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

> Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more.

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Apueblo_isleta%3A8f5b996dfca3a2d4

## Record

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

## Text

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
Open Until Filled
Open Until Filled

(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
Open Until Filled
11/22/2021
12/01/2021
Open Until Filled
11/29/2021
11/22/2021
Open Until Filled
Open Until Filled
Open Until Filled
Open Until Filled

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

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Apueblo_isleta%3A8f5b996dfca3a2d4. Public record. Not legal advice.