOSQUE RESTORATION CREW SUPERVISOR

CAREGIVER (2 Positions)

CARPENTER I, II or Ill

COMPUTER IT SPECIALIST

COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE

COOK I

Treasury

Assisted Living Facility

Agricultural Division

Construction Operations

Police Department- Open Space

Police Department- Open Space

C-Stores

Human Resources

Human Resources

Water Resources

Assisted Living Facility

Housing Authority

Department of Education

Health Services

Assisted Living Facility

Open Until Filled

11/22/2021

Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled

Opened Until Filled

11/19/2021

11/19/2021

Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled

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(Continued Next Page)

Page 6

COVID CUSTODIAN (2 Positions)

EARLY HEAD START TEACHER

FAMILY INTERVENTIONIST

FEDERAL PROJECT MANAGER

GENERAL COUNSEL

GRANTS & CONTRACTS MANAGER

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE WORKER

HOME CARE ATTENDANT

HOME OWNERSHIP COUNSELOR

HRIS TECHNICIAN

HVAC TECHNICIAN

ICWA COORDINATOR

INSTRUCTIONAL COORDINATOR

INTERNAL AUDITOR

LABORATORY ASSISTANT

LANGUAGE TEACHER

LIFE GUARD

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

MENTAL HEALTH/ADDICTIONS COUNSELOR

MOTOR POOL FLEET SUPERVISOR

NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR

PAINTER

PARKS& MAINTENANCE WORKER

PATIENT REGISTRATION CLERK

PERSONAL CARE SERVICE AIDE (2 Positions)

PHYSICIAN-AMENDED

PHYSICIAN

PLUMBER

POLICE OFFICER I - CERTIFIED

POLICE OFFICER I - CERTIFIED

PRESENTING OFFICER

PRINCIPAL

RANGELAND MANAGEMENT TECHNICIAN

REGISTERED NURSE

SALES ASSOCIATE

SEPTIC TRUCK DRIVER

SHIFT SUPERVISOR

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

TRIBAL PROSECUTOR

TUTOR I

UTILITY WORKER

Isleta Pueblo News

December 2021

Public Works

Head Start

Social Services

Housing Authority

Legal Department

Treasury

Public Works

Elder Center

Housing Authority

Human Resources

Public Works

Social Services

Department of Education

Within Only

Gaming Regulatory

Health Services

Department or Education

Within Only

Parks & Recreation

Public Works

Health Services

Transportation Services

MIS

Housing Authority

Parks & Recreation

Health Services

Elder Center

Within Only

Health Center

Health Center

Housing Authority

Police Department

Police Department- Open Space Within Only

Tribal Administration

Isleta Elementary School

Rangeland Division

Health Services

C Stores

Public Works

Assisted Living Facility

lsleta Elementary School

Prosecutor

Department of Education

Public Works

Open Until Filled

11/23/2021

Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled

11/19/2021

Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled

11/23/2021

Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled

11/22/2021

11/22/2021

Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled

11/19/2021

Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled

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11/22/2021

12/01/2021

Open Until Filled

11/29/2021

11/22/2021

Open Until Filled

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Isleta Health Center Program

Postponements

The Isleta Health Center (IHC) is doing our part

to encourage social distancing, by continuing

to postpone the following programs until further

notice:

The IHC Programs below are postponed:



ICAP Moccasin Making Class on Tuesday

evenings



Isleta Diabetes Prevention Exercise

Classes (Eagle HIIT) held Mondays and

Wednesdays



Isleta Diabetes Weight Training held

Tuesdays and Thursdays

(Wellness Center available by

appointments only)



Power Source Virtual Only



Ripple Effects Virtual Only



Youth After School Program Virtual Only



Isleta Sewing Class canceled until further

notice



Isleta Health Support Group December

14, 2021 10:30-noon Tentatively

scheduled for Isleta



Health Center Kitchen, but may go Virtual

Only. Please call closer to the program to

find out (869-4479).

December 2021

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 7

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 8

December 2021

Isleta Historical Society

Protect the Land • Preserve the Culture • Honor the Ancestors

This continues a monthly series of articles about historic Isletans and significant happenings at Isleta.

The Isleta Historical Society is an independent, inclusive group looking to broaden understanding through

vigorous research, interviews, visits to museums and other historical sites etc. We are interested in your

reaction to these stories and encourage you to contact us with ideas for future publications. Visit us on

Facebook and Instagram @isletahistoricalsociety or email us at isletahistoricalsociety@gmail.com. We

will not use any information without your permission. Thank you!

Members: Randy Jiron, Kateri Jojola, Malcolm Ebright, Valentino Jaramillo, Rick Hendricks, and Ted Jojola

The Pueblo Canes – Part Two

The Lincoln canes, held by the governors of

each pueblo, including Isleta, were created

during Lincoln’s administration, with the

president’s knowledge and approval, but

Lincoln’s Commissioner of Indian Affairs,

William Dole, was the Washington official

most involved with the creation of the

canes. President Lincoln delegated the

implementation of his Indian policy to Dole

in large measure trusting Dole’s judgement.

Lincoln was in frequent touch with him so

that “Dole’s Indian policy pronouncements,

can … be said to represent Lincoln’s

thinking.” But it was Michael Steck who

discussed the Lincoln canes with Dole,

making them a reality.

Michael Steck purchased the canes from

John Dold in Philadelphia, paying $5.50

for each one. Today they are priceless.

Steck ordered nineteen canes, specifying

that they be made of ebony and be silvercrowned, inscribed with the name of each

pueblo, the year 1863, and the name, “A.

Lincoln, Pres, U.S.A.”

Antonio al Churleta, Governor of

San Juan Pueblo with Peace Medal

and Cane

In January 1864, Steck wrote his deputy

William B. Baker that he would soon

be leaving Washington and that he was

bringing with him “the pueblo land patents

that were ready and an official staff for

each of the governors to be used by them as

their custom dictated.” When he arrived in

Santa Fe in May, Steck had the canes, but

not the patents. The Santa Fe New Mexican

reported that Steck “brought an official

vara for each pueblo in the territory.”

Steck delivered the canes to Pueblo Agent

John Ward, who had previously served as

Navajo Agent early in 1864 and delegated

the ceremonial presentation of the canes to

Ward.

Steck had hoped that the pueblo patents

would be received by the latter part of

1864 since most of the pueblo grants had

been confirmed (in 1858) and surveyed (in

1923 All-Pueblo Council protesting Bursum Bill, holding Lincoln canes,

Washington, D.C., Courtesy of the National Anthropological Archives,

Smithsonian Institution, negative number gn_02860q

1859). When the patents still had not been Steck’s low-key role regarding the delivery

received by September 1864, Ward decided of the pueblo canes in New Mexico, his role

to deliver some of the canes to pueblo in the creation of the Lincoln canes was lost

delegations south and west of Santa Fe. for a time. Finally, ex-Indian Agent Chester

Ward had held the canes since May of 1864 Faris, wrote the first accurate history of

and wanted to award the peaceful pueblos the pueblo canes in 1952, revealing Steck’s

with these symbols of their sovereign involvement.

authority. On September 16 and September

The Pueblo Canes in Modern Times

20, 1864, in the community of Peña Blanca,

Ward delivered eleven Lincoln canes to the Soon after delivery to the pueblos, the

Pueblos of Cochiti, Zia, Santa Ana, Santo Lincoln canes assumed a huge significance

Domingo, San Felipe, Sandia, Jemez, within the pueblos. The canes not

Laguna, Acoma, Zuni, and Isleta. These only symbolized the concept of pueblo

pueblos did not receive their patents until sovereignty but conveyed authority to those

late 1864 or early 1865.

who held the governorship.

In a report to the Indian affairs

commissioners in Washington, Steck noted

in October and November 1864, that “[the

pueblos] were self-supporting tribes [who]

… required only limited assistance from

the government. Their immediate needs

consisted of only a blacksmith and a few

teachers.” Steck also recognized that the

pueblos’ overriding concern was protection

of their lands from encroachment. The

patents provided pueblos the authority

to defend their land. In “early November

1864 Steck wrote U.S. Commissioner of

Patents J.S. Edmunds and asked again

for the patents because there were ‘daily

complaints’.” Issued on November 1, 1864,

the patents arrived in New Mexico, but

not before Ward had given the canes to

the northern pueblos of Pojoaque, Nambe,

Tesuque, San Ildefonso, Santa Clara, San

Juan, Picuris, and Taos in October and

early November.

Steck allowed Ward to deliver the canes

to all of the New Mexico pueblos, though

Steck had done all the work in conceiving

the idea of the Lincoln canes, having

them manufactured in Philadelphia,

and bringing them to New Mexico. Steck

had also repeatedly admonished the

Commissioner of Patents in Washington to

issue and deliver the patents. Because of

Pablo Abeita discussed the importance

of the Lincoln canes in the political and

religious life of Isleta Pueblo in a memo

submitted to the Indian Agency in 1921.

Abeita described how governors had

used the canes in a judicial capacity.

Traditionally, the governor acted as the

sole judge in both civil and criminal cases.

If someone accused the governor of being

partial to one of the parties, three judges

were chosen, one by the governor and one by

each of the parties. The governor gave his

Lincoln cane to the judge he appointed as

a symbol of the delegation of his authority.

Note that it was the Lincoln cane that was

given to the governor’s choice for the threejudge judicial commission, delegating the

governor’s power and signifying that the

governor’s choice was the “chief justice”.

December 2021

Isleta Pueblo News

The Lincoln cane also figured prominently

in the ceremonies leading up to the transfer

of power from one governor to his successor.

Traditionally at Isleta, during the period

between Christmas and New Year’s, a new

governor is chosen by consensus between

the war chief, cacique, and the principales,

in conjunction with the entire pueblo.

Initially, the outgoing governor “hands the

canes or symbols to the [war] Chief, telling

him that as the end of the year has come,

and that as he (Governor), when elected

as Governor, was handed and given these

canes as token of authority, and was given

these for a year, [he] now turns them over

to him (the War Chief), so that he may with

his blessing give them to another who may

be elected.”

of the 1680 Pueblo Revolt “to reaffirm the

sovereignty of the pueblo governments,”

and in September 1987, “King Juan Carlos

of Spain, while visiting New Mexico, gave a

second Spanish cane to the governors.”

The War Chief takes the canes and offers a

prayer to the Supreme and asks blessings

for all present and then turns to the people

and tells them that the end of the year is on

hand and that the time has come to choose

another man to be governor. The selected

governor initially refuses the position, but

then accepts, asking the people if they will

respect and support him, and if they will

obey all his orders. The war chief thanks the

new governor and gives him the cane. The

governor asks his people to be guided and

governed by him. He then kisses the cane,

stands up, and accepts a seat beside the

retiring governor. Then the new governor

selects his first and second lieutenant

governors and smaller canes are given to

them.

Vicente Jiron, governor of Isleta

Pueblo, holds the Lincoln cane, 1899.

Courtesy of the National

Anthropological Archives,

Smithsonian Institution, negative

number 2003

All pueblos have similar ceremonies at the

end of the year, with the canes assuming

a major role as symbols of the power and

authority of the governor and the other

officers. At Zuni and other pueblos, they

believe “that the authority of the office

resides in the canes.” In pre-contact times

the symbol of office was a feathered staff

called a telnanne. According to tradition, the

cacique “who appointed the officials placed

the staff in their hands, said a prayer, and

breathed on the feather staff four times,

thereby charging the recipients with the

responsibilities of office.”

Besides the traditional canes, the nineteen

pueblos have received various other canes

over the years. In 1981, Governor Bruce

King gave each governor a cane during the

commemoration of the 300th anniversary

Page 9

Spanish government, one from President

Lincoln, and one from President Nixon — in

the Senate chambers. He didn’t say a word

… and there was a silence. Then all the

senators turned and looked at the cacique

… who nodded and then sat down. Then the

place burst into applause.”

The Pueblo Canes at Isleta – The Battle

of the Canes

Pojoaque Pueblo Governor George

Rivera, holding the canes validating

his power. Clyde Mueller,

The Santa Fe New Mexican

In July 1960, all nineteen pueblo governors

traveled to the Republican National

Convention in Chicago to participate in

Lincoln Day. Each governor received, not a

cane, but a silver medallion commemorating

“the grant by President Abraham Lincoln of

the famous Lincoln canes.” The medallion,

similar to the peace medals of an earlier

day, had an image of President Lincoln

on one side and President Dwight D.

Eisenhower on the other. The participation

of the pueblo governors in the ceremony,

most of whom brought their Lincoln canes,

testifies to the importance the New Mexico

pueblos placed on the Lincoln canes, indeed

on all the pueblo canes.

Canes symbolizing Taos Pueblo’s

sovereignty. Left, the Lincoln cane;

center, cane presented on behalf of

President Nixon; right, cane from

King Juan Carlos of Spain

Photo: Dan Budnik, from Gordon

McCutchan, The Battle for Blue Lake

Before President Nixon signed the law

returning Blue Lake to Taos Pueblo on

December 15, 1970, he gave the pueblo’s

cacique, Juan de Jesus Romero another

cane. Just after the Senate voted to approve

the legislation, in a stunning gesture of

pueblo sovereignty, cacique Romero “stood

up quietly and in a gesture of triumph,

held the Pueblo canes aloft — one from the

In 1941, Bautista Padilla, a conservative,

was governor of Isleta; he was the son of Jose

Padilla, governor in the nineteen-teens. The

pueblo was split between conservatives and

progressives, and the conservatives wanted

to retain Padilla although he did not have

majority support. On the day of the election,

January 1, 1942, the community assembled

outside the community center, which had

been locked by former governor Padilla in

an attempt to prevent the election. The

election proceeded anyway. A nominating

committee selected Frank Marujo, and a

majority of those present favored Marujo.

Rather than proclaim Marujo the winner,

the ninety-one people present decided to

hold a vote in a contest between Frank

Marujo and Bautista Padilla. This had

never been done before as previous elections

had been decided by a unanimous or nearunanimous vote. But in this case, Marujo

was elected by a vote of sixty-six to one,

with twenty-four abstentions.

When Marujo asked Padilla for the canes

of office and the records of past business,

Padilla refused. This led to the battle of

the canes on January 10, 1942. On that

day, the conservatives attempted to hold

their own election, electing Elias Jiron as

governor, and since the canes of office were

in Padilla’s possession, he attempted to pass

them to Elias Jiron. What happened next

was narrated by former governor Alvino

Lucero (1970, 1973-74,1979-80, 1985-86) in

a recent interview. Lucero, who was about

ten years old at the time, remembered

that after the conservatives refused to

relinquish the canes, the progressives

decided to take the canes by force. Joe

Sangre, a member of the war chiefs, held

the canes. Suddenly, a progressive punched

Sangre in the jaw, causing Sangre to drop

the canes. The progressives picked up the

canes and then ran, carrying the canes to

Bautista Zuni’s house where they hid them

between the mattresses until things cooled

down and they could be delivered to the

rightfully elected governor, Frank Marujo.

Marujo appointed his lieutenant governors

and other officials and was considered the

rightfully elected governor for 1942, though

Elias Jiron and the conservatives tried

several times to get government officials to

change the results.

The chaos of the battle of the canes led

eventually to the adoption by Isleta of the

constitution of 1947, which provided a more

orderly election process. But most of all, the

battle of the canes illustrated vividly the

importance of the canes, and especially, the

Lincoln canes, as a symbol of Isleta’s selfgovernment.

All the pueblos realized that they alone had

been presented with these symbolic staffs

of office. No other Indian tribes possessed

these silver-headed canes presented by

three New Mexican governments: Spain,

Mexico, and the United States. The Lincoln

canes hold the most meaning. As Roy Bernal

of Taos Pueblo expressed it in testimony

(Continued Next Page)

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 10

December 2021

Pueblo of Isleta Veterans Association

On November 11, our Veterans Association attended the Daniel Fernandez Bridge

Dedication in Los Lunas. We also held our own ceremony at the Isleta Cemetery.

We thank Governor Vernon Abeita, his wife Christine, and Lt. Governor Blaine

Sanchez for attending.

Cacique Juan de Jesús Romero

holding the Taos Pueblo canes aloft

after the Blue Lake victory.

Drawing by Glen Strock

before Congress on April 7, 1998, “the Lincoln

Canes [and all the canes] symbolize to all the

world the perpetual acknowledgement and

commitment of the United States to honor

our sovereignty, protect our resources, and

enhance our welfare.”

• • •

Again, we want to thank everyone who has been

reading these articles. We invest a great deal

of time and energy into these articles, and we

do so because we are interested and passionate

about the topics we cover. We believe that by

sharing these stories with the community it

may instill a sense of confidence in who we

are as Isletans. We are grateful for all of our

readers and have been receiving feedback from

the community. Some of you have even reached

out with ideas about what topics to cover next

or areas of interest for the Historical Society to

dig deeper into. We thank you for your interest

in the stories we are telling about the Pueblo

and the people and encourage you to reach out

to us with any information, ideas, or comments

that you feel would be helpful to us. Beginning

this month, we are requesting any ideas related

the women figures in the Pueblo who could be

covered and have their stories told. Again, any

information is greatly appreciated and will not

be used without your permission. Thank you!

Regarding the Veterans Cemetery, it was designated in order to provide interment

for those who served in the armed forces. This cemetery is for Veterans only. They

deserve dignity and earned to be buried there. DD214 form is required as proof

they have served. Let’s have respect for veterans who have served honorably in

the military. If you have received an interment flag, they must not be unfolded or

displayed on a flagpole. This is part of the flag etiquette prescribed in the military

policies.

Earlier this month, on November 4, our Veterans Association honored Nathaniel

Lujan, Director of the Pueblo of Isleta Public Library, for his dedicated service by

assisting us with I.T. services, namely computers. His assistance has greatly helped

us to navigate through the complex technology.

Our service officers, Ulysses Abeita, Marcus Lujan, and Tony Munoz will continue

to be at the Isleta Health Center the first Tuesday of each month from 10am to

12pm. The service officers are available to assist veterans and their family members

with their benefits or any other questions they may have about the U.S. Veterans

Administration.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas!

NEW HOMEOWNERSHIP COORDINATOR

Guwaazii hau'bah!

My name is Nina Jaramillo, I am the Homeownership Coordinator at the Isleta Pueblo

Housing Authority (IPHA). I am from the Pueblo of Acoma, and I bring with me 10

years of experience and knowledge in Indian Housing. As I began the advancement

of my housing career in Indian Country, I obtained my Homeownership Occupancy

Specialist certification through the National American Indian Housing Council

(NAIHC). I have also participated in other tribal organizations/coalitions such as the

NM Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) Tribal Homeownership Coalition, to serving

a term on the Southwest Tribal Housing Alliance (SWTHA) Board of Directors as

the Secretary/Treasurer and recently appointed by the Acoma Pueblo Tribal Council

as a Board of Commissioner for the Pueblo of Acoma Housing Authority.

I look forward to working with all of you and meeting the tribal community as

well, within means of a safe and healthy working environment. I will be managing

all of the NAHASDA/HUD homeownership accounts of which entail: processing/

updating New Housing Applications, managing the Waiting List, collection of

homebuyer payments, conducting annual inspections and processing annual/

interim recertifications. Should you wish to schedule an appointment with me to

further discuss your account in detail, please feel free to contact me at your earliest

convenience at (505) 869-4153.

Dawaa'eh!

Sincerely, Nina Jaramillo

IPHA Homeownership Coordinator

December 2021

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 11

Season Greetings,

from the Truancy Department

The Truancy Department hopes everyone had a

wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and are looking

forward to a wonderful Christmas season. We hope

that this holiday season will be better than what we

experienced in 2021.

Soon, all the schools will break for the holidays and there

will be plenty of time to rest and relax. Then before you

know it, January 2022 will be here! At that time some

parents may experience back to school struggles. Some

factors of students not wanting to attend school can

be that the child is worried about family illness, and

fearful of academic failure or the child might not want to

be away from their family members. At times the child

may feel the vacation was too short, so talk to your child

about the importance of attending school daily whether

it be in person or virtual, and the importance of building

healthy attendance habits. Although attendance may

not seem important right now, it will help set habits so

that as our children get older they realize that this is

a healthy habit, especially when it comes to managing

schedules into adulthood.

Here are some family ideas to do over the holiday break.

1.

Watching educational YouTube videos such as:

• MinutePhysics

• CrashCourse

• AsapSCIENCE

2. Watch documentaries which can be found for

free at Documentary Heaven.

3. Work on your physical health by going on nature

walks as a family. Taking pictures of these outings

will allow you to hold onto the memories that are

made.

This year has still been difficult for a lot us, and we hope

that the coming New Year brings continued blessings

your way.

Our hopes for the New Year 2022 is to refocus on the

importance of continuing to learn our culture and

specifically, our traditional language. Our language is

what will allow us to understand and grow, with the

support of our elders and traditional leaders. With that

being said, the Truancy Department would like to wish

everyone a safe, healthy and happy holiday season!

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 12

December 2021

Pueblo of Isleta Public Library

The end of 2021 is upon us and here at the library we hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving and

we would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year. Here

at the library we are looking forward to the upcoming year and are excited to start planning for new

programs for children, teens and adults.

News

With the upcoming holidays, unpredictable

winter weather, unexpected closures may

occur. Library hours are subject to change

at any given moment and a notice will be

sent out as soon as we know. Please follow

us on our Social Media platforms for up-tothe-minute updates on Library closures or

delays.

The Library will be CLOSED on the

following dates during the month of

December.

Friday, December 24th –

LIBRARY CLOSED: In Observance of

the Christmas Holiday. We would like to

wish everyone a Merry Christmas and

Happy Holidays!

Friday, December 31st –

LIBRARY CLOSED: In Observance of

New Year’s Day. We would like to wish

everyone a safe and Happy New Year’s.

With everything going on regarding the

COVID pandemic we would just like to

mention that any programs and events

that are planned here at the library are

subject to change or be canceled at any

time due to the Pueblo of Isleta Health

Order. We will continue to plan programs

that will work for the community even if

that means that they will be postponed or

go virtual. Keep connected with up-to-the

minute notifications on any changes or

cancellations by following us on our social

media platforms.

In November library staff began the process

of purchasing new furniture for the library.

First, we did some rearranging in the

children’s room, teen room and general area

of the library. While selecting furniture we

looked at the future of libraries adjusting

to the technology advancements. We have

noticed that most people have their own

devices due to the pandemic with school

and work going remote. With that being

said, we wanted more space for patrons to

plug in with more area for patrons to sit

and connect to Wi-Fi while having a power

source. If you come in you will notice we

have made more room in the computer lab

for patrons to use their own device. This is

still a work in progress and we hope to have

this complete by April.

The library has been open since August to

POI resident patrons to come in and check

out library material. Since our reopening,

we have noticed a lot of the library material

borrowed prior to the COVID lockdown was

never returned. We understand that it is

difficult for some people to return library

material and that’s ok. However, we want

to encourage anyone that has any library

material out to please return them and

there will be NO FINES or LATE FEES for

items brought back in good condition. This

will be on going until the end of the year. If

you would like to know what items you have

out, please call the library at (505) 8699808 and we will be happy to check your

account. Reminder, you may also use your

library application to see which item(s) you

have out.

Please help us in welcoming the library’s

new staff members Minewa and Kimberly

who both started in November. They will

be working with the After School Program,

with homework and planning activities and

crafts. We are excited for them to join our

library team, make sure to say hello the

next time you’re in the library. They will

be learning the ins and outs of the library

in the coming months so please be patient

with them as they are learning.

Come join us for weekly Family Story Time

here at the library. For the time being

Family Story Time will be virtual. Please

make sure and pick up your supplies for

the crafts before Story Time. Family Story

Time is a fun opportunity for parents,

grandparents, and caregivers to introduce

their children to reading and language.

Open for ages 16 months to 5 years old,

but please keep in mind that it is open for

the whole family to come. For the month of

December after story time we will be doing

crafts that include a Wood Slice Ornament,

Pete the Cat Ornament, a Popsicle Stick

Little Blue Truck, Santa Card and an Alien

Space Ship Craft. Story time will be every

Wednesday at 10:30 am here at the library.

If you have any questions about our story

times give the library a call and speak with

Cheyenne at (505) 869-9808 or email at

Cheyenne.Castillo@isletapueblo.com.

For most of us it is time to start planning

for next year and all it’s possibilities. The

Library can help you reach your goals!

Come check out our variety of fitness

material such as fitness books, cookbooks,

magazines, DVDs, fitness bags and music

in both CDs and digital collections. Looking

to start a new hobby? Try our Cake pan

Bags that include a specialty cake pan and

piping tips for decorating. In other words,

come take advantage of all the FREE

services the library offers. We are definitely

more than books.

Upcoming

Join us this holiday season for an Ugly

Sweater Themed Murder Mystery Dinner

Party on Wednesday, December 22nd.

Leave your lives behind for a night and take

on a new identity to help solve the murder

in our library program “HO HO Homicide”.

Participants will come together and look at

December 2021

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 13

clues to try to solve a murder while acting

and having dinner. This program is FREE

and open to adults 18 and over, there will

be 8 spots available to tribal members.

Library staff members are still in the

process of planning upcoming programs

for December. We hope to plan various

programs around Christmas and the

holidays. We had little time to prepare

as library staff was attending trainings

and COVID-19 alterations to the Health

Order that was set in place near the end

of November. Please follow us on our social

media platforms for upcoming December

programs.

Recap

The After School Program has made it

through the first semester of school and

students are excited for the upcoming

holiday vacation. November and December

months are always fun for the After School

program as they are ending the semester

and the days are filled with holiday crafts,

activities, parties and yummy treats. Here

is an overview of what the After School

Program did for the month of November

and December. Students used left over

Halloween pumpkins and created a

centerpiece along with a Sock Turkey to

place on their table for Thanksgiving.

Students also made some fall treats that

included Chocolate Fudgesicles, Peanut

Butter Energy Bars, Pumpkin Pasties

and Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls. Thank

you to library staff member Kyle, Minewa

and Kimberly for planning the crafts and

activities for the after school program.

During the month of November Library

staff attended a series of trainings that

included CPR, First Aid, Fire Extinguisher

training and Food Handlers course. It was

a busy month and we learned so much, and

the library staff is now recertified for the

upcoming New Year.

Fall Crafts with the After School Program Students making a

Thanksgiving Pumpkin centerpiece.

After School Students coming together to make Pumpkin Pasties!

After School Students stirring up a

batch of pumpkin filling!

Looks like After School Students are

in the process of making fudge!

Page 14

Isleta Pueblo News

December 2021

PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT

SPORTS SECTION

Hello sports fans, just want to give an

update on what’s been happening at the

Recreation Center lately. We recently

finished a 3-point contest which was lots

of fun for the participants. We had eight

individuals participate in this event, the

individuals were Myron G, Erwin G, Cubs

M, Mike W, Kyle W, Greg Z, Xavier V,

and Destiny J (the only female). Destiny

was a last minute fill in and did extremely

well for being a first time participant in

this type of competition. She made it to

the championship by knocking out Xavier

and Sheriff Kyle. On the other side of the

bracket Cubs made it to the championship

by knocking out both Mike and Myron. The

Championship was set for Destiny and

Cubs with Cubs defeating Destiny to take

the crown. It was a fun with lots of smiles

and I want to thank all the participants.

We hope to have more of these types of

events in the future.

The Parks & Recreation Department also

teamed up with Story Riders and their

team of Marcos Sandoval, Janice Lucero,

Daryl Lucero and Kateri Jojola.

The Story Riders Program took nine Isleta

Pueblo youth and gave them an opportunity

to experience the Isleta culture and

outdoors while riding bikes. The program

gave the youth participants bikes after

the completion of the program. It was an

awesome program that taught the youth

bike safety and care. We are hoping to have

similar programs for our youth in the near

future. Special thanks goes out to Governor

Abeita, IPD staff Kathleen Lucero, Jon

Abeita, and Bryson. We also want to thank

Behavioral Health staff Orion Zuni and

Kory Kie. All these individuals helped make

this program a success. The youth enjoyed

their bike rides, the wonderful opportunity

to learn, and hear stories about our culture

from our elders.

We were hoping to start our Volleyball

League in November but that has been

postponed for safety reasons. As soon as

we are able to, we will get the Volleyball

League going. We currently have eight

teams for the league and the players are

excited for the season to start. The teams

in the league are BUFU, Last Minute,

S.W.A.T, Hummingbirds, Fancy Like, Net

Ninjas, Kiss my Ace, and the Sicarios. I

want to wish all the teams good luck in

advance.

Please feel free to contact George Waquie

at (505) 869-9777, if you have activity ideas

or if you want more information about the

sports activities we are currently hosting.

AQUATICS SECTION

Happy Holidays everyone! Isleta Aquatics

has had an eventful year of programming

and swim lessons! We are looking to grow

these programs in 2022. We are looking

into creating an all age club swim team

that would compete in different events,

(freestyle, backstroke, breast stroke,

butterfly) individual and relay teams.

Experience is a plus but not necessary as

we will help develop your skills through

practices. If you or anyone in your family

has any interest, please call Josh or Connie

at (505) 869-9783.

Isleta Aquatics is still looking to fill

lifeguard positions. If you know anyone

that is over the age of 15 that would like to

apply for the Lifeguard position have them

call the Aquatics Office at (505) 869-9783.

We will provide training and certification

upon hire.

We hosted this year’s Pueblo Harvest Run/

Walk in November, with approximately 57

participants. Unfortunately, it was virtual

again and we are hoping that next year will

be better and in person so we are able to

host an actual run. The first place finisher

was Phillip A, with Jerrica T finishing in

second, and Elthia Z in third. The following

individuals were the next tier of finishers

Amber M, Dominique Z, Cubs M, Grace

J, Kevin M, Ryan J, and Kevin S. I want

to thank all the participants in this year’s

Pueblo Harvest Run/Walk. I also want

to thank Lt. Lucero for donating concert

tickets as the prize for the top two runners

in this year’s run.

Lanes are available by appointment for

lap swim from 6:30am to 6:30pm, Monday

through Thursday and 6:30am-5:30pm

on Fridays. We would like to encourage

anyone interested to call the Rec Center at

(505) 869-9777 to reserve your lane!

We are currently taking registration forms

for the first swim lesson session of 2022

which will begin in January. Registration

forms are available at the front desk at the

Rec Center. Swim lesson registration is on

a first come first served basis, so get your

forms in as soon as possible to reserve your

child’s spot. Adult swim lessons are also

available for those interested.

FITNESS SECTION

Isleta recreation center has been very

active with new participants that want to

focus on their health and wellness. This is

the most important time to focus on your

health with flu season lurking, the dreaded

corona virus, and let’s not forget the New

Year’s Resolutions that are just around the

corner.

The Parks & Recreation Department is

dedicated to your health and safety; we

clean our facilities constantly to help protect

you from any lurking dangers. But it also

takes the efforts of all our participants and

December 2021

community members to help keep our

community safe by washing your hands

regularly, using hand sanitizer, wearing

your mask properly, and when using our

facilities to workout out. Please, please,

please, make sure and… clean your station

after each workout.

On a lighter note, December is the time to

spin into 2022. December 6th will be our

first spin class provided that we are able

to hold classes. Classes will be held in the

Basketball gym on Mondays at 6 pm. The

bikes will be spaced with plenty of distance

and yes, yes…. Mask will be required during

exercise.

Also Boot Camp has been such a success

and we don’t want to stop due to the time

change, so we are bringing boot camp classes

indoors again provided that we will be able to

continue to hold classes. We will have Boot

Camp in the basketball gym on Wednesday

at 5:30 pm. So please come and join us,

everyone is welcomed. See you all soon and

continue to stay safe.

AFTER SCHOOL/RECREATION

SECTION

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

Things continue to flow for the Recreation

Section, the participants are having fun

doing daily activities and projects and we are

getting ready for our holiday season. Keep

your eyes open for information about our all

day Christmas break program for those that

may need it.

Here are some fun Christmas Ideas to do

at home with your families or start a new

family holiday tradition:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Make Christmas Cookies

Make Gingerbread houses

Share stories of Growing up in Isleta

Watch a Favorite Holiday Movie

S’mores Night

Bingo Night

Make a Puzzle together

Make Christmas Crafts/Ornaments

Play Monopoly Game/Uno cards

Sing Christmas songs

Take a Nature Walk

Countdown with an Advent Calendar

Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest

Christmas Scavenger Hunt

Build a Snowman

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 15

Page 16

Isleta Pueblo News

December 2021

PUEBLO OF ISLETA

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

Fall has arrived and winter is officially arriving

December 21st. Be sure you have prepared your home

for the colder days and nights.

If you have a swamp cooler, remember to drain the

water from the cooler unit and the water supply line.

If the supply line connects to an outdoor spigot or frost

free, turn the water off at the spigot or frost free, then

remove the water line from the spigot or frost free to

drain the supply line.

Spigots on the outside of buildings can be protected

by installing an insulated cover that can be purchased

at most hardware stores. Frost frees are designed

to “drain” any water in the frost free pipe when the

water is turned off. Some water supply fixtures may

not drain and should be well insulated to protect the

piping from freezing temperatures.

Water supply lines under modular homes need to be

protected from the freezing temperatures. Installing

heat tape, wrapping lines with insulation and proper

skirting will help protect the pipe. Sewer drain lines

are also susceptible to freezing and it is a good idea to

protect those lines as well.

Each residence should have a water isolation valve

located inside the home. Fixtures such as sinks and

toilets should have individual shut-off valves so

necessary repairs can be done without turning off

the water to the entire home If you have to call the

Public Works Department to turn off the water (505869-5170), knowing the location of your outside water

turn-off is valuable information It will take time for

an employee to respond to your location, additional

time for the employee to locate the water shut-off (if

unknown) and then turn off the water supply. Use the

Isleta Dispatch non-emergency phone number of 505869-3030 to contact Public Works for services after

normal working hours, weekends and on Holidays.

Please take the time to locate the water isolation

valve and mark its location in a way that will make it

easy to locate in an emergency. If it snows, the valve

may be buried and harder to locate. Installing some

type of marker pole is an excellent idea.

If you have any questions, please call the Public

Works Department at 505-869-5170 during normal

business hours.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND

A HAPPY NEW YEAR

The Public Works Department wishes a very

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all

Tribal members, Pueblo employees and visitors.

Please continue to take precautions to protect

yourselves and the people you come in contact

with from spreading the Covid-19 virus.

December 2021

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 17

PUEBLO OF ISLETA

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

DECEMBER 2021 Article

VILLAGE SEWER LINE PROJECT

The Village Sewer Line Project has been underway

since April, 2021 with TLC as the contractor for the

project.

All the older clay service lines (from the home to the

sewer main) have been replaced with new PVC piping

and clean-outs; eliminating cracked, broken or misaligned pipes that may have caused sewage back-ups

to occur in the past. Many homes had more than one

sewer service line connected to the sewer main line.

These included 2” drain lines from kitchen sinks, drain

lines from bathroom additions and washer drain lines.

There were a few instances where the additional sewer

service lines were not known to exist (no clean-outs)

until a sewage back-up occurred at the home. The

contractor had to return to the home, locate the other

sewer service line(s), replace the line if necessary and

tie-in to the main line. There is a home with 8 cleanouts due to the numerous drain lines coming out of the

home in the Village area!

A few new sewer main lines and manholes were

constructed during this project. All of the existing

manholes were rehabilitated, extending their useful

life. Sewer main lines originally installed in the 1960’s

were “slip lined”; a process in which liner material is

pulled into the sewer main using manholes for access;

hot steam is fed into that section of main line causing

the liner material to expand inside the sewer main,

creating a tight bond between the existing sewer main

pipe and the liner. A robotic device is utilized after

the liner is cured to “cut” out the liner material that

is installed over the sewer service lines tied into the

sewer main. A few sewer service lines were missed

during the “robotic cutting”, causing some sewer backups at the residences. The contractor responded and

made necessary repairs.

The majority of the project will be complete by midDecember. There will be some work going on after

that to complete the project and correct issues. If you

have property in the Village but don’t reside there,

please take the time to check all the drain lines at

that property. Since there could be multiple drain

lines involved at a single residence, one or more of the

drain lines could have been missed during the project.

Best way to find out if all your sewage drain lines are

functional is to run water for at least 15 minutes at

every fixture in the home.

If there are any issues

with the drain lines, contact Public Works at 505-8695170.

The Pueblo of Isleta thanks everyone on the Pueblo for

their patience, understanding and cooperation during

the Village Sewer Line Project. We understand how

difficult it is to deal with detours, safely maneuver

around construction trucks and workers and endure

the noise that comes with any major construction

project. At the end of the project Isleta has a much

more efficient sewer collection system!

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 18

December 2021

NEWSLETTER

ISLETA POLICE DEPARTMENT

DECEMBER – 2021

The last month of 2021 which was again a year of challenges for everyone. We hope everyone had a joyous

and peaceful Thanksgiving and are looking forward to the Christmas holidays just around the corner and

a brighter year for 2022.

The upcoming holiday season is a busy time for everyone but we also want to encourage COVID-19 safety

practices to keep everyone safe. As per the newly released guideline issued by the Governor please be

sure to follow them to help in keeping Isleta safe and strong!

CONGRATULATIONS!

We have many individuals from the

Police Department Family who must be

congratulated for their accomplishments

which occurred last month.

Shayla Howard

of police work. I look forward to serving my

community and continuing education in my

new field”.

Officer A Castro – Officer D Roybal

Officer Castro stated “After completion of

the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy

I was blessed with the opportunity to gain

knowledge, discipline, and join a family

like no other”. He said it was a long rough

journey but the promise and oath he made

to his family, community and department

helped him overcome the hard times”.

Officer Castro concluded by saying, “I look

to always educate myself every day and

serve the Pueblo of Isleta with the highest

standards and utmost respect”.

Jazmine Olivas

Shayla

Howard

and

Jazmine

Olivas graduated from the Public

Telecommunicator Academy on November

5, 2021. They were a part of Class #153

and graduated with eleven others from

around the state. They are now certified

telecommunicators / dispatchers and

continue to serve the Pueblo of Isleta.

Well done gentlemen!

WELCOME!

New faces are appearing at the Department

as well. We have added a new dispatcher and

an officer who is currently in field training

and will be attending the Certification by

Waiver training in 2022.

CONGRATULATIONS

LADIES!

CONGRATULATIONS also go to our

new police officer trainees who graduated

from the State of New Mexico Basic Police

Officer Academy in Santa Fe, NM. Officers

D. Roybal and A. Castro successfully

completed their sixteen week training

on November 10, 2021 and began Field

Training on November 16, 2021.

Officer Roybal stated “I was privileged to

be the class leader throughout the entire

academy. Although the days were long

and stressful, I always remembered the

commitment I made to the People of Isleta.

I am grateful for the friendships made and

lessons learned. This experience has gifted

me with new knowledge and understanding

Welcome to the newest addition to the Isleta

Police Department’s Dispatch Center. Ms.

Evangelynn Duran joined the Division

November 15, 2021. She is 21 years old

and is from Albuquerque. Evangelynn

graduated from Valley High School and lists

playing softball and teaching her brothers

“all that I know” as things she enjoys.

Evangelynn is “excited and grateful to start

my law enforcement career with the Pueblo

of Isleta” as she loves helping others.

Officer Max Salas joined the department

on November 8, 2021 and brings with him

many years of varied training.

Officer Salas was raised in Albuquerque,

New Mexico graduating from West Mesa

High School in 1989. Following high school

graduation, he signed up for the New

Mexico Army National Guard attending

basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey

and Advanced Individual Training at Fort

Belvoir, Virginia.

In 1990, he attended the New Mexico State

Corrections Cadet Academy and upon his

successful graduation, worked one year at

the Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa

Fe (the same facility where the 1980

prison riots occurred). After a year at the

Penitentiary, he transferred to Central New

Mexico Correctional Facility in Los Lunas,

New Mexico where he worked seven years

and was assigned/worked various duties,

i.e., the Emergency Response Tactical

Team, Cell Extraction Team, Recreation,

Work Detail and supervision of maximum

security inmates.

In March of 1998, he accepted employment

with the New Mexico State Police attending

the 59th New Mexico State Police Recruit

Class. Upon graduation he was stationed in

Farmington, New Mexico and was assigned

to the patrol division for four years prior to

transferring to the New Mexico State Police

Investigations Bureau. In investigations he

handled and investigated major felonies,

worked two years of Narcotics and was also

assigned to the United States Marshal’s

Task Force in Farmington where he was

cross-deputized as a Special Agent for the

US Marshal’s Office and assisted in the

apprehension of several outstanding violent

felony fugitives.

After serving twenty three years of

combined service with State Police and

Corrections, Officer Salas retired but

continued working as a Field Technician

December 2021

Isleta Pueblo News

for a local oil field in Farmington servicing

dehydrators and separators on the oil

patch. Though it was a dirty job he said it

was a “fun job” he held for four years before

entering employment with Mercy Regional

Medical Center in Durango, Colorado in

Security. He was responsible for safety

and security with special attention to high

profile patients. At the end of two years

with the hospital he was asked by his

previous employer at the oil field company

to put together a security team together

where he would serve as supervisor and

be responsible for hiring/firing personnel.

He also had added duties of scheduling,

training and addressing uniform and

equipment issues.

SAFETY TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAY

(as taken from the National Safety Council

website)

Holiday safety is an issue that burns

brightest from late November to midJanuary, when families gather, parties

are scheduled and travel spikes. While the

holidays might look a little different this

year due to the pandemic, smaller outdoor

or indoor in-person gatherings are still

possible dependent upon your location.

At the end of two years, Officer Salas moved

to Albuquerque and, as he states, “I have a

beautiful girlfriend name Jennifer Chavez

who I love so much and she comes from an

excellent family who care dearly about me.

Jennifer has and continues to be with me

every step of the way and she has supported

me through this great accomplishment”.

He lists hunting, fishing, golfing, exercising

and weightlifting as things he enjoys.

He adds, “I am very happy to be working

here at the beautiful Isleta Pueblo and I am

excited to start my law enforcement career

with the Isleta Police Department. I am

very blessed and I am very thankful for the

Tribe to have me working here. God Bless

and everyone please be safe!

PLEASE REVIEW THE NEW PUBLIC

HEALTH ORDER FOR THE PUEBLO.

To all traveling the roadways around and

through the Pueblo please keep in mind:

The three biggest causes of fatalities on the

road are alcohol, speeding and lack of seat

belt use.

Addressing what causes crashes, as well as

the role vehicles, drivers, road systems and

technology play in creating safer roads is

Page 19

how we will eliminate preventable deaths

on the road.

(REPEAT)

The three biggest causes of fatalities on the

road are alcohol, speeding and lack of seat

belt use.

Addressing what causes crashes, as well as

the role vehicles, drivers, road systems and

technology play in creating safer roads is

how we will eliminate preventable deaths

on the road.

The National Safety Council

PLEASE DRIVE SAFELY

Don’t Text and Drive, Watch Your

Speed, Be Aware of the Traffic

Around You, Don’t Drink and

Drive and Don’t Be an Emotional/

Aggressive Driver

FROM THE ISLETA POLICE DEPARTMENT

Page 20

Hello Families of Isleta Head Start!

We are proud to announce that we are a FIVE

STAR FOCUS Program! We are the first Tribal

Head Start to achieve this status! We work

closely with the University of New Mexico to

ensure our children are receiving high quality

early childhood education before going on to

kindergarten.

What is FOCUS?

FOCUS On Young Children’s Learning,

New Mexico’s Tiered Quality Rating and

Improvement System (TQRIS), provides early

childhood program personnel with the criteria,

tools, and resources they need to improve

the quality of their programs. These quality

improvements focus on children’s growth,

development, and learning – so that each child

has an equitable opportunity to be successful

when entering school.

We work to:

•

Provide developmentally appropriate

activities for our children – Our program

uses the Creative Curriculum as well as our

own Tiwa Curriculum.

•

Expand early childhood community

capacity – We collaborate with various

programs in the community such as the

Isleta Public Library, Isleta Health Center

and more!

•

Support linguistically and culturally

appropriate curriculum – Our program ties

our Tiwa Language and Culture into our

Creative Curriculum as such as providing

various activities such as storytelling, singing

and dancing.

•

Focus on school readiness – We

prepare our children and families for a

smooth transition into kindergarten by

providing

developmentally

appropriate

activities and help them establish a plan.

Teachers carefully plan indoor and outdoor

activities based on what children need to

learn according to Teaching Strategies.

Teaching Strategies is our observation based

assessment. We use the objectives to share

children’s information based on the following

domains:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Social-Emotional

Physical

Cognitive

Literacy

Mathematics

Science and Technology

Social Studies

The Arts

Isleta Pueblo News

December 2021

December 2021

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 21

ISLETA HEALTH CENTER

Ma Gu Waam from

Shay Jaramillo, BSN, RN

Happy Fall to everyone!

I hope everyone is staying safe.

It is that time of year again; flu shot

season. Call to schedule your flu shots today,

6 months and older are eligible.

Below are some helpful Q&A tips about the

Medical department:



Did you know that you have to call at 8:00am

for a walk in appointment? Dial 869-4385 to speak

to a nurse, and remember we open at 10:00 am on

Thursdays.



Did you know we now have a pediatrician? His

name is Dr. Sapien and he joined the IHC team on

June 28, 2021. He is here twice a month; make an

appointment for your child(ren) today.



Did you know if you are transported by

ambulance from the Health Center that you will still

need to notify PRC within 72 hours?



Did you know you can now print your child(ren)

s or your own vaccine record? Visit VaxViewNM.org

to print.



Did you know you could request your medication

refills without asking your doctor? This can be done

by calling the Pharmacy refill line or the pharmacy

directly. If you are out of refills, the pharmacy staff

will ask your doctor to refill the medication for you.



Did you know the best way to prevent illnesses

such as the flu, cold and COVID is to WASH YOUR

HANDS? Washing your hands with soap and warm

water as soon as you get home from work, school,

running errands or being outside will help keep

yourself, your family and the community healthy.

Page 22

Isleta Pueblo News

December 2021

ISLETA HEALTH CENTER

Medical and Lab Clinics

•

Please call (505) 869-4089 to

schedule your appointments.

•

All Visits are by appointment.

•

Please update your phone and

address with patient registration

with any changes.

•

Please allow three to five business

days for paperwork processing.

•

Lab appointments require a

physician order.

•

Notify PRC if you go by ambulance,

go to an urgent care or emergency

room.

•

If you are sent to Albuquerque IHS

for an X-ray or Ultrasound

remember to take all your

documents, (CIB, drivers

license, insurance card).

December 2021

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 23

Know Your Numbers,

You Are Important,

You Are Worth It

World AIDS Day

Brandi Lucero, CHR Coordinator

Isleta Health Center (505) 869-4482

World AIDS Day was the first-ever global health

day. First celebrated in 1988, World AIDS Day is

now observed each year on December 1st. The day

is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite

in the fight against HIV, show their support for

people living with HIV, and remember those who

have died from an HIV-related illness. According

to the CDC, globally there are an estimated 38

million people who have the HIV virus. World

AIDS Day remains as relevant today as it has

always been, reminding people and governments

that HIV has not gone away. To show your

support on World AIDS Day you can wear a red

ribbon, share this information with your family

and friends, share on your social media page,

donate to organization or charities dedicated to

HIV/AIDS, and get tested to know your status!

For more information about HIV/AIDS, visit

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

website at www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks the

body’s immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can

lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

(AIDS). There is currently no effective cure for

HIV/AIDS. Once people get HIV, they have it for

life. However, with proper medical care, people

with HIV who get effective treatment can live

long, healthy lives and can prevent spreading it to

their partner. Transmission of HIV is associated

with coming in contact with an infected person’s

blood, vaginal fluids, anal secretions, semen, preejaculate fluid, and breastmilk. Someone can

reduce their risk of HIV by using strategies such

as abstinence (not having sex), never sharing

needles, and using condoms the right way every

time they have sex. You may also be able to take

advantage of HIV prevention medicines such

as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) depending on if you

know you were exposed to a known HIV infected

person. But importantly, the only way to know

your HIV status is to be tested. Knowing your

status can help you stay healthy, as well as your

partner.

For testing, ask your healthcare provider or

you can visit betestednm.org or by calling 1(833

NMX-TEST / 1(833) 669-8378) to get a home-test

shipped to you at no cost, and when you complete

you can get a $15 gift card!

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

(2021, April 7). HIV basics. Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention. Retrieved September 22,

2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/index.

html.

World AIDS Day Organization, (September

13, 2021). About World AIDS Day, Retrieved

September 22, 2021, from https://www.

worldaidsday.org/about/. https://www.nmhealth.

org/about/phd/idb/happ/, Betestednm.org

Isleta Heath Center Pharmacy

As the Holidays are quickly approaching, we would like to remind

everyone that the IHC Pharmacy will be closed:

●

Friday, December 24, 2021 – In Observance of Christmas

Day

●

Friday, December 31, 2021 – In Observance of New Year’s

Day

Please remember you can use the refill line for your refills

by calling 869-4590

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call

us at 869-4473 and we will be happy to answer them.

THANK YOU

Isleta Health Center

Optometry Department

Eye Health for Adults Over 60

See your eye doctor regularly!

First and most important, it is

recommended that you have your

eyes examined by an optometrist or

ophthalmologist at least once per year.

You will be screened for eye diseases

such as glaucoma or macular degeneration. If these are identified early,

you can work with your eye doctor to preserve your vision for many years

to come.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle!

Conditions such as Diabetes and High Blood Pressure can affect your eyes.

It is very important to work with your Primary Care Doctor to maintain

healthy blood sugar and blood pressure. A healthy lifestyle not only helps

the body, but also helps the eyes.

Use the right eye drops!

Dryness of the eyes is very common with age. It is recommended that you

use eye drops for lubrication, also known as “artificial tears”. Avoid drops

that say, “get the red out” as these can actually make the eyes feel more

dry. Instead, look for drops that say “lubricating” or “moisturizing”. If you

are not getting sufficient relief, talk to your eye doctor about other options.

Be aware of normal aging changes to your vision!

The eyes change with time. Driving at night and moving from dimly lit

to well-lit areas become more difficult. Be extra cautious while driving,

especially at night. You may also find that good quality lighting will

improve your ability to read and do other near tasks.

Wear Sunglasses!

Good sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection will help to slow the progression

of cataracts and other eye damage that can be caused by UV light. Widebrimmed hats can also help to decrease the UV light that enters the eyes.

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 24

MONDAY

SAT/

DPP=Diabetes Prevention Program:

869-4595

BHS=Behavioral Health Services :

869-5475

TUESDAY

ISLETA HEALTH SUPPORT

GROUP

Kidney Disease

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Isleta Health Center Kitchen

RSVP by December 13th

Contact Stephanie Barela

869-4479 |

4/5

6

The Ripple Effect : 9:00 12:00pm For more information

please call: 869-5475

Power Source: 3:30-4:30pm

For more information please call:

869-5475

11/12

13

The Ripple Effect : 9:00 12:00pm For more information

please call: 869-5475

Power Source: 3:30-4:30pm

For more information please call:

869-5475

18/19

20

The Ripple Effect : 9:00 12:00pm For more information

please call: 869-5475

Power Source: 3:30-4:30pm

For more information please call:

869-5475

25/26

7

The Ripple Effect : 9:00 12:00pm For more information

please call: 869-5475

Isleta Youth Wellness Program: 4:30-6pm For more information please call: 869-5475

14

The Ripple Effect : 9:00 12:00pm For more information

please call: 869-5475

Isleta Youth Wellness Program: 4:30-6pm For more information please call: 869-5475

21

The Ripple Effect : 9:00 12:00pm For more information

please call: 869-5475

Isleta Youth Wellness Program: 4:30-6pm For more information please call: 869-5475

WEDNESDAY

1

The Ripple Effect : 9:00 - 12:00pm

For more information please call:

869-5475

Wellbriety Group: 11:00 -12:00pm

For Information please call: 869-5475

Isleta Youth Wellness Program:

4:30-6pm For more information

please call:

869-5475

8

The Ripple Effect : 9:00 - 12:00pm

For more information please call:

869-5475

Wellbriety Group: 11:00 -12:00pm

For more Information please call:

869-5475

Isleta Youth Wellness Program:

4:30-6pm For more information

please call:

869-5475

15

The Ripple Effect : 9:00 - 12:00pm .

For more information please call:

869-5475

Wellbriety Group: 11:00 -12:00pm >

For more Information please call:

869-5475

Isleta Youth Wellness Program:

4:30-6pm For more information

please call:

869-5475

22

The Ripple Effect : 9:00 - 12:00pm

For more information please call:

869-5475

Wellbriety Group: 11:00 -12:00pm

For Information please call: 869-5475

December 2021

THURSDAY

2

FRIDAY

3

CLINIC OPENS AT 9:50am

Isleta Youth Wellness

Program: 4:30-6pm For

more information please call:

869-5475

CLINIC OPENS AT 9:50am

10

9

Isleta Youth Wellness

Program: 4:30-6pm For

more information please call:

869-5475

CLINIC OPENS AT 9:50am

17

16

CLINIC OPENS AT 9:50am

Isleta Youth Wellness

Program: 4:30-6pm For

more information please call:

869-5475

CLINIC OPENS AT 9:50am

23

24

Isleta Youth Wellness

Program: 4:30-6pm For

more information please call:

869-5475

Isleta Youth Wellness Program:

4:30-6pm For more information

please call:

869-5475

27

28

29

30 CLINIC OPENS AT 9:50am31

The Ripple Effect : 9:00 12:00pm For more information

please call: 869-5475

The Ripple Effect : 9:00 12:00pm For more information

please call: 869-5475

Isleta Youth Wellness Program: 4:30-6pm For more information please call: 869-5475

The Ripple Effect : 9:00 - 12:00pm

For more information please call:

869-5475

Wellbriety Group: 11:00 -12:00pm

For Information please call: 869-5475

Isleta Youth Wellness

Program: 4:30-6pm For

more information please call:

869-5475

Power Source: 3:30-4:30pm

For more information please call:

869-5475

All In Person Groups will be Virtual Until Further Notice...

Isleta Youth Wellness Program:

4:30-6pm For more information

please call:

869-5475