Pueblo of Isleta website: www.isletapueblo.com (2020)

Tribal code

Ask Donna

What actually matters in this document.

Text

Volume 15 Issue 12

Isleta Pueblo News

Pueblo of Isleta website: www.isletapueblo.com

December 2020

Governor’s Report

Ma gu wam,

The end of 2020 is upon us and I hope that you

had a good Thanksgiving, but most of all a safe

Thanksgiving. We have all seen the number

of positive COVID-19 cases spike across New

Mexico and here in our community. We all

have a responsibility to protect one another,

our elders and our children. I realize that

family is most important, especially during

the holidays, however, I must urge you NOT to

host or attend gatherings of people you do not

live with. Almost all recent COVID-19 cases

have been due to attendance at gatherings such

as birthday parties and family dinners, where

multiple visitors in the home are having close

contact with too many people. It is apparent

that we have let our guard down and as a result,

the COVID-19 virus is spreading quickly in our

community.

In an effort to curtail the virus, we will begin

closing more roads throughout the communities.

I want to thank you for following all of the

health orders which have been distributed thus

far and I urge you to continue safe practices.

The tribal election information should be

finalized by the time you receive this issue

of the newsletter. I congratulate the new

administration and tribal council and wish

them patience and wisdom when serving their

community. Thank you for taking the time to

vote.

I want to offer my condolences to the families

and friends of those who have recently passed.

Needless to say there have been many who

have left us this year.

Please accept my appreciation for supporting

me and my administration these past two years.

It has been a trying one with the COVID-19

pandemic and in trying to cover all aspects of

need for the safekeeping of our people. I would

also like to thank all the Pueblo of Isleta and

Isleta Resort and Casino employees for their

commitment and for going above and beyond

in their commitment and back breaking work

to serve the community when they were called

upon. I especially thank my Lieutenants Jiron

and Jaramillo and my Sheriffs Jojola and

Lucero for their service. THANK YOU!

Hur kem.

Governor Max A. Zuni

PUEBLO OF ISLETA VETERANS ASSOCIATION

Each year our association has hosted the South West Veterans Symposium at the

Isleta Resort and Casino. Native American Veterans, usually approximately 600

from throughout the Southwest and locally attend this event. This year due to the

pandemic we had to cancel. Hopefully this coming year COVID-19 gets under control

so we may plan to host the symposium again.

As for Veterans Day, we honor and salute all the men and women who have served

in our armed forces. They served with dedication to protect our freedom, liberty and

democracy. We owe the veterans and their families gratitude who paid the ultimate

price for our community and country.

Our association has applied and received a grant from the USDA Farm Agency to

re-engineer our irrigation system and to provide crop management. So far, we have

completed 2 of 6 tasks required under the grant.

We have also received capital outlay funding from the state of New Mexico to

purchase a tractor along with implements. Additional funding was received to build

a storage facility to house the equipment. We lobbied and received funding from the

New Mexico State legislature to renovate our modular building. It will be used as a

conference room and a small meeting space.

We have not had a general meeting since March of this year. Our officers meet

occasionally and briefly to conduct business. We are hopeful that we will be able to

meet soon.

In consideration for our wellbeing and safety, we have suspended all funeral details

until the pandemic settles down.

We would like to thank Christine Abeita and her work crew who cut and hauled away

weeds and brush at our center. We have had great support from that program.

Page 2

Isleta Pueblo News

December 2020

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

NAME CHANGE

DEADLINE for January Newsletter articles is set for

Thursday, December 17, 2020, 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.

SECOND NOTICE that in accordance with Pueblo of Isleta Tribal Court

requirements the Petitioner Joylene Hope Campos has applied to the Pueblo

of Isleta Tribal Courts, at the Tribal Services Complex, Bldg A, 3950 Hwy

47 SE, Albuquerque, NM 87105, for an ORDER FOR CHANGE OF NAME

from Cyenna Zaiyah Marsay Hawley to Zaiyah Treasure Marsay Cyenna

Hawley. Any person claiming in interest in this matter may be notify the Court

in writing and/or attend the hearing. The hearing on this matter is scheduled

for Friday, November 20, 2020 at 10:45 a.m. Any interested parties may

contact the Tribal Court Clerk with any questions 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 Wood Smoke and COVID-19

will help you throughout the process. The Library will NOT

accept notes dropped off at the Library or information over According to American Community Survey estimates, 130 households in

Isleta (plus or minus 43 households) use wood the most to heat their home.

the phone to generate your article.

PROBATES need to be published in the Newsletter for Wood smoke can irritate your lungs, cause inflammation, affect your

two consecutive months. Probates are considered court immune system, and make you more prone to lung infections -- likely

documents, therefore, all submitters must provide: 1) including SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus that causes COVID-19.

Name of Deceased, 2) Date of Deceased 3) Court Case # According to information provided on the Centers for Disease Control's

and 4) Date of Court Date. A Probate form can be found on (“CDC”) website, people who currently have or who are recovering from

the Newsletter Archive page at http://www.isletapueblo. COVID-19 may be at an increased risk of health effects from exposure

to wood smoke due to compromised heart and/or lung function related to

com/newsletters.html .

COVID-19.

CLASSIFIED ADS: The new administration has requested

that the Newsletter start a Classified Ad section for Tribal If you are recovering from COVID-19, or are at increased risk for

members selling land, houses, mobile homes, vehicles, and COVID-19, take steps to reduce your exposure to wood smoke.

farm equipment. Leasing of houses and mobile homes will Know the difference between symptoms from smoke exposure and

be accepted. Smaller items which can be sold at the local COVID-19:

flea markets or weekly yard sales will NOT be accepted.

1. According to CDC guidance, some symptoms, like dry cough, sore

throat, and difficulty breathing can be caused by both smoke exposure

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

and COVID-19.

houses, and mobile homes must be within the reservation

2. Learn about CDC's list of symptoms of COVID-19.

boundaries. Ads must meet the 160 character limit. Ads

Symptoms like fever or chills, muscle or body aches, and diarrhea are

that exceed the 160 characters will NOT be submitted into

not related to smoke exposure. If you have any of these symptoms, the

the Newsletter. A single picture may be submitted with

CDC COVID-19 Self-Checker can help you determine whether you need

the ad. Submitters of classified ads are responsible for

further assessment or testing for COVID-19. If you have questions after

generating their own ads as this is a FREE service.

using the CDC COVID-19 Self-Checker, contact a healthcare provider.

As a reminder, Tribal business owners may submit a small

If you have severe symptoms, like difficulty breathing or chest pain,

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

immediately call 911 or the nearest emergency facility. For more

are responsible for generating their own flyers as this is a

information about COVID-19, go to the CDC’s Coronavirus (COVID-19)

FREE service.

webpage at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

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:

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)

The CDC COVID-19 Self-Checker is available online at:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/

symptoms.html

When you open the CDC COVID-10 Self-Checker tool, you will be

prompted to provide answers to a series of questions. For example,

if you are not feeling sick and say “No” to the following question,

the Self-Checker tool will say to stay safe, monitor for symptoms

and based on the answers given, you do not need to get tested for

COVID-19 at this time:

In the last two weeks, did you care for or have close contact (within

6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes) with someone

with symptoms of COVID-19, tested for COVID-19, or diagnosed with

COVID-19?

Health Beat Telemedicine

Now Available at the Isleta Health Center

Health Educator: Stephanie Barela, BS CHES CSST

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic the Isleta Health Center is working

hard at keeping the Isleta community healthy and safe by offering

Telemedicine. Telemedicine is a pre-scheduled appointment that

allows patients and healthcare providers to communicate via phone

call. These appointments will allow you to speak with your provider

and ask basic medical questions. Based on your medical needs your

provider may schedule an in office appointment. Patients are still

being required to schedule an in office visit for Well Child Visits

and Sports Physicals. The Diabetes program will continue to offer

Patients A1C screens by drive-thru testing. The provider will follow

up by a Telemedicine appointment to discuss your condition.

With this new technology and in the interest of keeping our patients

safe the Isleta Health Center is working toward offering video visits

that will allow Providers to see the patient over a cell phone, tablet

or computer.

Please contact the Isleta Health Center at

(505) 869-3200 to find out more.

December 2020

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 3

Page 4

COVID-19:

Why is Testing So

Important?

Isleta Health Center,

Stephanie Barela, 869-4479

TESTING IS THE BEST WAY TO

HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD

OF COVID-19

●

Testing lets you know your status of

COVID-19 at the time of testing

although results may take longer.

●

It identifies positive COVID-19 cases

quickly. This allows people to get

treatment early and inform the person

they must stay away from others and

isolate in order to reduce the risk

of spreading the virus.

●

It helps investigators determine

who might be a close contact of the

infected person so that those people

can quarantine and get tested to

potentially prevent the spread.

PLEASE ANSWER ALL CONTACT

TRACER PHONE CALLS AND ANSWER

QUESTIONS HONESTLY.

20% OF CORONAVIRUS

INFECTIONS ARE ASYMPTOMATIC,

BUT ARE STILL CONTAGIOUS.

• That is, 1 in 5 people with COVID19 have

no symptoms at all, but can infect others. So,

even though you might feel completely fine,

you could still be getting others sick, which is

why it is important to get tested even if you

feel normal.

• You could also spread the virus if you are presymptomatic, meaning that you might feel fine

right now, but you could be COVID19 positive

and still spread the virus before you start to

feel any symptoms. Because of this, it is very

important to always wear a mask when around

others, wash your hands often, not touch your

eyes, nose, or mouth, and stay at least 6 feet

away from others. Simply being near someone

who is COVID19 positive can infect you with

the virus, even if the person feels normal!

Help Keep Isleta Healthy, get tested

for COVID19!

Infection Prevention

Infection prevention and control has

always been an important part of public

health and safety. But as the global

fight against COVID-19 rages on, the

world’s communities are reminded just

how important. Help us celebrate all the

infections prevented and lives saved by

our IPs this year!

Clean Hands

Isleta Pueblo News

December 2020

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 5

Hello from the Yonan An

Cultural Center!

Although our doors are not yet open to the public,

we are busy at work behind the scenes organizing

the Pueblo of Isleta archive and planning for an

exciting year ahead. Once it becomes safe to do

so, we look forward to a full schedule of cultural

programs and learning opportunities at Yonan An,

including storytelling, roundtable discussions,

public lectures, study groups, arts workshops,

and gallery exhibitions--with a special emphasis

upon introducing these resources to Isleta’s

students, who will learn from our shared efforts

and will carry their knowledge into the future.

In the meantime, Department of Cultural and

Historic Preservation staff have identified and

begun to carry out several key components of

our work that foster a deep level of community

engagement and accessibility while maintaining

a commitment to community safety and social

distancing.

Yonan An Archivist Cassandra Smith invites all

interested Isleta community members to share

memories of your time at the Isleta Day School,

including stories of your favorite teachers and

classroom experiences, athletics, arts programs,

and more. Ms. Smith also invites all tribal

members who may be interested in contributing

to a community heritage garden to reach out

to her as well. As always, she may be reached

by phone at (505) 869-5376 and by email at

cassandra.smith@isletapueblo.com.

The Department of Cultural & Historic

Preservation wishes you all a safe and healthy

holiday season. Please remember to wear your

mask, socially distance, and wash your hands

often. We understand how different the holiday

season will be without all family members, but

it is better to be safe and stop the spread of

COVID-19.

Warmest wishes,

Department of Cultural & Historic Preservation

Do these 6 things if you're quarantined at home

Stephanie Barela, Isleta Health Center, 869-4479

https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/do-these-6-things-if-youre-quarantined-at-home

Self-quarantine is a preventive measure to keep someone

who may have been exposed to COVID-19 from transmitting

it to others. Quarantine is a method used for patients who are

not sick but may become sick. COVID-19 Symptoms usually

appear within 2 weeks or less after exposure or infection. Some

people never experience any symptoms so they are asked to

self-quarantine for at least 14-days to allow time to confirm that

they are not infected and to prevent the possibility of spreading

it to others.

During self-quarantine you should:

•

Stay home unless you absolutely must leave, such as for

essential medical appointments

•

Separate yourself from other household members and pets

•

Use a separate bedroom and bathroom if possible

•

Do not share utensils, dishes, cups/glasses, bedding, towels,

and other personal items

If you have been advised by a health care provider to go into quarantine

or if you are opting to do it on your own, below are some things you

can do to care for yourself at home.

1. Meals and Household Items

2. Keep a Diary

Write down how you feel every day to help identify subtle trends that

we would not be aware of if you were not logging them. In the case

of COVID-19, look for basic cold and flu symptoms such as runny

nose, congestion, cough, shortness of breath, fever and occasionally

gastrointestinal issues.

3. Stay Active and Busy

Quarantine can be a lonely place, so you want to make sure you have

ways to keep yourself busy. This could be with a few good books,

movies or streaming services. There are so many opportunities to

interact with people virtually through social media channels, video

messaging or simply just picking up the phone and calling someone.

Be sure to exercise, eat a healthy diet and stay well hydrated. Watch

your sleep habits also, do not stay up all night and sleep through the

day.

4. Practice Social Distancing at Home

Remember to wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water

or use hand sanitizer when necessary. You should stay in a separate

room from others in your home and wear a mask if you have to be

near them; Avoid sneezing or coughing around each other and make

sure you are not sharing food or drinks.

Make sure you have everything you need to go about your daily life

during the recommended quarantine period.

•

Food

•

Medication

•

Toiletries

•

Other household items

5. Clean High-Touch Surfaces

If you need assistance, ask a friend or family member who may be

able to help. Any items should be left at your front door to prevent

exposure to the person assisting. If you do not have someone that

can help you, contact the Isleta Health Center COVID Line at 8699720. You should avoid leaving quarantine to grocery shop, refill

medications or purchase necessities. The Isleta Health Center is here

to help.

If you believe you have had a significant exposure to COVID-19, you

are advised to contact you’re healthcare provider. If you are a patient

at the Isleta Health Center, call our COVID Line at (505) 869-9720,

they can provide recommendations to keep you and your loved ones

safe, especially if at any time you become uncomfortable with your

symptoms. If you are in distress and experiencing difficulty breathing,

chest pain or confusion, call 911 immediately.

It is important to keep high-touch surfaces clean by wiping down items

such as doorknobs, light switches, sink & toilet handles. Other high

touch items like your cell phone, TV remote and other devices should

also be wiped down frequently to help prevent the spread of germs.

6. Call Your Health Care Provider

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 6

December 2020

Pueblo of Isleta Career Opportunities

Position Posting

ACCOUNTANT

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT II

AGRICULTURAL IRRIGATION TECHNICIAN

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

ANIMAL CRUELTY INVESTIGATOR

ASSISTANT CRIME VICTIM ADVOCATE

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH MANAGER

BUS DRIVER

BUS DRIVER- PART TIME

BUSINESS MANAGER

CAREGIVER I

CHILD CARE PROVIDER

CHR VAN DRIVER (Part Time)

CLINICAL THERAPIST

COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE

COMPUTER LAB INSTRUCTOR

COVID-19 CONTACT TRACER - Reposted

COVID-19 MEDICAL ASSISTANT

COVID-19 TEST COLLECTOR

DISPATCHER

DIRECTOR PROCUREMENT

ELEMENTARY SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

EMT-INTERMEDIATE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - EDUCATION

FEDERAL PROJECT MANAGER

HAVC TECHNICIAN

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE WORKER

HELP DESK TECHNICIAN

HOME CARE ATTENDANT-PART TIME

HOME OWNERSHIP COUNSELOR

HR WIOA WORKER ADULT ( 2 Positions )

LANGUAGE TEACHER

MAINTENANCE FOREMAN

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

PERSONAL CARE SERVICE AIDE (2 Positions)

PHYSICIAN-AMENDED

PHYSICIAN/PEDIATRICIAN

PLUMBER

PAINTER

POLICE OFFICER-CERTIFIED

PRINCIPAL / EPA

PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY SUPERVISOR

REGISTERED NURSE

SALES ASSOCIATE

SCHOOL COUNSELOR

SCHOLARSHIP ASSISTANT

SCHOLARSHIP COORDINATOR

SHIFT LEAD

SHOP-MOTOR POOL CREW SUPERVISOR

SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN

UTILITY FOREMAN

UTILITY WORKER

Office Location

Health Center

Elder Center

Within Only

Agricultural Division

Police Department-Open Space

Prosecutor

Health Center

Isleta Elementary School

Head Start

Isleta Elementary School

Assisted Living

Head Start

Health Center

Within Only

Health Center

Department of Education

Health Center

Police Department

Procurement

Isleta Elementary School

Health Services

Department of Education

Isleta Pueblo Housing Authority

Public Works

Treasury-MIS

Elder Center

Within Only

Isleta Pueblo Housing Authority

Human Resources

Language Directory

Public Works

Elder Center

Within Only

Health Center

Housing Authority

Police Department

Isleta Elementary School

Health Center

C-Stores

Elementary School

Department of Education

C-Stores

Transportation Department

Isleta Elementary

Public Works

Closing Date

11/20/2020

Open Until Filled

12/06/2020

11/20/2020

Open Until Filled

11/20/2020

Open Until Filled

11/20/2020

Open Until Filled

11/20/2020

Open Until Filled

11/20/2020

Open Until Filled

12/04/2020

Open Until Filled

11/20/2020

Open Until Filled

11/20/2020

Open Until Filled

Isleta Community Health Needs Assessment

VEHICLE INJURY PREVENTION

Seat Belts and Child Safety Seats

www.cdc.gov www.safekids.org

Stephanie Barela, BS CHES CSST, 869-4479

In 2019, the Isleta Health Center conducted a Community

Health Needs Assessment Survey to provide information on

our community’s health. Based on the survey results 93% of

respondents stated they always wear their seat belt when driving

or riding in a car. Great job with vehicle injury prevention Isleta

Community! CDC states that 86% of front seat passengers and

drivers in the U.S. wear a seat belt. In New Mexico 91% wear seat

belts. Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for those

under the age of 54 in the U.S. and most crash-related deaths

occur to drivers and passengers, (CDC.gov). It is important to

always wear your seat belt while driving and ensure all younger

children are in the appropriate child safety or booster seat. The

Isleta Community Health Needs Assessment results state that

75 % always check to see if a child is properly buckled in the

appropriate child safety seat. Isleta is doing an “ok” job of this, but

we could be doing much better. Let us all do our part in preventing

injuries, by ALWAYS buckling up and ALWAYS assuring children

are properly buckled in the appropriate child safety seat.

The Isleta Health Education and CHR programs normally offer

a Child Safety Seat Program for the Isleta Community twice a

year to educate on the installation and proper child safety seat

to use. With social distancing in place for COVID-19 the Child

Safety Seat Clinics have been canceled until further notice. The

Isleta Health Educator is available for over the phone or virtual

child safety seat checks, to assist with proper installation of your

child safety seat.

Please call, 869-4479, to schedule your Virtual/Telephone Child

Safety Seat Check. Also, see the CAR SEAT CHECK UP-Top 5

Things to do at Home to learn tips to keep your child safe.

December 2020

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 7

Safe Wood-Burning Practices

When using your wood burning appliance, follow

these guidelines for safe operation:

•

Keep flammable items, like curtains,

furniture, newspapers, and books,

away from your appliance.

•

Only use newspaper, dry kindling

and all-natural or organic fire starters.

Never start a fire with gasoline, kerosene,

or charcoal starter.

•

Do not burn wet or green (unseasoned)

wood.

•

Many wax and sawdust logs (available

commercially) are made for open

hearth fireplaces only. Check your wood

stove or fireplace insert operating

instructions before using artificial logs.

•

If you use manufactured logs, choose

those made from 100-percent compressed

sawdust.

•

Build hot fires. For most appliances, a

smoldering fire is not safe or efficient.

•

Keep the doors of your wood-burning

appliance closed unless loading or

stoking the live fire. Harmful chemicals,

like carbon monoxide, can be released

into your home.

•

Regularly remove ashes into a covered,

metal container. Store the container

outdoors on a nonflammable surface.

•

Keep a fire extinguisher handy.

•

Check your local air quality forecast

before you burn.

What Not to Burn

These materials can release toxic or harmful

chemicals when burned, and may damage your

appliance:

•

Household trash, including cardboard,

plastics, foam and the colored ink on

magazines, boxes, and wrappers

•

Coated, painted, and pressure-treated

wood

•

Ocean driftwood, plywood, particle

board, or any wood with glue on or in it

•

Wet, rotted, diseased, or moldy wood

•

Plastic, asbestos, rubber, manure and

animal remains

Good Fire Building

Burn only dry, split, well-seasoned wood.

Properly seasoned wood is darker, weighs less,

and sounds hollow when hit against another

piece of wood.

SOURCE: Information in this article is from the

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Burn

Wise website. You may contact Environment

Department at 869-7565 with questions about

burning wood for home heating or indoor air

quality concerns.

Isleta Pueblo News

Editor:

Nathaniel Lujan

Asst. Editor:

Diane Abeita

Published By:

Valencia Express

Page 8

Isleta Pueblo News

December 2020

Opportunity for Public Comment

December 1, 2020

Water News: 2020 Irrigation Season in Review

and 2021 Irrigation Season Outlook

Notice that the Pueblo of Isleta Environment Department

anticipates receiving a request to review use of Dredge and

Fill Permits and will be preparing a Tribal Certification or

Denial Pursuant to Section 401 of the Federal Clean Water Act

2020 Irrigation Season in Review:

The Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 authorizes

discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States,

including wetlands, and/or work or structures in navigable waters

of the United States. The US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) has

issued nationwide permits (NWP) for specific types of projects. More

information on nationwide permits is available online at:

http://www.spa.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory-Program-andPermits/NWP/

Pursuant to the Federal Clean Water Act Section 401, the

Environment Department will be reviewing a request for Tribal water

quality certification for use of nationwide permits within the exterior

boundaries of the Pueblo of Isleta. The proposed activity would be

conducted under nationwide permit 6, survey activities and nationwide

permit 33, temporary construction, access, and dewatering.

Brief summary of the proposed project known as Isleta Diversion

Dam Fish Passage

• The Fish Passage Project, along with the Dam, Sediment

Reducing Modifications and Bosque Restoration, is an element

of the 2016 Global Settlement Agreement between the Pueblo

of Isleta, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and Middle Rio Grande

Conservancy District.

• The Fish Passage Project will be built with the goal of

providing upstream passage for the endangered Rio Grande

silvery minnow as per the 2016 Biological Opinion.

• During January 2021 or in March 2021, the U.S. Bureau of

Reclamation will be conducting exploratory drilling into the

river bed, collecting core samples to identify sediment and

geologic structure.

• Temporary ramps and mats will be added for heavy

equipment travel including a drilling rig that will drill 4 to 8

holes from 9-inches to 12-inches in diameter, 40 feet down.

• All equipment that goes in channel will be certified cleaned

prior to work and any temporary fill used to construct ramps

will be removed.

• Flows in the Rio Grande will be managed and diverted to the

west side of the river.

• Proposed work dates are January 13, 2021 through January

27, 2021.

• Potential for adverse effects to cultural and natural resources

is not expected.

This notice serves to notify the public that the Environment

Department will be preparing a recommendation to Governor for his

signature regarding the request for certification under Section 401

of the Clean Water Act. Environment Department’s recommendation

will be reviewed by the Pueblo’s General Counsel. The purpose of

the certification is to reasonably ensure that the permitted activities

would comply with Pueblo of Isleta Surface Water Quality Standards,

including the antidegradation policy.

The Environment Department will accept written comments

regarding the Tribal certification for use of Nationwide Permits 6

and 33 until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 8, 2021. The Environment

Department will consider all comments received in its preparation of

the recommendation to Governor.

Comments may be submitted electronically or by hard copy (mailed or

hand-delivered) to:

Ramona M. Montoya

PUEBLO OF ISLETA

Environment Department

Physical address: Mailing address:

6 Sagebrush St

PO Box 1270

Albuquerque NM 87105

Isleta NM 87022

(505) 869-7565 office

Environment Department

(505) 869-7594 fax

office location is east of

Ramona.Montoya@isletapueblo.com

Isleta Health Center

Despite the optimistic irrigation water supply outlook in early

2020, winter mountain snowpack gave way to a warmer than

average Spring, leaving our streams and rivers with a dismal

runoff. On top of that, the monsoon storms, which generally

provide much needed rain in late Summer and early Fall, did

not produce any significant moisture for New Mexico. These

warm, dry conditions resulted in the need to plan for irrigation

water shortages from mid-August through October, making this

past irrigation season stressful and uncertain. Unfortunately, the

dry conditions that we have been dealing with are expected to

continue into this Winter and the 2021 Irrigation Season, with the

real potential of 2021 being one of the driest years on record.

2021 Irrigation Season Outlook:

The Pueblo of Isleta Water Resources Department (“WRD”)

continues to diligently monitor the water supply situation and will

be working with the Six Middle Rio Grande Pueblos Coalition,

the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (“MRGCD”), the

Bureau of Reclamation (“BOR”), the Bureau of Indian Affairs

(“BIA”), and other Rio Grande water operations managers to

maximize the amount of water made available for Isleta farmers.

We should anticipate limited water in the system, rotations and

24-7 irrigation schedules. The extent of these measures is yet to

be determined, but planning ahead will help our community and

irrigators make it through another difficult water year.

The 2020 irrigation season exhausted all water stored by major

water operations managers, such as the MRGCD, in upstream

reservoirs. Therefore no carryover storage will be available for

2021. Without a 2020 monsoon season, a good snowpack for

2021, and cool temperatures ensuring a normal 2021 Spring

runoff, the water supply for the 2021 Irrigation Season will be at

significant risk. Please keep in mind that the 2021 water outlook

can change depending upon weather patterns over the next few

months. We will keep the community and irrigators informed as

this data becomes available.

POI Water Project Updates:

•

Installation of a new Peralta Main Headgate

This Winter and Spring there will be considerable activity going

on at the Isleta Diversion Dam. The dam will be going through

some significant changes in upcoming years, beginning with

a new Peralta Main headgate, which will alleviate sediment in

the Eastside canals. The new Peralta headgate will be located

roughly 700ft downstream from the existing headgate, and is

anticipated to significantly reduce sediment load. This will be

one of the first phases of the Isleta Diversion Dam Modification

Project, with construction anticipated to begin in early 2021.

•

Exploratory Drilling in the Rio Grande

Exploratory drilling in the main stem of the Rio Grande will also

be happening at the dam. This drilling will be conducted by the

BOR to support development of a fish passage at the dam, aimed

at providing upstream passage for the Silvery Minnow and other

fish. The drilling will go on for two weeks and will likely take place

in mid-January or early March.

For updates on next year’s water outlook or ongoing projects,

please contact WRD at 505-869-7566 or 505-503-0530. Stay

well and stay hydrated.

December 2020

Isleta Pueblo News

NATURAL RESOURCES

Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2

Signup for the Coronavirus Food Assistance

Program 2 (CFAP 2) began on Sept. 21,

2020 and will continue through Dec. 11,

2020. CFAP 2 provides eligible producers

with direct financial assistance due to market

disruptions and associated costs because of

the COVID-19 pandemic. Check out our brief

video about the program.

CFAP 2 is a separate program from the first

round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance

Program, now referred to as CFAP 1. Farmers

and ranchers who participated in CFAP 1

will not be automatically enrolled and must

complete a new application for CFAP 2. Details

on how to apply can be found on farmers.gov/

cfap/apply.

CFAP 2 Eligible Commodities Finder

Many more commodities are eligible for

CFAP 2 than CFAP 1. Interested in finding

the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2

payment rates for the eligible commodities you

grow or raise? Our new, easy-to-use CFAP 2

Eligible Commodities Finder makes finding

payment rates specific to your operation

simple. From yam to alpaca farmers – and

everyone in between – the payment rate

information you need is just a few clicks away.

Try it today on your desktop, tablet, or mobile

device.

Call Center

A call center is available for producers who

would like additional one-on-one support with

the CFAP 2 application process. Please call

877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA

employee ready to offer assistance. The call

center can provide service to non-English

speaking customers. Customers will select

1 for English and 2 to speak with a Spanish

speaking employee. For other languages,

customers select 1 and indicate their language

to the call center staff.

Disaster Assistance for 2020

Livestock Forage Losses

Producers in Bernalillo, Cibola, Sandoval &

Valencia County are eligible to apply for 2020

Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP)

benefits on native pasture.

LFP provides compensation if you suffer

grazing losses for covered livestock due to

drought on privately owned or cash leased

land or fire on federally managed land.

County committees can only accept LFP

applications after notification is received by

the National Office of qualifying drought or

if a federal agency prohibits producers from

grazing normal permitted livestock on federally

managed lands due to qualifying fire.

You must complete a CCC-853 and the

required supporting documentation no later

than January 30, 2021, for 2020 losses.

For additional information about LFP, including

eligible livestock and fire criteria, contact the

Los Lunas USDA Service Center at 505-8654643 or visit fsa.usda.gov.

County Executive Director

Valencia-Cibola Co.

Bernalillo-Sandoval Co.

During the Pandemic, we should be cleaning

and disinfecting more often. It is important

that you do not inject or ingest these chemicals

into your body. Please remember to keep

ALL chemicals out of children’s reach. If any

cleaning or disinfectant solution is swallowed or

injected, please contact the NM Poison Control

immediately.

USDA- Farm Service Agency

505-865-4643 x 2

Fax 877-450-0860

NM Poison Control

1-800-222-1222

Lisa M. Garay

Page 9

Page 10

Isleta Pueblo News

December 2020

Isleta Pueblo News

December 2020

Page 11

Dear St. Augustine Parish Family,

As I approach five months as your pastor, I am

filled with gratitude at the opportunity to serve

in such a beautiful place among inspiring

people. At the same time, I am saddened by

the distance and separation that has kept us

from being able to get to know one another

and celebrate together. Knowing the joys that

have been and will be shared gives me hope

to continue each day, even if what unites us is

not always visible.

The heaviness of the COVID pandemic

became a little more real as we laid to rest

the first member of our community to die

from the virus on the same day I draft this

letter. Given all that has happened in 2020,

it may feel strange to focus on gratitude

as we approach Thanksgiving. This is a

time where our gratitude is often buried by

disappointments, losses, uncertainties or

even fears. Sometimes the absence of the

very things and people we love help us to see

with more clarity the gifts that have blessed

our lives in the past. They inspire us to hope

in what God has in store for the future. In fact,

that is the very spirit of the season of Advent

(Beginning December 29), a time of longing,

anticipation, and preparation.

Our ability to hope in what is to come is rooted

in how we can find gratitude in what has been,

and even in what we have now. I know we

all wish we could just go back to how things

were. The spiritual journey does not move

backward. It moves forward toward God. All

the struggles of our current time prepare us

for something that is to come. Our fondness

for what has been inspires us for what will be.

It is there that we find freedom in our hope.

This year has been one of fasting, not

feasting. We haven’t been able to share in

each other’s joys, and we have been distant in

one another’s sorrows. We have gone without

many feasts, gatherings, traditions, and the

moments that mark our life and form our

identity. And yet, this time of fasting from what

we enjoy purifies and clarifies our hearts—it

helps us to see what we wish to cherish and

carry into the future. Now is a time that helps

us not only to see who we have been, but who

we desire to become.

Now is also a time of trust. Although we are

distant from our sacraments, traditions and

time together—the things that form us as

one—we are not apart from God. His Spirit

unites us no matter what challenges we face.

Right now every life is experiencing similar

struggles. In our separation, God opens our

heart to solidarity. Although it may not always

be obvious, when we trust in the presence of

God even in our darkness, we have hope in

the light to come.

Where I find hope is not just in remembering

beautiful things of the past, but is in so many

of you who I see making real sacrifices of

love to care for your families and community.

Those of you caring for elders and those

who are vulnerable, those of you turning

life upside-down to support children in their

ongoing education, those of you checking on

neighbors or helping with the distribution of

goods, services etc. Even though today may

feel dark, there are abundant lights burning

brightly in each of our homes.

As we come to celebrate the coming holidays,

let us be grateful of all we have had so that we

may trust in the future for which we hope.

Please be assured of my daily prayers for all

of you. Let us hold one another in prayer.

Your brother in Christ and St. Augustine,

Fr. Graham

PS – In this letter you will find ways we can

stay connected during this time!

Staying Connected as

a Family of Faith

● Communication

o Check out our new website!

www.isletachurch.org

• See detailed parish announcements

and updates

• Find links to our live streamed masses

• Sign up for online giving

o Follow us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/

St.AugustineChurch.Isleta.Pueblo

• See live stream mass at 9am on

Sundays

• Stay up-to-date on parish

announcements

● Spiritual Formation

o Advent Reflection Booklets and

Missals

• We have advent reflection booklets and

the missal inserts in the parish office.

If you would like one, please give us a

call.

o Thanksgiving Day Mass (Thursday,

November 26th)

• 10am live streamed on Facebook

o Virtual Advent Reflections

• Our Norbertine Abbey is producing a

series of virtual advent reflections.

You will be able to find them, and

participate in related activities, on our

parish website and facebook page.

o Rosary Novena

• Join us for a Rosary Novena to our

Blessed Mother to pray for health,

healing,and unity in our community.

• Live streamed on Facebook

• Daily at 3pm beginning December 4th

and concluding on December 12th as we

celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe.

On the 12th, the Rosary will be followed

by a mass in celebration of Our Lady.

o Our Lady of Guadalupe (Saturday,

December 12th)

• 3:30pm Mass (following the conclusion

of the Rosary Novena at 3:00pm)

Christmas Celebration Schedule to

be determined

Giving in Gratitude this Season

I know the pandemic has impacted the

finances of many members of our community.

Like our families, our parish is facing difficulty

in paying our bills. Our church is blessed by

the significant support it has received from our

Pueblo leadership. Our beautiful facilities and

their upkeep and maintenance are generously

provided by the Pueblo. We are blessed by

the fact that the majority of our activities are

overseen by volunteers who give us their

time and talent. However, as a separate nonprofit organization, we are still responsible for

many day-to-day expenses including salaries

and benefits, program materials, and certain

utilities.

I would never expect a family to put giving

to the church above providing for the basic

needs and wellbeing of their home. What we

give in no way impacts the right we have to

services from the Church, and what or how

we give does not reflect how much God loves

us. However, sharing the resources we have

is one way to give thanks for the blessings

God has bestowed on us. Giving is a way to

recognize our connection to and participation

in something much greater than ourselves.

The significance of any gift is not in its size—

some of our most dedicated givers only share

a small amount each month. The significance

of a gift is in the intention of the heart that has

shared it.

We are all capable of giving. Some of us give

of our time, others talent, and others treasure

and some all three. One gift that we can

always offer is the gift of prayer. Even if you are

not able to make a physical gift, we can never

underestimate the power of prayer. Please

pray for the wellbeing of our community and

parish.

The beauty and the challenge of church

ministry is that it is dependent on the

generous hearts of the community that forms

the Church. We are the Body of Christ, and

as such our strength depends on all of us.

What we offer may feel small or insignificant

as an individual, but when we give together

we see the power of what God does through

the unity we share as a community of faith.

In our giving and receiving we recognize that

everything we are and everything we have is

a gift from God given in service to him.

I am so grateful for the profound generosity of

so many in our community. I know your gifts

are not given without sacrifice. I trust God will

continue to care for and watch over us all.

In gratitude,

Fr. Graham

PS - In this letter you will see a list of ways to

support our community financially.

Opportunities to Give

Giving Tuesday

We all know of the spending craze that

happens after Thanksgiving: Black Friday,

Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, etc.

What many of us may not know about is Giving

Tuesday. This day gives us the opportunity to

give back to the important organizations and

groups in our lives. This year Giving Tuesday

is on December 1st and our parish will be

participating!

You can invite friends and family to contribute

as well!

•

Visit www.santafe.igivecatholic.org

•

Search for “St. Augustine” under

parishes or “Isleta” under location

•

Select our parish and make a one-

time contribution!

•

You can also find links on our website

and facebook

Regular Collection Envelopes

As we have not been able to gather in

person to celebrate the Mass, many of our

parishioners have not been able to bring their

usual contributions. You are still welcome to

mail your contribution to the parish or drop it

off at the office. If you don’t have an envelope

number and would like us to track your

contributions for tax purposes, please contact

the office.

Online Giving

If you are tired of writing checks or are not

able to mail or deliver contributions, but you

still want to give, try our new online giving!

•

Visit www.isletachurch.org/give

•

Make either a onetime donation or a

recurring gift.

•

You can use a credit card, bank

account withdraw, and other options

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 12

December 2020

Pueblo of Isleta Public Library

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone near and far!

December is upon us and we are near the end of 2020. What a year it has been and I’m

sure everyone is ready to leave it all behind and bring in 2021. Just to think that in the

past year we have witnessed major historic events in our lifetime and life will possibly

never be the same again. With that said we can approach 2021 with new insight and new

beginnings for us all.

News

With the upcoming holidays, winter

weather and unforeseen circumstances the

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-to-theminute updates on Library closures. We

will be closed on the following days:

Friday, December 25th- LIBRARY

CLOSED: In observance of the Christmas

Holiday. We would like to wish everyone a

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Friday,

January

1stLIBRARY

CLOSED: New Year’s Day. The Library

Staff would like to wish you and your

family a Happy New Year with happiness

and good health. Remember to be safe and

responsible.

With the recent rise of COVID cases the

library once again will have to make

adjustments to the Library’s business hours

of operation. Please continue reading for

the updated business hours for the library.

Recent changes will be made permanent

for the rest of the calendar year. We have

also had to make changes to library staff

schedules that include teleworking from

home.

Join us for our Virtual Family Story Time

every Wednesday at 10:30 am. Story time

will take place over Zoom and is open for

ages 16 months - 5 years old. For each

month a calendar will be available with the

schedule of books and crafts. For the month

of December, crafts will include a paper

plate wreath, Popsicle stick wagon, melted

snowman and so much more. Supplies for

the crafts will have to be picked up prior to

the Story time through our curbside service.

If you would like to sign up please call the

library at 505-869-9808 or email Cheyenne

at Cheyenne.Castillo@isletapueblo.com.

Library information is posted at the front of

the library with COVID-19 business Hours

of Operation, library Wi-Fi and Library

Mobile Apps.

The Library is offering a contactless

curbside service as well as computer use

by appointment only for

essential use. Curbside

services will be MondayThursday from 10am to

5pm and Friday 10am to

4pm. To check out material

please download our mobile

app Librista.

To make a computer appointment please

call the library to set up a time, as space

is limited. Appointments will be based

on one-hour increments so please come

prepared. When visiting the library please

remember to wear a mask at all times,

patrons’ temperature will be taken before

entering the library. Sanitation stations

have been set up throughout the library, and

computer workstations must be disinfected

before and after use. Patrons will enter at

the front entrance of the library and will

exit on the north side of the library. We

greatly appreciate your patience at this

time as we are adjusting to a new normal.

If you have any questions or concerns feel

free to contact the library at 505-869-9808.

To drop off any library materials please

use our drop off box, which is located in the

front of the library. Drop off material will

be quarantined for three days, disinfected

and then checked in.

With things changing daily library staff

is closely monitoring the COVID-19

situation and as a result library programs

and services are being impacted. We will

continue to keep you updated and informed

about upcoming programs and services as

more information comes along. Below is a

list of our new hours of operation.

Library Temporary Covid-19 Hours of

Operation

Monday –Friday: 8am-4:30 pm

Saturday: CLOSED

Curbside Hours

Elderly: 10am-11am

General: 11am-5pm

Library staff members are on site to answer

any questions or address any concerns you

may have and we are always open to any

suggestions you might have to helps us

better serve the community. Please don’t

hesitate to give us a call at 505-869-9808.

Library Access from Home

During this time we encourage the use

of our digital services. If you ever have

questions or need help accessing our online

services. Please call us at the library at

869-9808 during regular business hours or

message us on social media (FB, Snapchat,

& Instagram).

The Library’s digital services give

cardholders 24/7 free access to eBooks,

audiobooks, music, and periodicals (NY

Times). So you can maximize your reading,

and listening experience at home. We’ve got

you covered.

The library online services will ask you to

enter your library barcode number which

is located on the back of your library card

and a pin or password. If you do not have

a pin or password set up with us you can

call the library during business hours and a

staff member can help you set that up over

the phone.

Isleta Pueblo News

December 2020

Below is a list of the digital services the

library has to offer.

To search our library collection and view

your account you can download the Librista

app on your iPhone, Android and Kindle

devices. This feature will let you see what

library material is available, let you search

our library collection and view your account.

New York Times online is now available

to our library patrons for FREE. Find

breaking news, multimedia, reviews &

opinions on Washington, business, sports,

movies, travel and so much more. New

York Times will be available on library

computers, library Wi-Fi or if you are at

home you can access through the library

website and click on the icon located on the

general library section.

The library now has Lynda.com, which is

FREE online training on various computer

software’s and programs. The Lynda.com

Online Training Library is a massive online

training resource. Using their thousands of

videos, members are able to learn – selfpaced and on-demand – topics ranging from

Google, Zoom and so much more. Members

must have a Library card in order to utilize

the Lynda.com site. The link to Lynda.com

may be found on our Library website at

http://isletapueblo.com/library.html. Just

click on the “Start Learning Click Here”

button to start your digital continuing

education.

Download the mobile app Libby to start

borrowing and reading ebooks and

audiobooks for FREE. Put your library

in your pocket with Libby. To access this

app you will need your library barcode and

password.

Free Music! Take advantage of our Freegal

Music service. Log on with your library

card number and pin to start downloading

and streaming music. Library patrons

receive 3 free downloads each week and

UNLIMITED streaming of music with NO

AD interruptions. Log on to freegalmusic.

com or download the Freegal Music app. If

you have any questions about this service

or would like to set up a password please

give the library a call at 505-869-9808.

For additional help and information library

staff members have made YouTube videos

featuring the library’s digital services

and how to utilize them. Check them out

by visiting the library’s YouTube page at

www.youtube.com/user/poilibrary.

Upcoming

The Library will once again be hosting a

Podcast Club starting December 1st through

the 16th. December’s podcast selection will

be on Conspiracy Theories by Paracast

Network. A conspiracy theory is a belief that

some covert but influential organization is

responsible for a circumstance or event. The

podcast will go over topics like the Titanic,

Tupac Shakur, the Mandela Effect, Area

51 just to name a few. Were are not saying

were are conspiracy theorists or experts

on the topics but we find them interesting

and would like to spark a discussion. This

program is open to anyone 18 and older.

Weekly discussions will be held over zoom

every Wednesday at 5:00pm. Participants

will need a device to access the Podcast

and an Internet connection. For the

meetings, participants will also need access

to zoom. Podcast can be found FREE on

Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast

or Online. To sign-up or if you have any

questions, please contact Ashley or Diane

at the Library at 505-869-9808 or by email

at Ashley.Morales@isletapueblo.com or

Diane.Abeita@isletapueblo.com.

Library staff member Cheyenne will be

hosting a Virtual Paint Night at the Library

on December 17th starting at 5:30pm.

Join us and grab a cup of hot chocolate (or

tea) and gather around for a relaxing paint

night over zoom. This program is open to

the first 10 patrons 18 & over that call and

supplies will be provided. Patrons who sign

Page 13

up will also receive a Hot Chocolate making

kit, so don’t waste any time and sign up. For

more information please contact Cheyenne

at the library at 505-869-9808 or by email

at Cheyenne.Castillo@isletapueblo.com.

The library will be hosting a high school

and college-geared program for the month

of January. Join us on January 14th at

5:30 pm via zoom. Learn how to utilize your

tablet for the upcoming semester. What note

apps to use and how to organize your notes.

This program is open to all college student

and the first five students who sign up and

attend the program will receive a Starbucks

gift card. Participants will also be entered

to win a gift card for a notes app from the

Apple store or Google store. Sign-ups will

begin January 4th. If you have questions or

would like to sign up please contact Bekah

or Shaypof at 505-869-9808 or by email

at Rebekah.Lovato@isletapueblo.com or

Shaypof.Ybarra@isletapueblo.com.

Recap

The After School Program is currently full

with five students per session. Students

have been staying busy with daily

homework and crafts. For the month of

November students made turkey Mason

jar luminaries, brownie in a mug, beaded

Indian Corn, dancing corn, donut cheerios

and apple dipped turkeys just to name a few.

Library staff is also in the process of filling

in the December calendar of activities and

crafts. If you have any questions regarding

the After School Program please feel free to

call the library at 505.869.9808.

The month of November went by so fast

and library staff was busy with computer

appointments, working curbside and

helping with Turkey and Ham distribution

for the community. We are looking forward

to December and jumping right into new

library programs and we are also planning

for the upcoming year. If you have any

suggestions or ideas about library programs

please feel free to call us of share with a

library staff member.

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 14

December 2020

NEWSLETTER

ISLETA POLICE DEPARTMENT

December – 2020

The last month of the year 2020 and what

a year 2020 has been so far. Though we

have all been through many trials and

tribulations we continue to find strength

and forge on.

At the time of this submission, we have had

changes emplaced to include teleworking

for many employees, the temporary closing

of the Isleta Casino, Isleta Golf Course, and

Isleta Lakes.

The Isleta Police Department, Isleta

Dispatch, EMS etc., however, continue

to function as usual and are dedicated to

serving the community in the best way

we can. Because of COVID-19, please be

advised we will be responding to nonemergent calls in a different manner by

minimizing face-to-face contact so that we

are able to maintain

the safety of all

concerned.

If you have a serious

emergency, a life or

death situation, we

will be on scene to

assist in every way

possible. For those

calls not requiring an

officer to be on scene

but a report needs to

be taken, these may

be handled over the

telephone. We ask for

your understanding

in these instances.

INDIAN HIGHWAY SAFETY

PROGRAM

IHSP Traffic Division continues to monitor

and enforce the roadways throughout the

Pueblo of Isleta maintaining safety for

all with traffic enforcement. The “CLICK

IT OR TICKET MOBILIZATION” which

ended November 29, 2020 was enforcement

of seatbelt and child restraints. This was

a national mobilization and because of

COVID-19 was delayed from its usual

time earlier in the year. Though this

mobilization ended November 29, please

continue to “Buckle Up” throughout the

year.

A reminder to all if you are celebrating---

“PLEASE DON’T DRINK

AND DRIVE!”

COMMUNITY RESOURCE

OFFICER/D.A.R.E. PROGRAM

Community Resource/D.A.R.E. Officer H.

S. Powers has been conducting the D.A.R.E.

presentations/instruction

virtually

second grade classes on Monday and

Thursday. Though a bit of a challenge and

adjustment to the virtual interaction the

program appears to be successful and we

are encouraged as it is a wonderful program

for the children.

COVID-19

Isleta Health Center issued a plea to the

community to please observe all safety

precautions in helping to blunt the trend

of COVID-19 in the Pueblo. There has

been an increase in the number of cases

surfacing and we must work together to

reverse the trend. The daily curfew (9:00

p.m. to 6:00 a.m.) is in place and we ask

everyone to observe it. There should be

no one out and about during these hours

with the only exception of those going to

or returning from work. Non-Tribal/nonresidents are also not allowed to be on

the Pueblo as is clearly instructed by the

many signs placed throughout the Pueblo.

We must protect our elderly, those who are

medically compromised, the children……

EVERYONE!

STAY HOME – MASK UP –

SAFE DISTANCING – WASH

HANDS FREQUENTLY

– AVOID GATHERINGS

PLEASE!

Though the Christmas Holidays

may be far from the norm this

year, the Isleta Police Department

extends sincere wishes to all for a

safe and wonderful holiday filled

with Love, peace and happiness.

Merry Christmas and a toast to a

better 2021!!

ISLETA POLICE

DISPATCH

Hello Isleta Pueblo. Just a reminder that

COVID-19 is in our community. In effort

to reduce spread to our first responders

we want to inform everyone that when

calling 911/Isleta Communications you will

be screened with questions pertaining to

COVID-19 symptoms. We ask that everyone

who calls to cooperate while we gather

information from the callers. In the event

the call taker doesn’t ask you questions

pertaining to COVID-19 symptoms and you

ARE experiencing symptoms, please inform

the call taker.

When all possible, we ask that you step out

of your home when making contact with any

first responders. Remember to ALWAYS

wear your mask and ALWAYS maintain

social distancing.

“We wear ours, so please wear yours”

December 2020

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 15

Isleta Pueblo News

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December 2020

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 interested in your reaction to these stories and encourages 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 “Spanish Flu” Pandemic of

1918-1920 and Other Epidemics

and Isleta Pueblo - Part 2

At the time the Spanish flu hit, scientists

did not know what a virus was. Doctors

first thought the disease was caused by a

bacterium. A virus is about twenty times

smaller than a bacterium — too small to see

under a microscope, so there was no way of

detecting the virus. Nevertheless, in 1799

Edward Jenner was able, through trial and

error, to discover a vaccine against smallpox,

another virus. Today scientists understand

more about viruses, but COVID-19 is a new

and highly contagious one. Pharmaceutical

companies are working furiously to come

up with a safe and effective vaccine which

is expected in the next few months.

Edward Jenner

The Spanish flu was not the first disease

to hit Native Americans hard. In 1491

before the arrival of Columbus, the Native

population of the Americas was over 112

million, and by 1650 it had been reduced

to less than 6 million due to the arrival of

infectious diseases to which the Indians

had no immunity. For centuries, smallpox

epidemics were a regular occurrence in the

world, in the United States, and at Isleta

Pueblo. As one scholar put it, “smallpox

was as ancient a scourge as the Spanish

conquistadores.”

Smallpox invaded the Upper Rio Grande

Valley repeatedly during Spanish Colonial

times and during Mexican rule. In 1849,

New Mexico Indian Affairs Commissioner

James S. Calhoun noted that smallpox had

existed in most pueblos for the past twenty

years and “the mortality is frightful.”

He requested that the government

employ doctors to undertake “a thorough

vaccination of the Pueblos.” Isleta suffered

the disease in 1877 and again in 1888

when vaccine arrived, belatedly, from Ft.

Wingate.

Native

Americans

were

especially

vulnerable because of their contact with

white people and because the federal

government was lax and haphazard in

vaccinating Indians. The US government

had no general plan, little foresight, and

extremely limited success in combatting

smallpox in the pueblos. The Office of Indian

Affairs provided few medical services for

the general health needs of the Pueblo

Indians. Vaccination was an exception,

but when it did happen the motives had

little to do with the health of the Indians.

First came the concern that then Pueblo

Indians would infect nearby communities.

Indian Agent Benjamin Thomas told the

governor of Isleta, “you people … will not be

allowed to spread the smallpox all over the

country.” The second reason for vaccinating

the pueblos was to protect the teachers and

their students in the day-schools and the

boarding schools.

In 1898 there were nineteen government

day schools in seventeen of the nineteen

pueblos. Teachers in the day schools

provided most of the government’s medical

assistance, such as it was, to the pueblos.

The agents sometimes hired a physician

to go to the pueblos, but the expense had

to be approved in Washington. The Indian

agent never had a doctor on his staff. Thus,

as we saw in last month’s article, it was

an improvement in bureaucratic funding

when Indian Agent Phillip T. Lonergan

found the funds to hire Dr. Richardson to

visit Isleta in the fall of 1918 at the height

of the Spanish flu pandemic.

The 1897-1899 smallpox epidemic was

particularly severe. It came from Mexico

and infected communities in southern New

Mexico first. When these communities

requested vaccine from Governor Lew

Wallace, he sent enough for a few thousand

people, but promptly ran out of funds.

When smallpox spread to Santa Fe, it

was unchecked by a vaccination campaign

because the city treasury was empty,

and payment of the city physician was

delinquent.

The disease first struck Isleta in January

1898 and lingered until August. Of the

387 cases of smallpox at Isleta, 85 ended

in death. The population of Isleta in 1899

was 1,200, and by 1900 it had declined to

1,043. The death rate was 22% of cases

and 7% by population. The failure of the

Pueblo Agency to mount an early successful

vaccination campaign was the single most

critical factor in the emergence of the

epidemic. Until 1880, vaccination of the

Pueblo Indians was done by vaccine crusts,

that is, scabs, from prior vaccinations.

These were shipped from the east and had

a long shelf life. In contrast, the vaccine

points made from bovine vaccine, though

superior in convenience and cleanliness,

only had a shelf life of one to two weeks. In

1898 vaccine points were available in Santa

Fe at Fischer’s Drug Store but getting the

vaccine points repackaged and mailed out

to the day-school teachers, and used before

the vaccine’s effectiveness expired, was

another matter.

The first request for vaccine points seems

to have been made in 1897 by the physician

at the Santa Fe Indian School, who was

vaccinating all students because smallpox

had broken out in Albuquerque. “Indian

Agent Walpole, entering on his duties in

July, responded to the teachers request

for vaccine by ordering the vaccine points

from Washington and forwarding them to

the pueblos on arrival. However, none of

Walpole’s vaccine point shipments were

effective.” When Walpole realized, finally,

that the vaccine points were useless, he

reverted to vaccine crusts which he ordered

and distributed to several pueblos in

January 1899. These proved effective, but

by 1899 precious weeks and months had

been lost, during which the majority of

pueblo deaths in the epidemic occurred.

The Importance of Nursing

While vaccination was the first defense

against smallpox, a secondary, and often

overlooked defense was nursing. There

never was a cure for smallpox once you

were infected, but effective nursing often

enabled the patient’s own biological

defenses to overcome the virus. Indians

who contracted smallpox without nursing

tended to die of starvation, dehydration, or

secondary infection, and at a much higher

rate than whites. Non-Indians often had

the benefit of nurses, doctors, and family

members who provided nourishment, fluids,

sheets, blankets, medicines, baths, and

encouragement against the fever, delirium,

and exhaustion that were the symptoms

of smallpox. There were exceptions to the

lack of nursing in the pueblos, such as the

hospital at San Felipe, which provided

medical care to the Indians there. At Hopi,

many of those Natives agreed to be treated

by their physician. Out of the 632 Hopis who

had smallpox, 412 were willing to receive

treatment and of that number only 24, or

6%, died. Of the 220 patients who did not

receive any care 163, or 74%, succumbed to

December 2020

smallpox. Similarly, elsewhere, in such

notorious epidemics as the Aztecs in

1519-1520, the Hurons in 1636-1640, the

Cherokees in 1738, and the Mandan in

1837-1838, rates of death were 50 to 90

percent or higher as compared to 20 to 25

percent mortality rate among unvaccinated

non-Indians.

There is little record of how much nursing

was provided by the Pueblo Indians

themselves. Most nursing was provided

by the day-school teachers, though

teachers caught up in the epidemic reacted

differently. Some devoted themselves to

nursing, as did Annie M. Sayre, the teacher

at Laguna. She labored for months for the

sick, going from house to house, looking for

unreported cases, giving directions, and

administering medicines. Laguna governor

José Antonio Paisano said of her, “she was

the only one who care[d] for our people …

she is the only ‘hero’ of the smallpox.” Other

day-school teachers who nursed the sick

were Emma Dawson at Jemez, Mrs. J.B.

Grozier at Cochiti, and Cora A. Taylor at

Acoma. On the other hand, several male

teachers evaded nursing duties. James

Hovey at Isleta simply ignored the epidemic,

which was one reason for the high death toll

of eighty-five at Isleta.

Two English boys, 13 years old,

the one on the right was vaccinated, the

other was not.

Isleta Pueblo News

Another hero of the 1898-1899 smallpox

epidemic was Mary Dissette, a resourceful

and tough-minded teacher at the Zuni

day school from 1888-1897. After the

government took over the mission school in

1897, she was transferred to teach at the

Santa Fe Indian School. When she learned

about the smallpox crisis at Zuni she

contacted the governor of New Mexico, the

Commissioner of Indian Affairs, and the

Indian Rights Association, finally receiving

an appointment on special detail as a nurse.

She arrived at Zuni in January 1899 and

stayed for about three months. Working

with the missionary, a contract physician,

and day school employees, Dissette set up

a dispensary in the pueblo, distributing

salves, disinfectants, beef broth, garments,

and medicines. Her team visited as many

as 450 victims a day, caring for the sick and

providing them a diet and some medicines.

By the third week in January the number of

smallpox victims was reduced significantly,

and the virus had run its course. Mary

Dissette’s selfless work at Zuni saved many

lives. She is recorded as another hero of the

smallpox epidemic of 1898-1899.

The epidemic of 1898-1899 was one of the

most catastrophic in the late nineteenth

century. The responsibility for the epidemic

lay with the federal government. The

commissioners and Indian agents were

fatefully behind the times regarding

smallpox research. They were unaware

of the discovery of glycerinated vaccine,

one of the most important advances in the

history of combatting smallpox. It was a

liquid vaccine where the vaccine material

was placed in a glycerine solution, a mild

antiseptic. It was reliable for about twelve

weeks after production. The impact of

the smallpox epidemic of 1898-1899 was

reduced to a large degree by the nursing

efforts of Emma Dawson, Cora Taylor, Mrs.

J.B. Grozier, and especially, Mary Dissette.

The last outbreak of smallpox virus in the

US occurred in 1949, and the World Health

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Assembly declared smallpox eradicated in

1980. May it be so for the novel COVID-19

virus in the near future.

We think you might find the following

resources interesting: Laura Spinney, Pale

Rider: The Spanish Flu of 1918 and How it

Changed the World and John M. Barry, The

Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest

Pandemic in History.

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. We will soon

be publishing on our social media platforms

so be on the lookout for that content. Again,

any information is greatly appreciated and

will not be used without your permission.

Thank you!

What to Expect if You Receive a COVID-19 Contact Tracer Phone Call

tracer will ask the person if they are socially distancing and

other precautionary measures, wearing a face mask, staying

Contact tracing is a public health strategy that involves 6 feet away, and hand hygiene. Socially distancing and places

identifying everyone who may have been in contact with a they have been. It’s a relatively straightforward process,

person who has the coronavirus this also includes the positive If the Positive person has not been adhering to the prevention

person. Contact tracers collect information and provide guidelines and has been getting together with others, not

guidance to help contain the transmission of disease. It wearing a mask, traveling, working close to others and

starts when the Health Center or local department of health not washing their hands, the interview can get a lot more

gets a report of a confirmed case of the coronavirus in its involved. The person might need to review their calendar,

community and gives that person a call. It is crucial during create a timeline of everywhere they have been, and figure

this time to answer your phone. You may not recognize the out how long they spent with different individuals.

number, it might be a contact tracer calling to let you know

After the case interview, the contact tracers will call the

that someone you have been near has tested positive for the

people who have been around and potentially exposed to

coronavirus. Ignoring calls from contact tracers could put

the coronavirus by the person who tested positive. They

you at risk of unknowingly transmitting the virus to your

are given recommendations on how to safely quarantine or

loved ones and others.

isolate, where to get tested, and what to do if they become sick.

The contact tracer usually provides information on how to If they’re not already sick, we still need to self-quarantine to

isolate, when to get tested, signs and symptoms. During prevent the spread of COVID. Just because you feel fine, you

your conversation with a contact tracer, you will be asked an can still spread the virus to others.

array of questions. For example, family, employment, places

Reaching contacts of positive cases can be difficult:

and people you have been around. This helps identify people

People do not answer their phone,

that may have been exposed to the virus. The interview can 1.

Return messages

take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on 2.

Contact information is incorrect.

how complex it is.

The number of contacts they have had

If you are the person who tested positive for COVID-19 you

Fear of getting in trouble

will be asked who you have been in contact with two days prior

to the onset of symptoms. This is because the infectious time

Please help keep Isleta healthy, thank you.

is believed to be 2 days before symptom onset. The Contact

www.healthline.com

Stephanie Barela, BS CHES CSST, 869-4479

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Isleta Pueblo News

PARKS AND RECREATIONAL CENTER

Well we’ve made it to December!!! This

crazy year (2020) is almost over and I for one

am glad to see 2020 end. This has been a

challenging year for each and everyone one

of us and I’m sure we are all looking forward

to 2021 with much anticipation and hopes that

it will be a better year for us here in the pueblo

and for everyone around the world.

We continue to offer our services and

programs and we are making adjustments as

necessary.

RECREATION

–

The

educational/

recreational program we are providing is still

doing well. The children in that program have

been able to keep up with their mandated

school work in a safe environment and this

program has also given the parents of the

children in that program the opportunity to go

back to work during these trying times. We

are glad that this program has been able to

help these children and offered some relief to

some parents. When the covid cases start

to decrease and things start to get better,

that is when we will consider increasing the

participation numbers in this program. We

know that more children and parents need

this program, but we also want everyone to

know that our priority is to make sure that the

children in our program stay safe and that our

staff is also safe and increasing our numbers

makes it more challenging.

PARK MAINTENANCE – The parks

maintenance crew is in the process of

prepping the fields for the upcoming little

league season. I know that it has yet to be

determined if there will be a season or not

but we are planning on starting off the year

as if it will be a normal year. If it is decided

to have the little league season our parks will

be ready to go. In case you have not noticed

the parks crew has also been busy putting

up shelters over the seating areas at the ball

fields. We are hoping that this will make it

December 2020

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 19

more enjoyable for the spectators once

league play starts back up. The parks are still

closed for use but it seems that people are

still finding their way in and they are leaving

trash. Please obey the signs and be proud of

your pueblo. Pick your trash and throw it away

no matter where you are in the pueblo. The

portable restrooms have also been removed

from the parks. These are pretty expensive

to have in our parks and being that our parks

are currently closed, it will be saving the POI

some money. We will have them put back

in the parks when the parks are officially

open again. The other reason we had them

removed is because the hand sanitizer and

toilet paper was being stolen from them and

they were also being used for illegal activity.

Once again we will have them put back in the

parks when use of the parks resumes.

SPORTS ACTIVITIES – Unfortunately it’s

been a challenge to do sports activities during

this pandemic, but our sports coordinator has

figured out how to coordinate and have some

running challenges. We are looking forward

to planning and having more of these types

of running activities. The weather has been

very good and having tribal members get out

to run and walk is awesome and good for

their health. Please keep your eyes open for

upcoming runs and fitness fun challenges.

Once again we are hoping that the new year

gets better for all of us and if it does we look

forward to provide different types of league

play and many other sports activities as well.

SWIMMING

POOL UPDATE – The

contract has been awarded to the vendor that

will be re-plastering our swimming pool, so

you should be seeing work on the pool starting

very soon. I am still hoping that everything

(re-plaster, painting, hiring of staff, etc.) will all

be complete in January, at the latest the end

of January so that we can look into re-opening

the pool then. Please keep in mind that we

will need to have everything, especially the

staff issues, in place before we can open the

pool and we are still looking for Lifeguards or

individuals interested in becoming Lifeguards.

So once again if you or anyone you know

might be interested in working as a Lifeguard

or would like to be trained to be a Lifeguard

for our pool, please have them contact me

(Arnold Sena) at (505) 869-9777.

FITNESS – Both of our fitness facilities

(New Rec and Old Rec) have been working

diligently to make sure all gym users are safe

during exercise, with mopping and sanitizing

after each guest use. We want everyone to

know that your health and safety is our highest

priority. With that being said, the holidays are

right around the corner and not to mention

New Year’s Resolutions. Fitness staff are

available to assist all our community with your

fitness needs and goals, no goal is too big

or unattainable. We would love to see new

faces as well as our regulars. Please don’t

be intimidated to come in and try something

new. We are all friends and family here, and

are here to help everyone. Remember you

get what you put into it (effort), “so if you

don’t show, you’ll never know”. Operations

will remain at 25% and Face masks are

mandatory, no exceptions. Remember we

are all in this together.

If you have any concerns, questions, ideas or

you just want to say HI, please feel free to

from you.

We hope everyone has a safe and joyous

holiday.

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Isleta Pueblo News

December 2020

3 Key Steps to Take While Waiting for Your COVID-19 Test Result

To help stop the spread of COVID-19, take these 3 key steps NOW while waiting for your test results:

Stay home and monitor your health.

Stay home and monitor your health to help protect your friends, family, and others from possibly

getting COVID-19 from you.

Stay home and away from others:

Monitor your health:

• If possible, stay away from others,

especially people who are at

higher risk for getting very sick

from COVID-19, such as older

adults and people with other

medical conditions.

• Watch for fever, cough,

shortness of breath, or other

symptoms of COVID-19.

Remember, symptoms may

appear 2-14 days after exposure

to COVID-19 and can include:

• Fever or chills

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or

difficulty breathing

• Tiredness

• Muscle or body aches

• Headache

• If you have been in contact with someone with

COVID-19, stay home and away from others for 14

days after your last contact with that person.

• If you have a fever, cough or other symptoms of

COVID-19, stay home and away from others (except

to get medical care).

• New loss of taste or

smell

• Sore throat

• Congestion or runny

nose

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

Think about the people you have recently been around.

If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, a public health worker may call you to check on your health, discuss who you

have been around, and ask where you spent time while you may have been able to spread COVID-19 to others. While

you wait for your COVID-19 test result, think about everyone you have been around recently. This will be important

information to give health workers if your test is positive.

Complete the information on the back of this page to help you remember everyone you have been around.

Answer the phone call from the health department.

If a public health worker calls you, answer the call to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in

your community.

ANSWER

THE CA

HEALTH

DEPARTMENT

• Discussions with health department staff are confidential. This means that your personal and

medical information will be kept private and only shared with those who may need to know,

like your health care provider.

• Your name will not be shared with those you came in contact with. The health department will only notify people you

were in close contact with (within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes) that they might have been exposed to COVID-19.

cdc.gov/coronavirus

CS 318271-A 07/27/2020

Isleta Behavioral Health Clinic

Services for the Community

Are you someone who believes that Isleta Behavioral Health can only

help people who have alcohol or drug problems or who are ordered to

get counseling by the Tribal Court? If so, then there is a whole part of

Isleta Behavioral Health that you have yet to discover.

The term behavioral health is used to describe the connection between

how we behave and the overall health of our mind, body, and spirit.

Sometimes life can be a little overwhelming, especially now more than

ever. Wouldn’t it be nice to just have someone listen? Our goal at

Isleta Behavioral Health is to help people lead healthier, happier,

and fuller lives. If you are struggling with stress, depression, anxiety,

anger, relationship problems, grief, or other challenges in life, perhaps

we can help.

This service is available to children and adult community members of

the Pueblo of Isleta. We are located in the back of the building at the

Isleta Health Clinic.

Call us today at 505-869-5475

WE ARE HERE TO SERVE

Isleta Health Center Program Cancellations

Health Educator: Stephanie Barela, BS CHES CSST, 869-4479

The Isleta Health Center (IHC) is doing our part to encourage

social distancing, by continuing to cancel all of our programs

until further notice:

The IHC Programs below are canceled:

►

All IBHC Prevention activities

►

ICAP Sewing Class on Thursday evenings

►

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

►

Isleta Health Support Group, 2nd Tuesday of the

month, 12/8/20 CANCELED

December 2020

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 21

Think About The People You Have Recently Been Around

If you test positive and are diagnosed with COVID-19, someone from the health department may call to check-in on your health,

discuss who you have been around, and ask where you spent time while you may have been able to spread COVID-19 to others.

This form can help you think about people you have recently been around so you will be ready if a public health worker calls you.

Things to think about. Have you:

• Gone to work or school?

• Gone to in-person appointments (e.g., salon, barber,

doctor’s or dentist’s office)?

• Gotten together with others (eaten out at a restaurant,

gone out for drinks, exercised with others or gone

to a gym, had friends or family over to your house,

volunteered, gone to a party, pool, or park)?

• Ridden in a car with others (e.g., Uber or Lyft) or took

public transportation?

• Been inside a church, synagogue, mosque or other places

of worship?

• Gone to a store in person (e.g., grocery store, mall)?

Who lives with you?

Who have you been around (within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes) in the last 10 days? (You may have more

people to list than the space provided. If so, write on the front of this sheet or a separate piece of paper.)

Name

Phone Number

Date you last saw them

Where you last saw them

What have you done in the last 10 days with other people?

Activity

Location

Date

Daniel Chewiwi

We are saddened to share the

news of the death of Isleta

tribal member and our relative,

Daniel Chewiwi, on October

17, 2020. Daniel was born on

November 06, 1972 and lived in

Isleta Pueblo his whole life. He

was preceded in death by his

parents, Phillip Chewiwi and

Bertha Natseway, as well as his

sister, Joann Chewiwi. Daniel

was a cook at various places

throughout his career and

carried his passion for cooking

into his personal life. He was

known for cooking treats and

big meals and sharing his

creations with family and neighbors. He enjoyed visiting with

family and friends, fishing and hunting, and enjoying all the small

things in life. His sense of humor was one of a kind and we will

miss his big booming laugh that filled the room. Daniel is survived

by his extended Chewiwi and Natseway families, as well as many

friends, who will miss him greatly.

Isleta Health Support Group

December Meeting Canceled

During these difficult times I want you to know that you are not

forgotten. I really miss seeing the group and although the

group has not met it is my hope that we can start meeting again

in 2021, either over the internet, the phone, or in person.

Please reach out to me if you have any questions, concerns, or

just to let me know how best the group can support you.

We are working hard to determine ways to stay connected,

we hope to continue with the group as soon as possible.

Please call 869-4479 if you are interested in being

contacted once decisions are made.

For information please contact

Stephanie Barela

869-4479

Page 22

Isleta Pueblo News

December 2020

Although we are all doing our part to keep safe, there may be an instance

where you come in to contact with someone who is sick.

The following pertains to those situations:

● I heard someone I have seen recently

has tested positive for the virus. Do I

need to be tested?

o First, REMAIN CALM. It is a very

scary and uncertain time right now,

but please be assured that the Isleta

Health Center is working hard to

ensure the safety of everyone. We are

closely monitoring and doing extensive

contact tracing on every person who

tests positive at our facility so that

we can inform those who are at risk of

getting the virus timely and efficiently.

o You likely DO NOT need a test if

you have NOT been a “close contact”

of the person who has tested positive.

To be considered a close contact, you

must have been within 6 feet of the

person for more than 15 minutes (with

or without a mask).

● If you receive a phone call informing

you that you have been deemed a close

contact of a person who is positive, here

is what you should do:

o If you are not at home, you should

immediately return home to begin

your 14-day quarantine period.

o Reach out to the Isleta COVID-19

hotline, 505-869-9720. It can then be

determined if you are INDEED a close

contact and if so, whether you should

be tested.

• YOU DO NOT NEED TO get tested

immediately after being informed

you have been in close contact with

a person who has tested positive.

• The reason for this is that it

takes some time for the virus to be

detectable in your body if you have

become infected. This time frame

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 25, 2020 – Christmas Day

Friday. January 1, 2021 – 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

is 7-10 days after you have been

in contact with the person known

to have the virus. Therefore, as

long as you have no symptoms, it

is recommended to wait 7-10 days

after having close contact so that

you won’t be tested too early (as this

can lead to your test coming back

as negative, when you still could

be positive). Call 505-869-9720 if

you develop symptoms at any point

during your quarantine.

● I have been tested for the virus, what

should I do now?

• Below is a great chart to help

you understand what you should

do while you are awaiting your test

results as well as what you should

do once you do receive your results.

December 2020

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 23

Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 November 17, 2020

● What is COVID-19?

o COVID-19 is a highly infectious and

fast-spreading disease caused by a new

form of coronavirus that was identified

in late 2019.

o There is currently NO vaccine to

prevent COVID-19.

o Symptoms associated with this

illness vary from person to person.

Some people who become infected will

not experience any symptoms at all.

However, the majority of people do

develop symptoms and their effects

can range from mild to severe and

in certain cases, have resulted in

extreme health complications and

death. Positive cases of COVID-19 are

currently rising at an alarming rate in

the Isleta community.

o The most common symptoms include

cough, headache, body aches, fever/

chills and loss of sense of taste and

smell.

● How do people get the virus?

o Because this is a new virus and

illness, we are still studying and

learning about how spread and

infection occurs. We do know that the

main form of spread is from person to

person.

• Between people who are in close

contact with one another (within

about 6 feet).

• Through respiratory droplets

produced when an infected person

coughs, sneezes, or talks.

• These droplets can land in the

mouths or noses of people who are

nearby or possibly be inhaled into

the lungs.

o Studies conducted by the CDC

indicate that COVID-19 may be

spread by people who are not showing

symptoms. That includes people who

are pre-symptomatic (they have not

yet developed symptoms) and those

that are asymptomatic (they never

develop symptoms of COVID-19). Case

investigation data in New Mexico

suggest that pre-symptomatic and/

or asymptomatic spread is common.

This makes it much harder to prevent

the spread of COVID-19 because

people may not know that they

have the disease and can easily and

unknowingly spread it to others.

What can I do to help prevent

further spread of the virus?

●

o Just like with many other illnesses,

the best way to protect yourself from

COVID-19 is to avoid exposure to

the virus that causes COVID-19.

This requires taking steps to protect

yourself and to protect others.

• Wear a mask or cloth face covering.

In the Pueblo of Isleta, everyone

is required to wear a face covering

when in public except when drinking,

eating, or under medical instruction.

Masks and cloth face coverings may

prevent people who do not know they

have the virus from transmitting

it to others. Wearing a mask is a

sign of respect for other people and

demonstrates your desire not to be a

source of infection for them, just as

you would like for them to be looking

out to protect you.

• Do not host or attend gatherings of

people you don’t live with.

• Clean your hands often and avoid

touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

with unwashed hands.

• Wash with soap and warm water

for at least 20 seconds or if you are

unable to wash your hands, use an

alcohol-based hand sanitizer with

more than 60% alcohol.

• Cover your coughs and sneezes.

• Stay home except for essential

purposes like getting groceries and/

or to seek healthcare.

• Stay home if you are sick and avoid

close contact with other people who

are sick.

• Practice social distancing by

keeping at least 6 feet of distance

between yourself and others.

• Clean and disinfect frequently

touched surfaces.

●

What activities are safe for my

family and I to partake in?

o Below is a great resource to gauge

whether or not certain activities are

safe. With the numbers of infected

people increasing at an alarming rate

in the Isleta community as well as

in the state of New Mexico, the best

recommendation at this time is to STAY

HOME and stay safe. Only venture

out for essential needs including

work, healthcare appointments, and

shopping for necessities.

o This is also not a good time to be

hosting family “get-togethers” such as

birthday parties, anniversary dinners

or other gatherings that normally

would be attended by multiple

families. Data has shown that family

gatherings have been the main source

of infection here in Isleta in the recent

weeks. PLEASE DO NOT HOST OR

ATTEND GATHERINGS.

o With the holidays around the

corner, many families are accustomed

to gathering and enjoying the company

of relatives. However, this year, IT

IS NOT SAFE TO DO SO. Please

keep holiday activities limited to

those people within your immediate

household. This will help ensure the

safety and health of yourself and your

loved ones.

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 24

MONDAY

SAT/

DP=Diabetes Prevention

Program: 869-4595

BHS=Behavioral Health Services : 869-5475P

5/6

12/13

The Ripple Effect : 9:00 12:00pm Virtual Session. For

more information please call:

869-5475

Podiatry Clinic: 12:30-4:30 pm

The Ripple Effect : 9:00 12:00pm Virtual Session. For

more information please call:

869-5475

The Ripple Effect : 9:00 12:00pm Virtual Session. For

more information please call:

869-5475

Podiatry Clinic: 8:00-4:30 pm

Podiatry Clinic: 12:30-4:30 pm

The Ripple Effect : 9:00 12:00pm Virtual Session. For

more information please call:

869-5475

26/27

The Ripple Effect : 9:00 12:00pm Virtual Session. For

more information please call:

869-5475

19/20

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

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

Virtual Session. For more information

please call: 869-5475

Wellbriety Group: 4:00 -5:00pm >

Virtual Session. For more

Information please call: 869-5475

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

Virtual Session. For more information

please call: 869-5475

THURSDAY

CLINIC OPENS AT 9:50am

Podiatry Clinic: 8:00-4:30pm

CLINIC OPENS AT 9:50am

Podiatry Clinic: 8:00-4:30pm

The Ripple Effect : 9:00 12:00pm Virtual Session. For

more information please call:

869-5475

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

Virtual Session. For more information

please call: 869-5475

The Ripple Effect : 9:00 12:00pm Virtual Session. For

more information please call:

869-5475

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

Virtual Session. For more information

please call: 869-5475

Wellbriety Group: 4:00 -5:00pm >

Virtual Session. For more

Information please call: 869-5475

CLINIC OPENS AT 9:50am

Podiatry Clinic: 8:00-4:30pm

CLINIC OPENS AT 9:50am

Podiatry Clinic: 8:00-4:30pm

CLINIC OPENS AT 9:50am

Podiatry Clinic: 8:00-4:30 pm

The Ripple Effect : 9:00 12:00pm Virtual Session. For

more information please call:

869-5475

The Ripple Effect : 9:00 12:00pm Virtual Session. For

more information please call:

869-5475

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

CLINIC OPENS AT 9:50am

Virtual Session. For more information

Podiatry Clinic: 8:00-4:30pm

please call: 869-5475

Wellbriety Group: 4:00 -5:00pm >

Virtual Session. For more

Information please call: 869-5475

FRIDAY

Wellbriety Group: 4:00 -5:00pm >

Virtual Session. For more

Information please call: 869-5475

Wellbriety Group: 4:00 -5:00pm >

Virtual Session. For more

Information please call: 869-5475

December 2020

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.