Pueblo of Isleta website: www.isletapueblo.com (2025)

Volume 20 Issue 8

Isleta Pueblo News

Pueblo of Isleta website: www.isletapueblo.com

August 2025

Governor’s Report

Maguwam,

I hope this newsletter finds our

community is good health and spirits.

We are reaching the hotter days of the

summer, make sure you are drinking

plenty of water and keeping yourself

hydrated. As we all know we are in

a drought and we are at drier than

normal conditions. These conditions

have a large impact for our community,

agriculture, and animals. On another

note, I would like to wish all our

students a safe and great school year.

finalized its overburdened areas map

under the Health, Environment, and

Equity Impacts (HEEI) rule. The Air

Board passed a motion to include POI

on the map as a per se or “historically

recognized” overburdened area. POI’s

inclusion on the map is a significant

victory for protecting POI’s air quality

by limiting emissions from upwind

neighbors. I want to thank everyone

who has advocated for the Pueblo’s

inclusion as an overburdened area

since the HEEI rule was first passed in

2023, especially the dedicated staff of

the Natural Resources Department.

discussions on water rights settlements,

jurisdiction matters, and impacts

regarding the loss of federal employees.

I would like to thank the Kateri Circle

and the community who came together

to make St. Kateri Tekakwitha feast

a great day to celebrate. This year the

feast was held on Monday, July 14th,

2025.

On behalf of the Mayordomos for St.

Augustine Feast Day, I would like to

extend an invitation to our community

in celebrating this day. Vespers Mass

will be held on Wednesday, August

On June 30th Lt. Jojola and I

27, 2025 at 7pm. We will continue the

participated in a government-toOn

July

7th-10th

Lt.

Jojola

joined

APCG

St. Augustine Feast Day celebration

government consultation meeting with

Officers, staff, and several Governors on Thursday, August 28, 2025 with

Cibola National Forest leadership.

to advocate for Pueblo-specific issues mass at 9am, with the precession and

Cibola National Forest Supervisor

in Washington, D.C. The main focus of traditional ceremonies to follow.

Heidi McRoberts provided many district

these meetings was to advocate for the

updates and briefed the upcoming

continued protection of Chaco Canyon. Last, I want to send my condolences to

comment period for the proposed

APCG met with representatives from the families of those who have lost their

Apache Canyon Fuels Reduction &

the Department of Interior, EPA, and family members during the month of

Restoration Project.

the Senate Appropriations Committee, July.

On July 1st the Albuquerque-Bernalillo among others. On behalf of the Pueblo Ha-Wuh,

County Air Quality Control Board of Isleta, Lt. Jojola moved forward

Eugene Jiron

National Immunization Awareness Month

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM)

which highlights the importance of vaccination for people of

all ages. We become immune (or protected from) a disease

when our bodies create specific antibodies to fight that disease.

Vaccines contain ingredients that help your body build this

immunity. These ingredients work by imitating an infection

to engage the body’s natural defenses. Vaccines help the body

learn how to defend itself from disease without the dangers of

a full-blown infection. Everyone should get all recommended

vaccines at the recommended times.

Department of Culture &

Historic Preservation (DCHP)

Different vaccines work in different ways, but every vaccine

helps the body’s immune system learn how to fight germs.

It typically takes a few weeks for protection to develop after

vaccination, but that protection can last a lifetime. A few

vaccines, such as those for tetanus or flu, require occasional

booster doses to maintain the body’s defenses.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a concerning drop

in routine immunizations for children and adults. Routine

vaccination coverage has not yet recovered among children

to pre-pandemic levels. Global coverage rates for vaccines

like the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccine, remain

below 2019 figures. This decline leaves millions of children

vulnerable to preventable diseases.

On-time immunization plays a vital role in protecting children

and communities from serious diseases. Vaccine schedules are

developed to offer protection from diseases right on time. For

information regarding child, adolescent, and adult vaccination

schedules, please visit: cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/

index.html.

Please call the Isleta Health Center at (505) 869-3200 to

schedule you or your family for your vaccination needs. If you

are elderly, or have limited mobility, you may be eligible to

receive your vaccinations within your home by one of the two

Isleta Health Center Public Health Nurses.

Robert Payette, RN

Public Health Nurse, Isleta Health Center

Felicia Bartley, Dr.Henry Walt, Anita Chiwewe, Daryl Lucero

The DCHP works to protect and revitalize our community’s cultural

knowledge, history and language. Our programs include Land Claims

research, Archives & Collections, the forthcoming Research Library, and

the Time Exposures exhibit. We’re excited to announce a new exhibit,

Miguel Trujillo and the Pursuit of Native Voting Rights, on view starting

August 18th, with a public reception to follow in September (be on the

lookout for the announcement!).

We also have two new staff joining the DCHP, our Archivist and Director.

Felicia Bartley is joining the DCHP as the Archivist, and is responsible for

the care, organization, and accessibility of our growing Tribal Archives,

Collections, and Research Library. Daryl Lucero is joining the DCHP

as the Director and is currently overseeing the department’s Cultural

Preservation efforts, including archives, land claims, exhibits, language

and research initiatives.

Hours of Operation: 10am-3pm Monday-Friday

Contact Information

Dept Culture & Historic Preservation

71 Tribal Road 40

Isleta, NM 87022

(505)869-9767

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 2

August 2025

On July 14, 2025, the Isleta Tribal Court confirmed what was already plain in the Isleta Constitution and under long-standing Isleta tradition: that a Governor

is authorized to remove his lieutenant governors at any time and for any reason without any approval from the Tribal Council. Unlike other appointed officers,

such as Tribal Court Judges, lieutenant governors are not subject to confirmation by the Tribal Council. The Court reasoned that although the Tribal Council’s

removal process under Article VII of the Constitution constitutes one method of removal for lieutenant governors, it is not the only method. Rather, “it is clear

that the governor’s constitutional power to select and appoint his lieutenant governors…also confers upon the governor the power to remove appointed

lieutenant governors for cause or no cause at any time.” Dismissal Order, pg. 7.

The Court concluded that Mr. Abeita’s efforts to continue as lieutenant governor, and to be paid for doing so, were barred by the Pueblo’s sovereign immunity,

and that Mr. Abeita’s petition must therefore be dismissed. The Isleta Tribal Court further determined that because Mr. Abeita’s petition asked the Court

to “step into the Governor’s shoes and function under the Executive branch’s Article IV powers, [] contrary to the separation of powers required by the

Constitution,” dismissal was required.

Although Mr. Abeita has filed a Notice of Appeal of the Isleta Tribal Court’s decision, its opinion is

comprehensive and rests on solid legal grounds, and I fully expect the decision to be upheld by the Pueblo’s

Appellate Court. It is unfortunate that Mr. Abeita refuses to accept my decision. From his refusal to return

the Pueblo’s traditional canes to his outbursts on social media misrepresenting my decisions as Governor,

Mr. Abeita’s actions since his removal have shown that he does not belong in a leadership role.

IN THE TRIBAL COURT

PUEBLO OF ISLETA

ISLETA, NEW MEXICO

"Please scan the

QR Code for a

digital copy of these

documents."

related civil rights suits·in Tribal Court.” Murphy, IAC-22-001 at 7. Since the

Petitioner has not asserted this type of sovereign immunity waiver in this

proceeding, nor has he made any allegations that he was detained by the

Pueblo, this type of waiver clearly does not apply to the facts of this case.

JUAN REY ABEITA,

Petitioner,

Case No. CV-IN-0059-2025

vs.

GOVERNOR EUGENE JIRON,

Respondent.

ORDER GRANTING MOTION TO DISMISS FOR LACK OF SUBJECT

MATTER JURISDICTION

THIS MATTER came before the Court upon the Respondent's May 23,

2025 Motion to Dismiss. The Court held a Motion Hearing on this Motion to

Dismiss on July 2, 2025. Juan Rey Abeita appeared pro se. Attorneys Emily

Soli and Davide Mielke appeared on behalf of the Pueblo and Governor Jiron

in his Official Capacity. Judge Horning presided.

The Court allowed both Parties the opportunity for their legal arguments

and positions to be heard. The Court being duly informed finds good cause

to dismiss this matter for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. Support of this

decision is as follows:

Sovereign Immunity

"The Pueblo of Isleta is a sovereign nation which is inherently immune

from suit." POI Law and Order Code § 02-01-03(A)."Indian Tribes were

self-governing sovereign political communities long before the formation

of the United States. As sovereigns, they have the power to determine the

jurisdiction of their own courts." Chavez v. Lucero et al., IAC-05-112 at 4

(2017) citing Michigan v. Bay Mills Indian Community, 572 U.S. 782, 124

S.ct. 2024, 2040 (Sotomayor concurring). "It is settled law that a sovereign

[government] is immune from suit unless there is a clear waiver of sovereign

immunity." Zuni v. Isleta Tribal Council, IAC-201101 at 3 (2011).

"Neither the Governor nor his Lieutenants nor the members of Pueblo of

Isleta Council may be subpoenaed or otherwise compelled to appear and

testify in the Court of the Pueblo of Isleta ... concerning any matter involving

such official's actions pursuant to his/her order official duties, unless the

protections of sovereign immunity have been explicitly waived." POI Law

and Order Code§ 02-0l-03(B).

Waivers of sovereign immunity can be created by either, an explicit legislative

act of United States Congress abrogating tribal sovereign immunity, or by the

Pueblo's express waiver of its sovereign immunity. Cooper, IAC-05-011 at

4. "[U]nder, tribal and federal law, a waiver of immunity must be express,

unequivocal, and clear and cannot be implied." Id. at 6 citing Santa Clara

Pueblo v. Martinez, 436 U.S. 49, 58 (1978). "The Party asserting that the

Pueblo has waived its sovereign immunity, ''bears the burden of showing an

explicit waiver by the Pueblo." Cooper, IAC-05-011 at 4; see also Lente v.

Tribal Council et al., IAC-05-009 at 7 (2017).

"[A]bsent either consent by the tribe or Congressional action, a tribe retains

immunity from suit." Chavez, IAC-05-112 at 4.

Once it is determined that sovereign immunity bars a suit, the tribal court

no longer has jurisdiction to review of the merits of the case and the case

must be dismissed. Zuni v. Isleta Tribal Council, IAC-201101 at 3 (2011).

Sovereign Immunity Waivers and Individual Capacity

Claims Do Not Apply Here

Pueblo of Isleta law recognizes waivers of its sovereign immunity in the

following circumstances:

First, the only Congressional abrogation of the Pueblo's sovereign immunity

is the habeas corpus provision of the Indian Civil Rights Act (ICRA).

Murphy v. POI and Yvonne Santos, IAC-22-001, at 7 (2023); 25 U.S.C. §

1303. This ICRA provision provides that the “privilege·of the writ of habeas

corpus shall be available to any person, in a court of the United States, to

test the legality of his detention by order ofan Indian tribe.” 25 U.S.C. § 1303.

Additionally, the Appellate Court has held that that “Congress did not expressly

abrogate the Pueblo’s sovereign immunity under ICRA to allow employment-

Second, the Pueblo has waived its sovereign immunity via the Pueblo’s

state gaming compact, but only for personal injuries and property

damage occurring on the Pueblo’s Casino premises. Lente, IAC-05-009 at

6. The Petitioner has not asserted this type of waiver in this proceeding and

the Petitioner’s allegations do not relate to anything occurring on Casino

premises. Therefore, this type of waiver clearly does not apply to the facts

of this case.

Third, the Pueblo may waive its sovereign immunity via express terms of

a contract. Lente, IAC-05-009 at 7; Cooper, IAC-05-011 at 4. The Petitioner

has not asserted this type of sovereign immunity waiver in this proceeding.

At the July 2, 2025 Hearing in this matter, both Parties denied the existence

of any employment contract or other contract between the Pueblo and/or the

Governor in his Official Capacity and the Petitioner. Therefore, this type of

waiver clearly does not apply to the facts of this case.

Fourth, the “Pueblo may waive its sovereign immunity by enacting tribal

legislation ... as long as such waiver is made ‘equivocally.”’ Id. at 4. To

date, Tribal Council has never enacted any legislation waiving the Pueblo’s

sovereign immunity for any reason(1). Because no legislation to which this

type of waiver could apply currently exists, and because the Petitioner

has not attempted to assert the Pueblo waived its sovereign immunity via

legislation, this type of waiver clearly does not apply to the facts of this case.

Fifth, the Appellate Court has found that Section IX, §5 of the Pueblo

Isleta Constitution which explicitly authorizes the judiciary to determine the

constitutionally of “enactments” of Tribal Counsel” waives sovereign

immunity. Murphy, IAC-22-001 at 7; See also Olguin v. Padilla, IAC-05-016CZC at 4 (2006). Here, because the Petitioner failed to assert that any act of

legislation by Tribal Council is unconstitutional, this type of waiver does not

apply to the facts of this case.

Sixth, the Appellate Court has found that the Section IX, § 5 Constitutional

waiver of sovereign immunity extends beyond ‘enactments of legislation’

and also waives the Pueblo’s sovereign immunity to allow “the Tribal

Judiciary” to “review the constitutionality of [non­legislative] acts taken

by Tribal Counsel and Tribal agencies.” Emphasis added. Murphy, IAC22-001 at 7; See also Peigler v. POI Tribal Counsel, IAC-22-004 at 1 (2022)

(stating that “the Isleta Judicial Branch is authorized to review actions of the

Tribal Counsel to determine compliance with the Constitution”).

In his pleadings and at the July 2, 2025 Hearing, the Petitioner asserted

that this type of waiver applied to the facts of his case, waived sovereign

immunity for his claims, and created a path for the merits his case to be

heard. Petitioner did not allege any non-legislative actions by Tribal Counsel

that could constitute this type of waiver. Specifically, the Petitioner asserted

that this type of waiver applied to independent actions under Olguin v.

Padilla because that case contained language that extended the exception

for unconstitutional ‘actions of Tribal Counsel’ to unconstitutional actions of

the executiye branch, including the governor. See Peigler, IAC-22- 004 at 4.

The Petitioner did not allege that the Governor had acted according to an

unconstitutional act of Tribal Counsel.

The Pueblo argued that this type of waiver did not apply to this case

because, in later case law after the 2006 Olguin decision, the Appellate

Court clarified and narrowed Olguin. The Pueblo supported this argument

by explaining: 1) that Olguin language referencing acts of the executive was

non-binding dicta; 2) that in 2010, the Appellate Court narrowed any implicit

sovereign immunity waiver mentioned in Olguin dicta to only instances where

a governor acted pursuant to an unconstitutional directive of Tribal Council,

see ITMO Lucero, Jiron, Zuni, IAC- 10-007 at 14 (2010); and 3) that in 2017,

the Appellate Court held that waivers of the Pueblo’s sovereign immunity

must be “express, unequivocal, and clear” and not impliedly or implicitly

waived. See Cooper, IAC-05-011 at.6.

This Court finds that under current Pueblo of lsleta law, there is no implied

waiver of sovereign immunity that would allow the Petitioner to sue the Pueblo

or the Governor in his official capacity for the acts alleged. This is because

the Olguin language upon which the Petitioner relies is non-binding dicta that

August 2025

Isleta Pueblo News

attempted to recognize an implied waiver; Later case law which clarified

that a sovereign immunity waiver must be "express, unequivocal, and clear,"

Cooper, IAC-05-011 at 6, and which limited waivers for a governor's acts

to only instances where a governor acted pursuant to an unconstitutional

directive of Tribal Council, foreclosed upon Petitioner's Olguin arguments.

ITMO Lucero, Jiron, Zuni, IAC-10-007 at 14; Therefore, this type of waiver

cannot and does not apply to the facts of this case.

Seventh, the Appellate Court has found that the Pueblo's sovereign

immunity is waived to allow "a plaintiff to sue a Tribal official or employee in

the Tribal Court for declaratory or injunctive relief (not monetary damages),

if the official or employee either acted beyond (a) the scope of their

authority, or (b) the authority that the Tribe has the power to legally

confer." Murphy, IAC-22-001 at 7-8. Here, the Petitioner argued that the

Governor had waived sovereign immunity because he acted beyond his

authority by removing him from the office of Second Lieutenant Governor

without affording him due process under Article VII § 2 of the Pueblo oflsleta

Constitution (2). The Petitioner's position was that the Article VII § 2 removal

process was the only way that a governor could constitutionally remove an

appointed official and that an appointed official could only be removed if they

were found guilty of one of the offenses listed in Article VII and received the

process from Article VII § 2. The Petitioner also stated that Article VII § 2

did not apply to him because he was not found guilty of a misdemeanor or

malfeasance.

The Petitioner's interpretation of Article VII, fails to consider other ways

that appointed officials can be removed. In Murphy, which addressed a

governor's termination of a Dental Clinic employee, the Appellate Court

found that that governor's termination of an at-will employee was not an "act

beyond the scope of his authority." IAC-22-001 at 8. The Murphy Court held

that because the Pueblo's "Constitution expressly confers authority upon the

Governor to 'to supervise and direct all employees of the pueblo government'

it also conferred the power for governors to "terminate employees." Id. at

8 citing POI Const. Art. IV§ 5(a). Similar to Article IV§ 5(a), Article IV§ 6

of the Constitution provides that “the first and second lieutenant governors

shall function under the direction of the governor and shall assist him in

the performance of his duties.” Reading Article IV§ 5(a), and Article IV§ 6

together, in light of the Pueblo’s long-standing tradition and custom of having

the governor elect select and appoint his chosen lieutenant governors, it

is clear that the Governor’s constitutional power to select and appoint his

lieutenant governors (who are also the Pueblo’s employees) also confers

upon the governor the power to remove appointed lieutenant governors for

cause or no cause at any time. Id. Because the Governor’s removal of the

Petitioner was within the scope of the Governor’s constitutional authority,

and because Article VII § 2 is not the only way an appointed official can be

removed, the Governor’s act ofremoving the Petitioner does not constitute a

waiver of sovereign immunity. Therefore, this type of waiver cannot and does

not apply to the facts of this case.

Eighth, though not a waiver of sovereign immunity, a true individual

capacity lawsuit is one final way for a Petitioner to surpass the general

sovereign immunity bar. Generally, tribal sovereign immunity “protects

tribal officials against claims in their official capacity.” Lente, IAC-05-009 at

8. However, employees of the Pueblo “may be sued individually in certain

circumstances.” Chavez, IAC-05-112 at 6. “If the remedy sought is truly

against the sovereign, or if the act sued over is the sovereign’s act or one

for which it has the primary legal liability, then sovereign immunity applies,

naming individual officers of the defendants does not change the character

of the suit.” Id.

“[C]ourts must look beyond the mere allegation that an officer is being

sued in his or her individual capacity. Courts must “review the substance

of the allegations, including the kind of claims being brought and the relief

being sought in order to determine wither sovereign immunity applies.” Id. To

determine whether a case is a true individual capacity lawsuit or is actually

case against the Pueblo or a Pueblo official in his or her official capacity,

this Court must determine if the Pueblo is the ‘real party in interest.’ Id. The

Pueblo is the real party in interest “when the judgment sought would expend

itself on the public treasury or domain, or interfere with public administration”

or where “the effect of the judgment would be to restrain the [sovereign] from

acting, or to compel it to act.” Id. at 6-8. Where the Pueblo is the real party

in interest, the Pueblo is “an indispensable party to the suit due to the nature

of the Plaintiff’s remedies, which only the Pueblo can provide.” Jojola et. al.

v. Chavez et al., IAC-03-078 at 2 (2003). The Appellate Court has instructed

that the following factors guide a real party in interest determination:

1)

2)

3)

4)

5)

whether the official’s actions were tied to their official duties;

whether if the desired relief had been authorized at the outset

the burden would have been born by the sovereign;

whether a judgment would operate against the sovereign;

whether the officials acted to further their personal interests; and

whether the official’s actions were ultra vires (beyond the scope

of their legal authority).

Chavez, IAC-05-112 at 6.

In this case, it is clear that this matter is not a true individual capacity suit

against the Pueblo. While the Petitioner names “Governor Eugene Jiron” as

the sole Respondent, the substance of the allegations show that the Pueblo

is an indispensable Party because only the Pueblo itself could provide the

relief the Petitioner is requesting. Jojola, IAC-03-078, at 2; Chavez, IAC-05112 at 6. Considering the real party in interest factors, 1) as explained above,

Page 3

Governor Jiron’s act of removing the Petitioner from office was within the

scope of his official Article IV constitutional duties, 2) the Pueblo would bear

the burden of compensating the Petitioner for the monetary and injunctive

relief he requests by expending government funds and making governmental

changes, 3) any judgment this Court could issue granting the relief the

Petitioner requests would require a withdrawal from the Pueblo’s treasury (as

opposed to the Governor’s personal funds) and/or require the Pueblo to act,

4) the Petitioner has alleged no personal interests of the Governor served by

this removal (3), and 5) as explained above, this act of removal was within the

scope of the Governor’s constitutionally authorized power and was not ultra

vires. Id. Because the, substance of the allegations in the Petition show that

this matter is truly against the Pueblo, not Governor Jiron in his individual

capacity, this matter cannot be permitted to proceed under the general tribal

sovereign immunity bar.

Given that the waivers of sovereign immunity discussed above are the only

waivers of sovereign immunity recognized by the Pueblo, the Petitioner’s

assertions that sovereign immunity was waived because he believed he still

held office and because the Pueblo’s attorneys entered a standard entry of

appearance instead of a ‘special appearance’ are not supported by any legal

grounds for this Court to find a sovereign immunity waiver.

Because Petition has not alleged and cannot meet any of the possible

sovereign immunity waivers under Pueblo of Isleta law, nor does the Petition

allege facts that show this is a lawsuit against Governor Jiron in his individual

capacity, sovereign immunity bars this Court from having subject matter

jurisdiction to hear this case and, therefore, bars any-part of this matter from

proceeding to a hearing on the merits of this case. For this reason alone, this

matter must be dismissed.

Political Question

The Political question doctrine is rule that courts will refuse to hear a case

if it presents a political question. Baker v. Carr, 369 U.S. 186,217 (1962).

Political question doctrine has long been recognized under Pueblo of Isleta

law as well as in other jurisdictions as a non-justiciability doctrine which bars

courts from making the purely political decisions for which the decision­making authority has been constitutionally delegated to other branches of

goverrnnent. Id. at 217. See Peigler, IAC-22-004 at 2-3 citing ITMO Lucero,

Jiron, Zuni, IAC-10-007 at 15 (stating, “the Courts are bound to accept the

decisions by political branches within their political authority and “it is not the

role of the courts to determine whether an elected official’s actions warrant

removal”).

Here, by asking the Court to essentially reinstate him to the Second

Lieutenant Governor position and to remove his successor, the Petitioner

is requesting that the Court step into the Governor’s shoes and function

under the Executive branches’ Article IV powers, which is contrary to the

separation of powers required by the Constitution and barred by the political

question doctrine. Therefore, these non-justiciable political questions cannot

be decided by this Court and must be dismissed. See Peigler, IAC-22-004 at

2-3 and ITMO Lucero, Jiron, Zuni, IAC-10-007 at 15.

CONCLUSION

Because this matter is barred by the Pueblo’s sovereign immunity and

raises non- justiciable political questions, it must be dismissed.

IT IS THEREFORE SO ORDERED ADJUDGED, AND DECREED that:

1.

2.

3.

This matter is DISMISSED, in its entirety, with prejudice.

The July 17, 2025 Hearing in this matter is VACATED.

All pleadings filed after July 2, 2025 in this matter are moot.

IT IS SO ORDERED on July 14, 2025

1 The Pueblo enacted the Governmental Claims Act, 02-01-0I et seq., which

codifies many of the sovereign immunity waivers listed in this Order and creates one

other waiver for judicial review of POI administrative acts under the Government

Accountability Act. § 02-0l-04(E). Since this administrative process set fort in the

Governmental Claims Act was not initiated prior or during these proceedings, any

waiver under the Governmental Claims Act Section 02-0l-04(E) cannot apply here.

2 Article VII§ 1 requires any elected or appointed officers of the Pueblo who are

convicted of a felony to forfeit their office. Article VII § 2 applies to any elected or

appointed officers of the Pueblo found guilty in court of certain misdemeanors, or

found guilty by Tribal Council of "malfeasance in office. Article VII § 2 requires a

process for removal or recall of these officials that includes 1) receiving a written

statement of the charges against them from Tribal Council and 2) an opportunity to

appear and be heard in front of Tribal Council within 10 days.

3 At the July 2, 2025 Hearing, the Petitioner alleged that the Governor benefited

from his removal because the Governor wanted him removed and because he

had done all the work for the Governor when he was in Office. This Court finds

that these reasons do not rise to the level of demonstrating any personal benefit

received by the Governor.

Page 4

Isleta Pueblo News

August 2025

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

DEADLINE for September Newsletter articles is set for

Tuesday, August 19, 2025, 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.

People who wish to submit an article or flyer are responsible

for generating their own article or flyer. Should you need help,

please call the Library at 505.869.9808 and set up a date and

time to sit down with a Library staff member who will help you

throughout the process. The Library will NOT accept notes

dropped off at the Library or information over the phone to

generate your article.

PROBATES need to be published in the Newsletter for

two consecutive months. Probates are considered court

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

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

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

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

newsletters.html .

CLASSIFIED ADS: The new administration has requested

that the Newsletter start a Classified Ad section for Tribal

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

farm equipment. Leasing of houses and mobile homes will

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

markets or weekly yard sales will NOT be accepted.

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

houses, and mobile homes must be within the reservation

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

that exceed the 160-characters will NOT be submitted to the

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

Submitters of classified ads are responsible for generating

their ads as this is a FREE service.

As a reminder, Tribal business owners may submit a small

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

are responsible for generating their flyers as this is a FREE

service.

Classified ads and business flyers will be posted no more than

two consecutive months. In the event that 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 in 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

ENVIRONMENT

Monthly surface water quality results

The fifteen Newsletter distribution locations are:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

TR 2 & TR 22 - Chical SE of Community Hall

TR 10 - Behind the old 47 Sales

TR 1 & TR 5 – Ranchitos / Bosque Farms

Reservations Line

Ranchitos Park

Post Office - Big Tree

TR 82 & TR 84 - Teller Road

TR 78 & TR 82 - Carols 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)

*Water quality samples are collected on a monthly basis from the Rio

Grande. Two irrigation sample locations are collected during the growing

season.

- Dash in data table indicates sample not collected.

“MPN” is a unit of measure that stands for most probable number. MPN is

equivalent to colony forming units (“CFU”).

The Pueblo of Isleta’s most stringent surface water quality standard for E.

coli bacteria is 88 MPN/100 ml at all times and at all flow rates.

Please watch signage at the NM 147 bridge for surface water quality

advisory.

Governor states there is no need at this time for a ban on fishing or

swimming; fishing is only allowed to tribal members.

If you have questions about surface water quality, contact Ramona Montoya,

Water Quality Control Officer, at 505-869-7565.

Isleta Pueblo News

August 2025

Job Postings

Visit us online at http://

www.isleta.com/caree

r-opportunities.aspx

Fax: 505-244-8232

RETAIL ATTENDANT

Albuquerque, NM

0400

$14.37 / Hour • Non-Exempt

SPORTS BOOK WRITER - 10HSBW

Albuquerque, NM

0146

$14.87 /Hour• Non-Exempt

TABLE GAMES DEALER -10HDL1

Albuquerque, NM

0120

$11.50 /Hour• Non-Exempt

PLAYERS CLUB REPRESENTATIVE - 35HCL1

Albuquerque, NM

1150

$14.87 /Hour• Non-Exempt

SECURITY OFFICER II

Albuquerque, NM

0180

$18.04 /Hour• Non-Exempt

GROUNDSKEEPER

Albuquerque, NM

0701

$14.62 /Hour• Non-Exempt

LANDSCAPE TECHNICIAN I

Albuquerque, NM

1360

$15.12 /Hour• Non-Exempt

OUTSIDE SERVICE ATTENDANT

Albuquerque, NM

0700

$14.12 /Hour• Non-Exempt

SUPERVISOR F & B

Albuquerque, NM

$20.31 / Hour• Non-Exempt

FOOD ATTENDANT

Albuquerque, NM

$13.87 / Hour• Non-Exempt

BARTENDER CART

Albuquerque, NM

i0335

$10.50 / Hour• Non-Exempt

CAGE CASHIER

$14.87 / Hour• Non-Exempt

Albuquerque, NM

Join Our Team as a Cage Cashier! Bring your attention to detail and passion for exceptional

guest service to Isleta Resort and Casino. As a Cage Cashier, you’ll handle financial

transactions with accuracy and efficiency, maintain balanced bank inventori...

CASHIER (Ristra)

$14.62 /Hour• Non-Exempt

Albuquerque, NM

Join our team as a Cashier and be the welcoming face of our dining experience at Isleta

Resort & Casino! In this fast-paced role, you’ll greet and seat guests, answer menu and

policy questions, process transactions accurately, and insure a clean, organi...

FRONT OFFICE SUPERVISOR

$18.04 /Hour• Non-Exempt

Albuquerque, NM

Join our team as a Front Office Supervisor at Isleta Resort & Casino and lead the daily

operations of the Front Desk, Valet, and Call Center with excellence. You’ll guide a dynamic

team, deliver exceptional guest service, resolve issues with professiona ...

COOK

Albuquerque, NM

00HCOOK

$15.12 /Hour• Non-Exempt

PUBLIC WORKS DEPT: UPCOMING PROJECT

LOCATING WATER SERVICE LINES

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing

assistance, at no cost to the Pueblo and Tribal Members, to

locate and identify select water service lines at residential

properties. This is work following the Lead Service Line

Inventory that occurred months ago. Areas where water lines

noted in the inventories as “unknown” need to be investigated

and documented.

EPA’s contractor, ERG, will begin the first steps in the process

to investigate the water service lines that are categorized as

“unknown”. ERG will first solicit and procure contractors to

work with the Pueblo on Community Outreach, line location

activities, and if needed, excavation of the water lines to obtain

information on the type of piping installed from the shut-off to

the home.

Once this work is completed, homeowners will be informed

of what kind of piping is serving their residence. If it is Lead,

educational materials will be provided. Any lead service lines

noted will be added to a list for future replacement.

Additional information on this project will be provided as it

becomes available. If you have any questions, please contact

Public Works at 505-869-5170.

Page 5

Pueblo of Isleta Career Opportunities

Position Posting

Office Location

Closing Date

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER

Public Defender

08/31/2025

BILLING SUPERVISOR

Health Services

07/31/2025

CHIEF OF POLICE

Police Department

07/25/2025

SR FlNANCIAL ANALYST

Treasury

08/01/2025

TEKAKWITHA CONFERENCE

The annual Tekakwitha conference is a gathering of indigenous

Catholics in the United States named for the first Native

American Saint, Kateri Tekakwitha. Conferences are held in

various regions annually which consists of workshops, diverse

speakers, and Native cultural events.

The 2025 conference was held in Las Cruces, NM. lsleta Pueblo

St. Augustine Kateri Circle was represented by the individuals

pictured.

Page 6

Isleta Pueblo News

August 2025

August 2025

Isleta Pueblo News

His professional career included working

at Kirtland Air Force Base with esteemed

companies such as General Dynamics, EG&G,

Allied Signal, and Honeywell. He retired from

his work there in 2003, but retirement did not

slow his desire to contribute. Max transitioned

his formidable talents to tribal government,

where he served for over 20 years. He began

as 1st Lieutenant Governor in 2005, serving

four terms, before ascending to the role of

Governor for two terms.

Max A. Zuni, age 75, passed away on June 11,

2025, after a courageous nine-month battle

with pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded

by his loving and devoted daughters,

LeeAnne, Maxine & Daniel Lucero, Melanie,

Jennifer, and Elthia, along with his cherished

niece, Dominique, and other devoted family

members who provided comfort and support

in his final days.

Born on November 18, 1949, B.C. (as he

would humorously say, "Before Casinos!").

Max was the son of Marie L. Zuni (Na-Na PahThoo) and Joe L. Zuni (Ta-Ta Whee-tuh). He

was one of five children, including Lorraine &

Michael Lucero, Margaret Zuni, Richard Zuni,

and Brenda Zuni. His legacy further extends

through his 15 grandchildren (Darlene

in spirit) and two great-grandchildren, all

of whom brought immense joy to his life.

Max was affectionately known by many

names that reflected his various roles and

relationships: Dad, Teh-eh, brother, mehmeh, beba, she-foon, ta-ta, coom-pie-dee,

Coach, and ultimately, Governor. He was a

proud graduate of Rio Grande High.

A true patriot, Max bravely served his country

in the Marine Corps in 1967, completing a tour

in Vietnam. Upon his return, he married and

began his family, laying the foundation for a life

dedicated to service and community. Feeling

a strong calling to serve his community, he

took his seat as a traditional leader, a position

he held with honor and dedication for a

remarkable 47 years.

As Governor, Max diligently worked to uplift

his community. His efforts were focused on

caring for the elderly, educating the youth,

revitalizing the Tiwa language, preserving

sacred traditions, and protecting his people

through strategic partnerships. He tirelessly

built relationships with federal and state

governments, as well as surrounding

communities and their leadership, to secure

vital support and funding for housing initiatives,

crucial infrastructure improvements, and the

protection of the land, air, and water resources

so essential to his people.

Even during his downtime from tribal

government, Max found ways to serve. For

over 10 years, he worked with the Bernalillo

County Clerk’s Office during elections,

assisting with voting. He was a familiar voice

on KANW radio, encouraging his people to

vote as a dedicated translator. In 2024, he

was appointed as a commander on the board

with Kirtland Air Force Base, tasked with

representing the Native American military

population, a role he was unfortunately unable

to fulfill due to his illness.

Page 7

poured in from numerous agencies with whom

he built strong partnerships, including the

City of Albuquerque Mayor’s Office; Michelle

Kavanaugh and Shirlee Smith (Bernalillo

County Clerk’s Office); NM State Governor

Michelle Lujan Grisham, Deb Haaland; Eva

Blaylock (Kirtland AFB Public Affairs); Airman

Schroeder (Kirtland AFB); Michael J. Powers,

Col. USAF (Kirtland AFB); the All Pueblo

Council of Governors;

Melayna Ortiz; Maxine Velasquez (Laguna

Attorney); Maggie Quinn (Associate Deputy

Director with U.S. Department of Health and

Human Services); NAEVA and Alysia Coriz;

Thomas Moquino, Jr. (Kewa Governor);

Pueblo of Sandia Tribal Leadership and

Council; and Van J. Billops (NM Gaming

Control Board).

Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to

everyone who offered prayers and support

during our father’s final battle. We express

our deepest appreciation to Father Milton and

Archbishop Wester for performing his funeral

service. Special thanks are extended to the

Oncology doctors, nurses, and hospital care

teams at Presbyterian Hospitals, as well as

the Isleta Governor’s Office, Ms. Jessica

Jiron for caring for our father just like he was

your own, Isleta Public Works Department,

Ulysses Abeita and the Isleta Veterans

Association, the Isleta Health Center staff,

Isleta Fire Department and the Ambercare

Staff, including Crystal and Ashley, for their

compassionate care.

Our father will dearly be missed, but his spirit

will live on through the countless memories

shared and the laughter he brought into

our lives. So, here’s one last joke to always

remember him by...

“Knock, Knock”

“Who’s there?”

“Tijuana”

“Tijuana who?”

“Tijuana candy!”

We love you, dad! From your daughters, your

son-in-law and the entire family.

His passion for community extended to

the baseball field, where he dedicated

two decades to coaching little league. He

watched countless children grow from their

t-ball days to high school and beyond, always

offering encouragement and guidance. Max

was always proud to speak to the youth at

the many schools he visited during his tenure,

leaving an indelible mark on their lives.

Max made a profound impact on everyone

he met, leaving them with a lasting memory,

whether it was from a humorous joke he

shared or the candy he generously gave. The

ripple effect of his loss was felt throughout

his community, the state, the nation, and as

far as New Zealand, a testament to his widereaching influence.

In a true honor to his legacy, Timothy Keller,

Mayor of Albuquerque, issued Executive

Order No. 25-78, proclaiming June 12, 2025,

in honor of “Governor Max Zuni.” Condolences

Page 8

Isleta Pueblo News

August 2025

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

ILNA: Youth Camp

The Department hosted a unique three-day program in partnership

with Indigenous Leaders of North America. This program gave

students a vibrant hands-on look at Korean culture with a hint of STEM

enrichment. The program wonderfully blended science, creativity,

and cultural discovery. The program opened with an awesome burst

of energy. Students explored electrical circuits, extracted DNA, and

created terrariums. Every day opened with a motivational lecture

that encouraged students to detox their mind, understand our

interconnectedness, and realized the value of forgiveness. Students

explored culinary creativity with creating gimbap. This activity created

a balance for culture and culinary arts. A magic show captured the

attention of both students and staff. The magic show introduced

students to a new form of storytelling and provided a lesson in curiosity.

Throughout the program ILNA and the Department shared culture

through the exchange of foods. Students enjoyed Korean cooking and

the ILNA group was able to enjoy our traditional Pueblo foods.

Graduation Recognition Night:

We’re excited to share some wonderful moments and photos from

our recent Graduation Recognition Night! This special evening was

held to honor the incredible accomplishments of the graduates from

the 2024–2025 school year. Once again, we extend our heartfelt

congratulations to each and every one of you — your hard work,

perseverance, and commitment to your education have brought you

to this proud moment, and we couldn’t be more excited for your future.

The event, hosted by the Department of Education, was a true

celebration of success. We were thrilled to see such a great turnout

One of the highlights of the day was the opportunity to connect with

so many amazing vendors who made time during their weekend to be

present with us. Their dedication and presence truly made the event

special, and we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and

every one of them. Whether it was providing information, handing out

materials, offering services, or simply engaging with families, their

contributions were deeply appreciated and did not go unnoticed. The

event wouldn't have been the same without their support.

There were also fun and engaging activities for kids and families

to enjoy. Free haircuts were offered to help students feel confident

and ready for their first day back. The bounce house was a huge hit,

providing nonstop excitement for the little ones. Delicious Subway

food was served, provided by the Isleta Police Department allowing

everyone to enjoy a meal together while connecting with neighbors

and friends. It was a wonderful blend of fun, learning, and community

bonding.

Overall, it was a fantastic turnout, and it warmed our hearts to see

so many familiar and new faces, all coming together with a shared

purpose: to support our youth and make sure they start the school

year strong and confident. Events like this are a reminder of the

strength and unity within the Pueblo of Isleta, and we are so grateful

to everyone who played a part in making it a success. We look

forward to continuing this tradition and building even more meaningful

connections in the future.

If any student(s) missed picking up supplies at the event, you can

still stop by our DOE office. We’re open Monday – Friday, from 8:00

AM to 4:30 PM. Every student must be registered with the QR code

link to pick up supplies: https://isletapueblo.formstack.com/forms/

jom2025_26

Department of Education Team

Back-to-School Announcement:

Hello Students!

from students, families, and community members who came together

to recognize this important milestone. A very special thank you goes

to our guest speaker, Tara Gatewood, whose powerful and uplifting

words offered encouragement, pride, and motivation to our graduates

as they take the next step in their journeys.To all our graduates:

you’ve reached a major milestone, and we are so proud of everything

you’ve accomplished. Whether you're continuing your education,

entering the workforce, or exploring new opportunities, remember

that your community stands behind you. Job well done — you did it!

Congratulations from all of us at the Pueblo of Isleta Department of

Education!

Back-to-School Supply Distribution and Career Fair:

We’re excited to share a few photos from our recent Back-to-School

Supply Distribution and Career Fair, which turned out to be an incredible

and heartwarming event for our Pueblo of Isleta community. The sun

was shining brightly on what became a beautiful—hot—summer day,

but that didn’t stop families, students, and community members from

coming out and joining in the festivities. The event brought together a

wide range of activities and services, all designed to help our students

and families feel supported and prepared as they gear up for the new

school year. From school supply giveaways to educational resources

and career information, there was something valuable for everyone.

It’s hard to believe, but summer is already coming to an end—and that

means it's time to welcome another school year full of opportunities,

learning, and growth. The Pueblo of Isleta Department of Education

would like to extend a warm welcome back to all our students and

families as we begin the 2025–2026 academic year.

We know the transition from summer break to the classroom can be

exciting, and sometimes a little overwhelming. That’s why we want

to remind our community that we are here to support you—every

step of the way. From our youngest early learners just starting out,

to high school students preparing for graduation, to those continuing

on to college and vocational training, our department is dedicated to

providing the resources and guidance you need to succeed.

Whether you have questions about school supplies, academic support,

scholarships, tutoring, college readiness, or anything in between, our

staff is ready to assist you and your family. We work in partnership

with local schools, educators, and other departments to ensure that

every Pueblo of Isleta student receives the tools they need to reach

their full potential.

Education is a journey, and we are honored to walk that path with you.

We encourage all students to start the year with positivity, focus, and a

commitment to doing their best. Parents and guardians, thank you for

the vital role you play in your child’s education—we are here to partner

with you and support your efforts at home and in the community.

If you have any questions, concerns, or would just like to learn more

about the services we offer, please don’t hesitate to call our office.

Your success is our mission, and we look forward to another amazing

school year together.

Let’s make this year one to remember—for all the right reasons!

With respect and encouragement,

Pueblo of Isleta Department of Education

(505) 869-9790

August 2025

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 9

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 10

SANTA FE INDIAN SCHOOL

The Santa Fe Indian School Parent Orientation is

scheduled on Sunday, August 17, 2025. The Parent

Orientation provides essential information and

resources that support our families to best support

their students for the new school year. An important

part of our Orientation is the Resource Fair, where

families can connect with and learn about the many

supportive services available in and around their

home communities. Attendees will include parents/

guardians, students, and family members. There are

AM and PM sessions offered and parents/guardians

are free to choose to attend either session.

The Resource Fair will be located indoors in our beautiful

Pueblo Pavilion. Chairs, tables, refreshments, and

lunch will be provided. Check-in starts at 7:30am and

we hope to have our Resource Fair participants remain

till 3:30pm. Parent Orientation is scheduled to end by

4:00pm. We understand attending on a Sunday may

be challenging. The reason we hold Parent Orientation

on a Sunday is because a majority of our students

reside in the dorms and Sunday, 8/17/25 is also their

move-in day which presents the perfect opportunity to

reach the majority of our parents/guardians.

Thank you for your partnership and support.

Respectfully,

Alissa L. Chavez Lowe

Director of Admissions

Admissions Office: (505) 989-6370

Director’s Office: (505) 216-7321

Cell: (505) 690-6293

Santa Fe Indian School Website

“Home of the Braves and Lady Braves!”

Goodwill Good jobs! Serving

Albuquerque south valley/Isleta

Pueblo, and Valencia County

We offer individual free assistance with job search,

interview skills, and resume assistance.

Contact: Vicki Herring

Career specialist at 505-944-0289

Goodwill Industries of New Mexico

vherring@goodwillnm.org 505-944-0289 or 505881-6401 x4097

201 Desert Willow Rd, Los Lunas, NM 87031

www.Goodwillit.org

August 2025

August 2025

Isleta Pueblo News

TRUANCY

Welcome into the 2025/2026 school year!

It’s back to school time and the Truancy Department

would like to wish all of our Isleta students a successful

school year. As in years past, the Truancy Department

will continue working with our Isleta students and

families.

With the start of a new school year, there is always

some back-to-school anxiety from students entering

elementary to those entering high school. Here are a

couple of ideas on addressing back-to-school anxiety.

•

Listen to your children and be sure to validate

their feelings. Be sure not to give blanket responses

such as “don’t worry” “it’s fine” “you’ll be ok”. This

can cause your child to feel that their feelings and

emotions are not important and will cause your child

to possibly stop expressing themselves.

•

Have your child think of different scenarios

that they feel might happen and help them with how

they will react to a scenario.

•

If your child was active during their summer

break with sports, summer programs, or going

different places throughout the week with family

or friends, they will need to readjust to a different

schedule. Not being able to do those activities daily

may affect them, so be sure to do similar activities

with them on the weekends or on their next day off

from school.

We will continue to work with the Isleta Elementary

School to provide quarterly perfect attendance

incentives for grades K-6; these incentives are provided

to students who have zero absences, zero tardies and

no early checkouts. For the 2024/2025 school year, we

provided the following number of incentives for Isleta

Elementary School students.

1st Quarter

12

2nd Quarter

12

3rd Quarter

4

4th Quarter

1

The Truancy Department was excited to be part of the

Department of Education’s Back-to-School event. A big

shout out to those families who took time to visit our

table, along with the other informational booths to get

information on the various services that are available

to you. We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming

events scheduled for the 2025-2026 school year.

Our department is always here to assist you and

your children in attending school daily. We work

closely with Los Lunas Truancy Department and

receive weekly attendance. As most are aware, the

Truancy Department sent out notification letters

more frequently last semester, as we adopted a new

Children’s Code, which was amended and adopted

in November 2024. You can read more at https://

www.isletapueblo.com/wpcontent/uploads/2024/11/

LAOCAmendedNovember2024.pdf

●

the Attendance for Success Law (31-04-01)

can be found at the bottom of page 197 of the Law

and Order Code.

Please remember that our department is here to assist

you in helping your child attend school daily.

Thank you,

Isleta Truancy Department

Isleta Pueblo News

Editor:

Nathaniel Lujan

Asst. Editor:

Diane Abeita

Published By:

Valencia Express

Page 11

Page 12

Isleta Pueblo News

August 2025

August 2025

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 13

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 14

August 2025

Pueblo of Isleta Public Library

As summer winds down and the school year approaches, we’re shifting into a new season here

at the library. Our Summer Reading Program was a huge success, thank you everyone who

participated and helped make it memorable. We loved seeing the students and the community

coming in everyday to drop and pick up students. Now, as backpacks come out and routines

return, we’re here to support students, parents, and the community with helpful resources, study

spaces, and back-to- school programs. Whether you’re looking for homework help, new reads,

programs, or a place to recharge, your library is ready for the school year ahead.

News

Monthly staff meetings will resume starting

in August. We will take this time to review

and discuss the Summer Reading Program

as well as plan upcoming library programs

for the community and public.

St. Augustine Feast is just around the

corner. As of right now we have not heard

of any POI closures, please keep a look out

for library signage, social media posts, or

library app notifications of any closures.

Of course, you can always give us a call

at the library at 505-869-9808 and we will

be happy to relay any information we may

have.

Family Story Time is back after taking a

break during the summer to focus on the

Summer Reading Program. Join us every

Wednesday at 10:30am with Abbey. Abbey

will read a book and do a small activity/

craft with families and children who attend.

Family Story Time is geared towards

children 16 months to 5 years old, however

everyone is welcomed! No sign up is required

and monthly calendars will be available for

story time. For more information, please

contact Abbey at 505-869-9808 or email at

Abbey.Whitaker@isletapueblo.com.

Upcoming

Library staff will be out and about this

August attending Open Houses for the Backto-School Season. We will be promoting our

library services, resources and programs

with students and their families. We will

be posting on our library social media pages

and event calendar on our library app of the

upcoming open houses so make sure to stop

by and say hello.

The library will be planning programs for

children, teens and adults in the upcoming

weeks and months. Please keep your eyes

and ears open. We are excited to share our

knowledge with you. You can always check

for up-to-the-minute updates on the library’s

website, mobile app, social media, Isleta

Newsletter, and library flyers throughout

the community. All our programs are FREE

and open to the community and public.

The After School Program will start on

Friday, August 1st. Program will include

homework help, daily reading, reading

activities, incentive programs, crafts, field

trips, and snacks. For more information on

this program, please call the library at 505869-9808 and speak with a staff member!

Recap

Our 2025 Summer Reading Program has

come to an end, and we had a total of 45

participants enrolled in our Junior and

Youth sessions. We had an exciting summer

full of activities, crafts and we can’t forget

reading!

Our Junior Program saddled up for the

month of June into the Wild West with a field

trip to the Santa Fe Children’s Museum,

Isleta Cultural Center and the Valle de Oro

Wildlife Refuge. Along the way they made

Cowboy Hats, Horse Feed Food, Western

Bandanas and Pool Noodle Horse. Every

day students gathered around for a Wild

West story time followed by sensory bins,

craft time and outside play in the learning

center. For the month of July, we step into

our Monster Era with field trips to the Isleta

Rec, Water Day at the Park and Jungle Jam.

Things got a little messy making Monster

Marshmallow Pops, Tubbie Toast, Monster

Slime, Monster Claws and Creepy Carrots

to name a few. We hope that everyone had a

fun time and enjoyed the story times, crafts

and field trips.

The Youth Program finished strong

completing their group curriculums and

chapter books. Each student was able

to complete two-chapter books before

the summer was over. Students were

also able to complete two curriculums of

their choosing and attend mini field trips

throughout the weeks. For the last week of

July students had a challenge of building

their own rockets one day and launching

them the next. A Water Day was also on

the schedule and students went to the park

to enjoy a free day of fun in the sun after

students were treated to snow cones back

at the library. Their final field trip was to

Cliff’s where they enjoyed rides and Water

Mania and after were treated to lunch at

Golden Corral.

Library staff can’t believe how fast the

summer went by and we would like to thank

all the students that participated this year.

We would like to wish everyone a wonderful

school year and we hope to see you all again

next summer.

The After School Program registration

took place the week of July 28th and will

remain open until all 20 spots are filled. We

will be accepting students Kindergarten

and up. Since this article was written

before registration, we will not know it

there are spots available, so please give the

library a call. Our After School Program

is designed to help students with reading

and homework in a safe and comfortable

environment. Library staff members are

not certified tutors and cannot guarantee

one-on-one services with all the students.

However, library staff is well equipped with

various resources and acquire knowledge to

provide resources and services to the After

School Students. If you have any questions

or concerns, please give the library a call

at 505-869-9808 and speak with a staff

member.

All students are welcome to come to the

library after school. We strongly encourage

students up to the age of 16 to read 20

minutes before being allowed on the

computer and game consoles. Computer

access without reading will be allowed only

for students that need to do homework

or work on projects. We would also like

to remind students what our General

Computer Lab is for adult patrons. Students

will be logged on in the Children’s or Teen

Room computers and periodically switching

computers to give everyone a chance.

August 2025

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 15

Junior Summer Reading Program

Water Day!

Youth Summer Reading Program

Crystals & Gems Group

Youth Summer Reading Program

Art Group

Junior Summer Reading Program

Story Time by Tiwa Language

Instructor at the

Isleta Cultural Center.

Junior Summer Reading Program

Field Trip to

Valle de Oro Wildlife Refuge.

Youth Summer Reading Program

Fiber Fun Group

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 16

August 2025

ISLETA POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS

AUGUST – 2025

SUMMER IS OVER

It seems summer vacation just arrived

and too quickly it is gone! Very soon, the

children will be returning to school and for

some a happy time while for others maybe

not so much.

We ask everyone to be alert and watch for

children walking or riding bicycles to school

and be extremely mindful of school buses

in the area. A reminder, when a bus has

illuminated its lights and extended the stop

sign on the bus, everyone needs to stop (both

directions of traffic). There may be children

crossing the road to get on the buses in the

mornings or getting off and walking across

the road to get home……buses and children

have the right of way. Please do not try to

pass the bus or continue your route of travel

just because the bus is in the opposing lane.

Not only is it a citable offense, but we want

to prevent an accident.

We again remind everyone not to

leave children and pets in your vehicle

unattended with the temperatures we have

been experiencing. Even if it feels like a

beautiful balmy day of 75-80 degrees,

remember temperatures inside a vehicle

can rise quickly and become stifling for

children and pets. Criminal charges can

also be brought forth dependent upon the

nature and condition of the child or pet.

There are applications that can be used,

one being Waze, in which a reminder can

be set to check the back seat, at the end of

your trip.

If you see a child or an animal

alone in a vehicle, call 911

immediately.

IHSP TRAFFIC DIVISION

The Traffic Division remains busy as

ever and as always are proactive in

traffic enforcement, crash investigations

and seeking out DWI. Checkpoints and

patrol saturation activities are ongoing so

everyone please, drive within the posted

speed limits, obey traffic signs and traffic

control lights, buckle up, don’t text while

driving and DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!

ANNOUNCEMENT

It is with sadness we must announce the

cancellation of NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

for this year. Due to staffing and scheduling

conflicts, it has been determined the event

must be cancelled. Look for us next year!!

Isleta Police Department asks the

community to continue to report

issues of concern to include residency

non-compliance, nuisance ordinance

violations and graffiti.

We thank you and appreciate you

looking out for the community.

Last month we announced the promotion of Virgil Lucero to a sergeant’s

position with Open Space. On June 27, during our employee luncheon,

the department invited Sgt. Lucero’s family.

Here are a few photographs:

August 2025

Transit Services Now

Serving the Pueblo of Isleta

The Pueblo of Isleta and the Rio Metro

Regional Transit District

Working Together

Bus Route 208 (No Fares until further notice!)

Bus Route 208 connects the Pueblo of Isleta and

Valencia County communities to the Alvarado

Transportation Center (ATC) in Downtown

Albuquerque during the morning/midday when the

Rail Runner does not operate. Route 208 features

three northbound trips arriving at the ATC at 9:30am,

11:00am and 1:30pm, and three southbound trips

departing the ATC at 9:35am, 11:05am and 1:32pm.

At the ATC, riders can transfer to ABQ RIDE bus

routes.

Route 208 serves two bus stops on the Pueblo of

Isleta. The stop closest to the village proper is located

on NM 147 just east of the Rio Grande Bridge.

Please do not park and leave vehicles unattended

on the adjoining roads near this stop, as the bus

and other vehicles use these roads to turnaround

and access other locations. Route 208 also stops

at the Isleta Pueblo Rail Runner Station, where

riders can transfer to the Isleta Resort and Casino

shuttle. Because the bus serves the station, riders

can also consider using Route 208 in combination

with the Rail Runner, for example, taking the bus

to Downtown Albuquerque in the mid-morning and

returning by train in the evening.

Please see route flyer that includes map, times of

Bus Route 208. (No Fares until further notice!)

Pueblo of Isleta Dial-a-Ride (No Fares until

further notice!)

The Pueblo of Isleta Dial-a-Ride operates Monday

through Friday from 8:15am to 2:45pm, providing

trips within the Pueblo and to the ABQ RIDE Route

53 bus stop on NM 314. Service to places like

Smiths, Albertsons and Wal-Mart in Los Lunas is

also provided with requests made before noon at

least one business day prior to your trip.

Request your Dial-a-Ride trip by calling Valencia

County dispatch at (505) 352-3595 before noon at

least one business day prior to your trip. Requests

are accepted between 5:00am and 3:00pm Monday

thru Friday. On the date and time of your trip, a

wheelchair accessible van will arrive within 15

minutes of your scheduled pickup time. Trips may

also be grouped together; riders should expect to

travel with others.

For more information about both services, including

a copy of the Route 208 schedule, visit riometro.

org and select “Schedules” > “Bus” > “Pueblo of

Isleta” from the grey bar near the top of the website.

Schedules for Route 208 are also available at the

Public Services Department Office at the Tribal

Services Complex.

For publication in the July 2023 issue of the Isleta Pueblo

News.

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 17

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 18

August 2025

PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT

Here we are in August already, the year seems

to be flying by! We just finished another

successful summer recreation program. We

are now 100% engaged in prepping for the

start of our Afterschool recreation program,

school starts earlier this year so we need to

be ready to go once school starts.

For those of you that didn’t know we were

finally able to purchase 3 brand new vans this

past December (2025) and boy have those

vans come in handy. The vans were used last

school year to help us pick up the kids from

school so they could attend the after-school

program last school year and we will be using

them for that same purpose this school year

as well. They were also used this summer to

get the kids to and from field trips all summer

long.

My Parks Maintenance crew did another

outstanding job this summer with our

parks and ball fields. I’ve had numerous

complements from outside organizations and

groups telling me how well maintained and

how great our parks and ballfields look. It’s

always good to hear compliments like that,

it just confirms what I already know about

my Parks Maintenance Section. My Parks

Maintenance Crew really takes great pride in

the work they do and it obviously shows in our

parks and fields. We have a great crew and

they never hesitate to deliver wherever and

for whatever they are called upon to do for the

department and the pueblo.

My Sports Section has also been busy this

summer. Coach Waquie has been working

with the kids in our summer program

providing them with guidance and a variety of

sports related activities. Coach was able to

get a free basketball camp for the kids this

summer as well as helping out with summer

sports activities. He has also been coaching

an Isleta Pueblo Basketball team this summer

and he worked it out so that all the games the

team played were held here at our recreation

center on Saturdays. We allowed Bernalillo

County Parks & Recreation Department to

use our gymnasium on Saturdays to hold

games and they have allowed us to be in the

league for free. We are hoping to continue this

partnership next season as well, and Bernalillo

County Parks & recreation Department will

allow us to have more teams free in the

league. This will be a great opportunity for

even more Isleta Pueblo children this coming

season. We look forward to seeing more kids

participate in this league next season. We will

be putting out information if you are interested

in having your child participate. See below for

more information about our Sports Section.

My Fitness Section is having a great summer

as well. Both facilities (Main Recreation and

Pickle Heights) have been busy trying to keep

our tribal members fit and healthy. The classes

are doing very well and lots of tribal members

are taking advantage of the great trainers we

have available for them to use. Our trainers

are very knowledgeable and more than willing

to help you out with your fitness goals. We

had a request for an early morning Palates

Class and if we are able to accommodate

these types of requests and the participation

is there, we will do our best to work it out, so

we started the requested Palates Class and

it’s doing well so far. Please contact us for

more information about all the fitness classes

we offer. See below for more information

about our Fitness Section.

Our Aquatics Section is also another section

that has been very busy this summer. Of

course they have been available for our

summer program participants, but they have

also made time for all the other kid’s programs

(Head Start, Library, DOE, etc.) offered

around the pueblo. They have also been

able to provide one on one Swim Lessons

all summer long for individuals (of all ages)

that are in need of swim lessons. Now before

school starts, they will be using this slow time

to do some cleaning of the pool area to get

ready for the school year. Don’t forget we

have a beautiful pool for all of you to use, so

please make arrangements to down and use

your pool.

Recreation Section, as I mentioned earlier, we

just closed out our 2025 Summer Recreation

Program and we are getting ready to start our

After-school Recreation Program. Another

great summer for us, the kids had fun and

enjoyed themselves, and it’s always fun to

watch the staff grow into their positions as

well. Staff starts off slow, but the kids take to

them and you can see the confidence grow

with our staff as the summer progresses. We

had some good recreation aides this summer

and we hope to see them back next summer.

SPORTS SECTION – It has been an exciting

year for our sports department. We finished up

our men’s basketball league, we had 8 teams

in the league this year and Dustin Chewewi’s

Showtime team won the league championship.

Once again it was a competitive season that

had its ups and downs, hey no one is perfect.

Refs miss calls and the players miss shots

and we will all keep trying to do our best.

This year we have collaborated with the

Bernalillo County Parks & Recreation

Department; this collaboration has allowed

more Isleta Pueblo kids the opportunity

to play more basketball. It’s been a good

partnership so far. Our youth basketball team

is still playing and the league will run until

mid-August. The 12 and up boys are playing

in this league and their current record 6-2

so far with 2 more games to play and postseason tournament as well. Come out and

watch them play, all games are on Saturday

mornings 9 am.

We are also getting ready to start Cross

Country, there will be 11 Pueblos (Zia, San

Feilpe, Santo Domingo, Acoma, Santa Clara,

Jemez Day, Laguna, Tohajillee, Cochiti,

Jemez Riverside, and Isleta) participating this

season, it’s awesome to see all the pueblos

get in the running spirit again. Isleta will host

the Cross-country finals this year so come out

and support our kids.

Co-Ed volleyball will start in October this

year. If you’re interested in signing up a team,

please contact us at (505) 869-9777. We are

already signing up teams and we are only

signing up 12 teams this year. Signups will be

on a first come first serve basis, so don’t wait

to sign up your team.

Summer Recreation Program Highlights:

RECREATION SECTION – This summer

we had over 120 participants in the Summer

Recreation Program. The youth had an

awesome summer filled with fun filled activities

and they attended many many fieldtrips as

well. Explora came out every week to do

some science related activities with the kids

making bubbles, building towers, playing

with magnets, etc. They also participated

in the Tiwa program at the Cultural Center

with Nana Lorraine and Tata Ben. All groups

went over to the Cultural Center this summer

and we hope they were able to pick up some

more of the Tiwa language they were taught.

Our older youth group had fitness time in

the weight room and were able to follow a

circuit plan with a trainer and use various

equipment throughout the summer. We hope

that this will spark the youth to make health

and fitness part of their everyday lifestyle for

the future. As for fieldtrips, youth went to the

zoo, aquarium, museums, the movies, Hinkle

Fun Center, Top Golf and Cliff’s and more. I

want to thank the Peacemaker committee,

Tata Ben, Nana Lorraine for providing

Tiwa classes, Department of Education for

providing Explora, all the summer rec staff

for caring and spending their summer with

our Isleta youth and making a child’s summer

memory a fun enjoyable one to remember!

We are also getting ready for the AfterSchool Program, please see the flyer for

more information on that program.

August 2025

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 19

FITNESS SECTION – Isleta Recreation

fitness team has been very busy with new

and exciting way to meet your fitness goals.

We have seen such amazing participation

and progress in each and every one that has

tried the classes that we have been offering.

We recently started a Sun Rise Pilates Class.

This class enhances your inner peace along

with your inner strength and also does

wonders for your outer appearance as well.

The class is held outdoors in the North grass

field on Friday mornings at 6:00am. If you

are interested, please come and join us or

if you have any questions regarding this

class or any other classes we offer, please

call the Isleta Recreation Center at 505-8699777 and speak with the fitness staff Christa,

Jocelyn, Raylen or Thomas and they will be

happy to answer any questions you may

have.

Please remember that we do offer: Chair

Strength Classes, Pilates, Spin, Water

Aerobics, Yoga and Zumba. We look forward

to seeing new faces. Thank you.

REMEMBER – If you have any questions

about the Department do not hesitate to

contact us directly at (505) 869-9777.

From the Cultural and Historic Preservation

Department: Early Days of Pottery Mound

See Something,Say Something:

Breaking the Silence

Since 2012, when Isleta received ownership of the ancestral

Tiwa pueblo of Pottery Mound from the University of New Mexico

(UNM), the Isleta Department of Cultural and Historic Preservation

(DCHP) has worked to understand the pueblo’s occupation history,

and how its inhabitants utilized the landscape around them. In a

recent piece for this newsletter, we presented project results that

show how the pueblo was occupied into the mid-1500s and how

it was visited by one or more Spanish parties during that time.

Today, we’ll go back another 300 years to look at when and how

the pueblo came into being.

The Pueblo of Isleta is a community rooted in

tradition, strength, and care for one another.

But even the strongest can struggle in silence.

Depression, isolation, and thoughts of self-harm

don’t always show up loudly — sometimes they

come quietly, in the form of withdrawal, sadness,

or changes in behavior.

Pottery Mound is famous for the many different ceramics that

can be seen all over the site. By forms, styles, and raw materials,

archaeologists can date the bulk of these ceramics to the 1300s

and 1400s. The 1400s were the heyday of Pottery Mound; this

was when the pueblo had the most inhabitants in its entire history.

Far less visible are ceramics dating from the pueblo’s founding

years. There are several reasons for this. First, the people who

established Pottery Mound were few in number, perhaps no more

than half a dozen families, and left few ceramics. Second, the area

where early ceramics have been found since the 1950s is small,

and much of that area has been destroyed by the Rio Puerco.

Third, the surviving remains of the earliest settlement are buried

under later room blocks and are inaccessible for study.

Despite these challenges, it is possible to identify the location of

this earliest settlement under the north-central part of the pueblo.

The early ceramics from this area date from between 1100 and

1300. This ceramic evidence and the layering of structural remains

suggest that the pueblo was founded around 1100-1200 and

remained just a hamlet for about a century. Then, at some point

around 1300, the population began to increase significantly. The

reasons for this are not clear; however, it appears that some other,

smaller sites around Pottery Mound were abandoned during that

time, and that the inhabitants of those sites moved to Pottery Mound.

Why? That’s a question that can never be answered for certain, but

perhaps it was because of Pottery Mound’s location close to the

Rio Puerco. Even when running intermittently, the Puerco would

have been a more reliable source of water than the small tributary

streams along which those smaller sites were located.

Cultural surveys by the Isleta DCHP of the lands surrounding

Pottery Mound preserve information and fill in the map of Ancestral

Tiwa settlement as it was before Pottery Mound became the most

prominent pueblo in the area. But erosion and human activities

endanger many sites in the Puerco Valley, Pottery Mound included.

We all have a role to play.

If you notice someone pulling away, seeming

hopeless, or just not acting like themselves — don’t

stay silent. A simple check-in or a call to someone

who can help might be what saves a life.

Your voice can be a lifeline.

Let’s break the silence around mental health. Let’s

look out for our youth, our elders, our friends —

and speak up when something feels off.

See the signs. Start the save.

You are never alone, and neither is anyone else —

not in this community.

For mental health resources and support, you can

contact:

• B’eeh K-oo-ee Wellness Center: 505-869-5475

• Suicide and Crisis Line: Call or text 988

-Nancy Jo Gonzales, MPA

Director of Public Health Services

Page 20

Isleta Pueblo News

August 2025

August 2025

Happy Summer from

Isleta Dental Clinic!

We hope you're all enjoying the beautiful weather

and making the most of your summer days. we

want to take a moment to highlight some important

aspects of maintaining your oral health and celebrate

a special milestone!

Your Smile, Your Health: Don't Skip Your

Cleanings!

Summer often brings a shift in routines, but it's

crucial not to let your dental health take a back seat.

Regular dental cleanings are the cornerstone of a

healthy smile. These appointments allow us to:

•

Remove Plaque and Tartar: Even with

diligent brushing and flossing, some plaque and

tartar can accumulate, especially in hard-to-reach

areas. Our hygienists are experts at removing

these stubborn deposits.

•

Prevent Cavities: By removing plaque

and tartar, we significantly reduce your risk of

developing cavities.

•

Fight Gum Disease: Cleanings help prevent

and manage gingivitis and more advanced forms

of gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss if left

untreated.

•

Freshen Your Breath: A thorough cleaning

can eliminate the bacteria that cause bad breath.

•

Detect Issues Early: Your cleaning

appointment is also an opportunity for us to

examine your mouth for any potential concerns,

such as early signs of cavities, gum disease, or

other oral health issues, allowing for timely

intervention.

Restorative Care: See It Through!

If you have a restorative appointment scheduled

– whether it's for a filling, crown, or any other

necessary treatment – please remember the

importance of keeping that appointment. Delaying

restorative care can lead to:

•

Worsening Problems: A small cavity can

become a larger one, potentially requiring more

extensive and costly treatment if not addressed

promptly.

•

Increased

Pain

and

Discomfort:

Untreated dental issues can lead to increased

pain, sensitivity, and discomfort.

•

Further Complications: What starts as

a simple issue can escalate into more complex

problems affecting your overall oral health.

We understand that life gets busy, but prioritizing

your restorative appointments is an investment in

the long-term health and stability of your smile.

If you need to reschedule, please give us as much

notice as possible so we can find an alternative time

that works for you.

Celebrating a 4th Anniversary with Isleta

Dental Clinic! We are thrilled to celebrate a very

special milestone this month! Our wonderful dental

hygienist, Susan, is celebrating her 4th anniversary

with Isleta Dental Clinic! We are so grateful for

her commitment to providing excellent care and

support. Please join us in congratulating Susan on

this fantastic achievement when you see her next!

Ready to Schedule Your Appointment? If it's

been a while since your last cleaning, or if you need

to schedule or confirm a restorative appointment,

please don't hesitate to call us at 505-869-4499, We

look forward to seeing your smiles soon!

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 21

Page 22

Isleta Pueblo News

August 2025

Health Beat:

Hepatitis C Liver Disease –

Prevention and Treatment Updates

Phone: 505-869-3200

Hepatitis C is a virus that infects the liver. It

causes liver damage that can lead to cirrhosis,

even liver cancer. It also raises the risk of

diabetes and heart disease. Many people do

not notice any health problems until they have

had Hepatitis C for many years. The Hepatitis

C virus is spread through contact with infected

blood and body fluids. Many years ago, blood

bank donations were not tested for Hepatitis C,

so some infections came from blood transfusions.

Others were infected from using needles that

were not properly sterilized when getting tattoos

or injecting drugs. In some cases, people were

infected through sexual contact. Unfortunately,

Hepatitis C is becoming more common in the U.S.

overall and especially in Native communities.

The U.S. Preventive Service Task Force

recommends that all adults are tested at least

once in their lifetime for Hepatitis C. This will help

get treatment to everyone who needs it. Starting

in 2016, the Federal Drug Administration has

approved treatments for Hepatitis C that can

completely CURE the infection and PREVENT

liver damage! Just 2 to 3 months of daily

medication, with minimal side effects, can save

someone’s life.

Your health care team at Isleta Health Center has

been working to make these treatments available

to our patients who need it. If you or a loved one

would like testing or treatment for Hepatitis C,

call us at 505-869-3200 to make an appointment.

August 2025

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 23

The Challenges of Extreme

Heat in Conjunction with an

Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

Extreme heat can pose significant risks for

individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related

dementias (ADRD) potentially leading to increase

hospitalizations and even death. There are more

than 7.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s,

including 46,000 New Mexicans.

Individuals

with ADRD may have impaired judgement and

difficulty communicating discomfort, making them

more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and

complications.

The Alzheimer’s Association is offering

important safety tips for caregivers and families

dealing with Alzheimer’s and other dementias to

prepare for the extreme heat that we are currently

experiencing.

• Family and friends should prepare accordingly

and make plans to regularly check in on a person

living with Alzheimer’s.

• Dress in loose-fitting, light clothing, and

arrange for cooler spaces if air conditioning is

unavailable.

• Please stay indoors as much as possible, and

if you must go outside, wear a hat and apply

sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Research

shows that heat can also increase agitation and

confusion in people.

• Try to remove behavioral triggers by

addressing the person’s physical needs related to

the heat, then tending to their emotional needs.

• Increased water intake is essential to

maintaining good hydration and health during

extreme heat. Also, keep an eye on local weather

forecasts. High temperatures are not the only

concern. Humidity and pollution can cause

breathing difficulties, as well.

Know the signs of heat exhaustion to avoid

heat stroke. Heat exhaustion includes heavy

sweating, weakness, headache, nausea, and

muscle cramps, often accompanied by pale, cool,

and clammy skin. Fainting can also occur. It

is crucial to recognize these symptoms and seek

shade, fluids and rest, as heat exhaustion can

progress to heat stroke if not addressed.

Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency

characterized by a dangerously high body temperature

(104° or higher) and altered mental state, potentially

leading to seizures, coma, or death if not treated

promptly. Key symptoms include confusion, slurred

speech, hot and dry or excessively sweaty skin, and

rapid heart rate.

Everyone can be at risk for heat related

illnesses. Please watch for the signs and symptoms

of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Be especially

cognizant of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and

related dementias.

Robert Payette, RN

Public Health Nurse

Dear parents or guardians,

Have you started your back to school check lists for

your child or children before the school year? New

notebooks, pens and pencils are important to prepare

children for the upcoming school year but have you

thought about an eye exam?

Children are constantly facing demands on their visual

system at school with reading, seeing the board, and

especially with the introduction of digital devices into

the classroom. It is estimated that 1 in 4 children have

vision problems that go undiagnosed. Improved or

aided vision can drastically improve your child's ability to learn and

excel. If correction is needed, not only will your child's learning improve

but also all aspects of your child's everyday life.

Please call our Optometry office at lsleta Health Center to set up an eye

exam appointment for your child/children at {505) 869-4080.

Page 24

Isleta Pueblo News

August 2025

Isleta National Diabetes Prevention

Program

As of May 2025, the Health

Center’s Diabetes Prevention

and

Treatment

Program

(DPTP) was recognized by

the CDC to prevent or delay

type 2 diabetes. It is the only

tribal organization in New

Mexico with CDC recognition.

The program, which has been

heavily researched in the Diabetes Prevention Program

Outcomes Study (DPPOS), has shown that participants

who complete the program can prevent or delay type 2

diabetes for at least 15 years. The research also shows

that the program is more effective than medications at

preventing type 2 diabetes.

The National DPP lifestyle change program can help

you build healthy new habits that last a lifetime. The

program runs for one year. During the first 4-6 months

of the program, you’ll meet about once a week. During

the 2nd half of the program, you’ll meet once or twice a

month. Making lifestyle changes is an ongoing process.

Staying in the program for the full year is essential to

help you stick to new habits and avoid slipping back

into old habits. If you have not reached your goals in

the first half of the program, your Lifestyle Coach and

other group members can help you succeed.

In the first half of the program, you'll learn to:

•

•

•

•

Eat healthy without giving up all the foods you

love.

Add physical activity to your life, even if you

don't think you have time.

Deal with stress.

Cope with challenges that can slow your

progress, like choosing healthy food when

eating out.

In the second half of the program, you'll enhance the

skills you've learned so you can maintain the changes

you've made. These sessions will review key ideas such

as tracking your food and physical activity, setting

goals, staying motivated, and overcoming barriers.

Your Lifestyle Coach and the group will continue to

support you. You'll learn some new information, too.

The program will be starting soon. Dinner will be

provided each session. If interested in finding out more

information or to register, please call the DPTP at

(505)869-4595.

August 2025

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 25

Page 26

Isleta Pueblo News

August 2025

ISLETA ELDER CENTER - ADULT DAY CARE SERVICES

It is common knowledge that elder care is one

of the fastest-growing areas in the healthcare

industry, with a demand that skyrocketed

in the last five years. And the country will

continue to see an increasing demand for elder

care services in the coming years due to a

rapidly growing elder population.

The elderly population is in dire need of facilities

providing elder care services. In the past,

elders and their families would have preferred

traditional nursing homes or community-based

alternatives. The needs of the elder population

are dynamic. There is an increased need

for home- and community-based elder care

providers that can provide elders with adult

day services whenever the primary caregiver is

not available.

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo

Cutting wax for soap making

Adult day care centers provide participants

with services such as meals, basic health

care and health assessments, assistance with

appointments and activities of daily living

(ADL). Adult day care centers also provide

for transportation, care coordination as well

as therapeutic, recreational and socialization

activities. In a nutshell, it is a comfortable

place where the elders can spend the day in,

participating in health-seeking activities, while

their caregivers are at work, running errands,

or enjoying a well-deserved rest and relaxation.

It is a compassionate and safe environment for

the elders and is considered as a home away

from home for some elders.

A glance at what elders may enjoy while

attending the Isleta Adult Day Care Service

Program.

A fun day at the ABQ Zoo

Enjoying hand massage and a

manicure

Ice cream socialization

Headbandz – a game of guessing

Fishing at Isleta Lakes

Pool noodle exercises

Fishing and BBQ - good food, good

company

Weekly exercises to build strength

August 2025

Fourth of Juy Celebration

Isleta Pueblo News

Fishing and BBQ - good food, good company

Page 27

Compassion and caring

A fun test of strength and skill

A birthday celebration outing

For more information about our services,

please contact the Outreach Manager at (505) 869-9770.

Recognizing and thanking our unpaid

caregivers with monthly incentives

St. Augustine Parish

Isleta Pueblo

MISSION STATEMENT

We are a ministry of consolation at

St. Augustine Parish to offer spiritual

comfort and support to families who

have experienced the loss of a loved

one. We will continue to honor and

respect our traditional teachings.

Page 28

Isleta Pueblo News

August 2025