# From the Desk of Governor

> Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more.

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Apueblo_isleta%3Ad2c0330834decbb2

## Record

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

## Text

Isleta Pueblo News

Volume 6 Issue 4

From the Desk of Governor
Frank Lujan

Spring has sprung and comes with it many
outdoor activities. Spring is the beginning
of baseball, camping, fishing, picnics, and
so forth. Also, coming with the spring
season are the many fire dangers and the
dangers around our water areas. The Rio
Grande River will be running full, as well
as the irrigation canals, and therefore we
are advising that children not be allowed
to be around these areas without adult
supervision.

photos of the housing project. In addition
to this project, the new Tribal Complex is
moving into the finishing stages. Though
it may not look like it’s nearing completion
as you drive by, but let me assure you that
completion of the project is very near. Since
we are so close to completion, the final
selection for furnishings and colors have
already been made. Expected completion
for this project is July, 2011 and move in
is scheduled for August, 2011. We believe
this project is a benefit to our community as
most of the programs will be located under
one roof.

Fires have become a major concern, and lately
there have been some fires in the Bosque,
but thanks to our professional fire crews,
they were immediately contained. I decided
to put emphasis on our fire situation because
of the many calls our office has received
asking us to respond to uncontrolled fires.
Our volunteer fire department, the Natural
Resources Department, and the Bureau of
Indian Affairs have been spending a lot of
their time responding to uncontrolled fire
calls. Please read the article concerning
fires and what the Pueblo has experienced
in recent days. We ask each and everyone
to PLEASE take all necessary precautions
when and if you plan to burn weeds, trash
or even plan on a backyard barbeque.
An investment opportunity presented itself
recently to the Pueblo of Isleta. The Indian
Pueblo Marketing Inc. (IMPI), a company
owned by the Nineteen Pueblos, asked the
Pueblos to invest in property associated with
the Albuquerque Indian School. The Pueblo
of Isleta responded with a loan to IPMI
of $2 Million, under terms and conditions
which will financially be favorable to our
community. This loan was made by Pueblo
of Isleta as an investment opportunity for
our community, with an expected return of
$5.08 million after fifteen years.
The fuel prices have skyrocketed in recent
days. We're not sure when the prices will
settle. As a result, the Pueblo will begin
scheduling of certain services to curtail our
fuel costs. The Public Works Department
has begun to ascertain the number and
types of work orders received to look at
various ways of providing services in a more
efficient and cost effective method. Last
year, Public Works spent approximately
$100,000 in fuel, whereas, this year it is
expected to increase by at least $60,000 if
the fuel prices remain at current prices. I
am sure the price of other goods and services
will increase as well.
Sunset Hills Subdivision is scheduled for
completion in January, 2012. This project
is employing about 30 tribal members who
have done an excellent job in utilizing their
job skills to help meet the Pueblo’s housing
needs. This is another great example of how
far housing has come since the adoption of
the cinder block construction. Below are

April 2011

the project will be scheduled [ i.e., roofing,
HVAC, lighting, and furnishings]. I know
we all can't wait for the completion of our
church. Ed Crocker, Ltd., contractor, is
continuing to do excellent work.
Future 2011 road projects include
permanent realignment and aggregate
surface course of Tribal Road 33, from Tribal
Road 40 to NM 147; Tribal Road 78 from
NM 314 to NM 45; the extension of Tribal
Road 97 [gravel road] from the Wastewater
Treatment Plan to the new intersection at
Highway 47 (across the highway from the
Tribal Services Complex).
April is Child Abuse Awareness Campaign.
New Mexico Legislature — Efforts to defeat
the existing tribal cigarette tax exemption
failed in committee. In fact, it never made
it out of committee thanks to our lobbying
efforts by the Setter Group. Also, there is
potential for new funding for watershed
restoration.

NEWSLETTER MAILING

It will eliminate the need to drive from
one location to another and make it more
convenient for tribal members to conduct
business. It will save on energy costs, as
well. The St. Augustine Church project has
been met with unexpected complications
and the completion date has been moved to
July or early August. This has to do with a
portion of a wall that came down. The north
wall has been removed and replacement is
now being done. Once this portion of the
work is finished, then other components of

This will definitely be the last month
that the newsletter will be mailed. We had
planned that the last month for mailing
would be with the March 2011 issue;
however, Governor Frank Lujan decided
that we should mail the April 2011 issue.
The May 2011 issue will be available
for pick-up at the Governor's Office, the
Old and New Recreation Centers, Health
Clinic, Tribal Library, Department of
Education, and Headstart. Newspaper
boxes will be set up at the Ranchitos Park,
Veterans Association (the Old Headstart
Building) in Chical, and a location to yet
be determined, north of the Pueblo in the
87105 zip code area.
We have received but a handful of name
suggesting for the Newsletter. We would
like to change the "Isleta Pueblo News".
Remember...there is dinner at the Tiwa for
the best name.
For any questions concerning the
Newsletter, call Ulysses Abeita at 3071582 or 869-2680.

Page 2

Johnson-O'Malley Program
Greetings from the Johnson-O'Malley staff!
March has been a busy month for us here in
our program from attending a conference in
Denver to planning a month full of activities
for April. We have tons of activities in the
works and hope to see each and every one
of you here. We have some great news to
share with you. We have a young man by
the name of Brandon Tewaheftewa that
will be assisting the JOM program with
tutoring, student activities and other duties.
If you get a chance stop by and meet our
new worker. He has assisted in preparing
for upcoming activities and events. We are
excited to have him working with JOM.
During March, Bernadette and Geraldine
attended a workshop titled, "Save the
Children, Save the Teenager" during this
conference they met several people from
other Native and Indigenous communities.
They discussed many issues that our Native
children face, social issues including drug
and alcohol abuse, drop out prevention,
poor attendance, family support, as well as
test-taking skills.

Isleta Pueblo News

collected contact information from parents
such as email and mailing addresses. We
sent out several emails and mailers to
inform parents of the "Parent Forum" and
various activities. Take a guess at how
many parents came to discuss concerns.....
Absolutely zero! Not one parent came to
express any concerns or issues at all! Please
remember, the JOM program is here to work
collaboratively with everyone that has a
student enrolled in a public school. Parents
and students give our program direction
when it comes to the types of services and
support that we provide.
March 2: Read Across America
On March 2, we gave away books! We had
quite a few parents and students come in
and select free books to build literacy skills
at home. Everyone that attended received a
list of books that are appropriate for their

Did you know that the amount of
involvement a father has in the education
of a child impacts how well a student will
do in school? Did you know, by expanding
your child's vocabulary they will be more
successful academically? It is simple things
such as these that we tend to overlook. How
many of you believe that there is a huge
issue with drug abuse? Here at the JOM
program have been told by your students
that there are many of our children involved
in Marijuana, Meth and Cocaine usage.
That's right! You heard it here!
Some children from our community have
begun using these types of drugs. Since
December, we have contacted the bus
compound in Los Lunas on several occasions
because we have had several students
inform us that they do not want to ride the
bus because students on the Middle and
High school buses are smoking marijuana
on the bus to and from school. I would
suggest you begin talking to your students
about their journey to and from school.
Something needs to be done. It is the school
district's responsibility to ensure that our
students are transported to and from school
in a safe and healthy manner. We can only
do so much as individuals but when we
stand together and demand change, change
must follow.
In January, we had a "Parent Forum". We
wanted to discuss the good, the bad and the
ugly! If you had any concerns regarding your
students we wanted to hear from you. These
issues could pertain to social development
including coping with bullies, dealing with
peer pressure, supporting academic growth
and perhaps making our community better.
Not sure about you, but we're kind of
tired of seeing all the graffiti around our
community, and it's getting worse. We have
also heard that there have been break- ins
involving some teens. At the beginning of
the school year we had over 500 students
receive school supplies. During this time we

April 2011

the brain becomes more active in problem
solving and critical thinking also known
as cognitive skills? Parts of the brain are
unlocked as the students use visualization,
logic and memory retrieval. Engaging in
problem solving exercises creates new
connection in the brain while strengthening
old ones. Students were able to select from
over 20 different types of puzzles to make.
Students were also given the opportunity
to create their own puzzles. Not only will
puzzle making support the development
of metacognition, but it is a great way to
relieve stress!
Cognitive Skills is the mental process
of perception, memory, judgment, and
reasoning, as contrasted with emotional
and volitional processes. (http://dictionary.
reference.com/browse/cognitive)

student. Students also celebrated what
would have been Dr. Seuss’ Birthday with
a wonderful cake made by Bernadette. We
had approximately 30 students plus their
parents. They completed fun Dr. Seuss
activities and games.

March 24: Pizza and a Puzzle
On March 24, we held an event called
Pizza and a Puzzle. Did you know that
by encouraging students to make puzzles

Metacognition is the process of thinking
of thinking and having an awareness of how
our brains process. Also defined as having
an understanding of when and how to use
particular strategies for learning or problem
solving. (Flavell, J. H. (1979). Metacognition
and cognitive monitoring: A new area of cognitivedevelopmental inquiry. American Psychologist, v34
n10 p906-11 Oct 1979)

Ysleta del Sur College Fair
On April 1— April 4 we were invited to take
a group of students to the College Fair in El
Paso, Texas to visit Ysleta del Sur. We have
been working over the past couple of years
to create a working relationship between
our two communities. This will be the first
visit for students. We anticipate making the
most of this visit and learning more about
the similarities and difference between our
Isleta Pueblo and that of Ysleta del Sur.
It is important to understand the history
between our community and theirs.
The College Fair component will allow
students to apply to different colleges in
southern New Mexico, as well as Texas.
This will provide students and parents the
opportunity to meet with the local college
representatives. Our goal is to create a
lasting relationship with the Ysleta del Sur
community including the students and staff
of the JOM Program. We strongly believe
this will be a positive learning experience.

April 2011
Activities Scheduled for the
Month of April:
Mark your calendar! These activities are
scheduled for the benefit of your student.
We hope to have more parent and student
involvement. When we have more people in
attendance it assists our ability to justify
additional activities and events that support
your child’s education.
• April 9 — Up...Up and Away! This
activity begins at 9:00am and ends at
2:00pm. Participants will watch the
movie, “Up” followed by a kite making
competition. We will also test the theory
of aeronautics in an attempt to lift
objects from the ground using helium
filled balloons. Lunch will be provided.
• April 13 — In celebration of “National
Garden Month” students can come and
learn about planting flowers or gardens.
The participants will plant seeds or
seedlings, discuss the life cycle of a plant,
and complete arts and craft activities.
• April 21 — “Easter Egg Decorating”
It’s that time of the year when Peter
Cottontail comes hopping down the
bunny trail. This year we are going
to help him out a bit with decorating
papier-maché eggs, plastic eggs, and
possibly real eggs. There are many other
surprises in store. This same evening
the Indian Education Committee will be
hosting a parent meeting. Parents are
strongly encouraged to attend. We will
be planning summer activities, back to

Isleta Pueblo News
school, and other business.
• April 30 — Can you hear the rumbling
of the drum? This year we will be
taking students to the Gathering of
Nations Pow-Wow. This activity is for
middle and high school students and
is limited to 12 students. If you know
your student is interested in attending
this activity, please contact the JOM
office as soon as possible to complete a
parent permission form. We will not
hold spaces for students. Once again,
you must complete a parent permission
form and have it submitted to the JOM
Office. Parents wishing to attend will be
required to pay for their own admission.
We will require that all students
attending this activity remain with the
group and travel to and from the event
with staff from the JOM Program. We
will not allow parents to retrieve their
students at the site of this event.
• April 29 Staff Development Building
Mathematical Foundations: Basic
Math and Pre-Algebra Workshop
presented by The Alliance for Education
and Community Development Inc.
(Bernadette, Geraldine and Brandon
were approved to attend this workshop
to boost the effectiveness of the tutoring
program.)
Congratulations Class
of 2011 Graduate!!!
Wow! It’s almost that time of year again,
a time when our students transition
into young adults. The closing of one life

Page 3
chapter and the beginning of another as
they march down the aisle to the tune of
“Pomp and Circumstance”. The cost of
preparing for this splendid celebration with
ceremony and fuss can be overwhelming...
and expensive. Well, we have some great
news for all students that are planning
their graduation. The JOM IEC approved
the reimbursement expenses for cap and
gown. Please bring your receipt to the
JOM office located at the Old Elementary
school as soon as possible. If you ordered
a special “Graduation Package” you will
only receive the reimbursement for the cost
of cap and gown. Generally this can range
from $40.00-$60.00. We will need original
receipts to process a reimbursement and all
checks will be made directly to the student.
This can take up to three weeks to process.
JOM Parent Meeting
We will be having a parent meeting on
April 21 during our Easter Egg Decorating
Activity. Please bring your thoughts, ideas
and concerns for the rest of the school year.
We will also discuss the budget and back to
school activities.
If you have any question or need additional
information about any activities or events,
please do not hesitate to contact the JOM
office at 505-924-3189 or our new general
e-mail: isletajom@hotmail.com.
Looking forward to seeing you,
Geraldine, Beverly, Bernadette
Brandon

Native American Fish and Wildlife Society

8333 Greenwood Blvd. • Suite 260, Second Floor
• Denver, CO 80221
Phone: 303.466.1725
• Fax: 303.466.5414

17TH ANNUAL
AMERICAN NATURAL RESOURCES YOUTH PRACTICUM
Sponsored By
SW Region Native American Fish & Wildlife Society, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 2 and
Turner Enterprises, Incorporated
When: June 20 - 24, 2011
Where: Ladder Ranch, Located Approximately 15 miles Northwest of Hillsboro,
New Mexico (Ladder Ranch is Owned By Turner Enterprises, Incorporated)
Open To: Incoming 10th, 11th, & 12th Grade Students
The Practicum is open to Native American high school students from Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico,
southern California, and Utah who have an interest in pursuing a career in fishery and wildlife management,
forestry, range management, watershed management, hydrology, or other natural resources related field. The
Practicum provides a "hands-on" learning experience in natural resource management and combines classroom
with field sessions that enables students to learn concepts and techniques used to manage natural resources.
Summer temperatures in the area during June/July range from the 50's to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Some
strenuous hiking will be involved. For more information, contact Jeanne Lubbering at 505/281-7694; or Norman
Jojola at: (office) 505/753-1451 or (cell phone) 505/927-3494.

and

Page 4

Isleta Pueblo News

COMMUNITY CONTEST
"Rename the POI Elder Center"
Why Change the Name?
• People turning 55 or 60 years of age may be a little shy
about going to a place that categorizes them to aging or as
elders.
• The name may turn people away thinking that they must
be using a cane to take advantage of services.
• When people hear the word "center" they may think that
our services are only provided at the center. However, the
majority of our services are provided in the home (respite
care, homemaker, home-chores, personal care, meal delivery,
etc.).
• Due to the “Baby Boomer” era, we are anticipating a
significant increase to the older adult population. Therefore,
we should think about a name that will associate a positive
perception on aging; taking into consideration the benefits
of emotional and physical wellbeing plus the possibilities of
offering diverse programming (e.g., hiking, traveling. sports,
arts, music, dance, community involvement, etc.).
Who Can Participate?
• Residents of Isleta Pueblo
All ages
How to Participate:
• On form below submit your idea(s) to Renee Chavez,
Activities Coordinator, Isleta Elder Center.
• Deadline for your submission - May 27th, 2011(close of
business)
Winner Package: Isleta Enterprise "Escapade" - Hard
Rock Hotel Stay, Fun Connection
Package, Isleta Lakes Package, Isleta Eagle Golf
Package and $100.00 in cash!!

"Rename the Elder Center" Contest
Name:
Phone Number:
Address:
Idea(s):

Isleta Elder Center - Senior Olympics
2011 ALL INDIAN GAME DAY
Every year, the Senior Olympics
organization requests that each Tribal
Senior Center recognize an athlete for
their participation in Senior Olympics.
This year the staff elected Josephine
Valardez. Josephine is the daughter
of the late Tata White Corn (English
name/Jesus) and Nana Thu-de (English
name/Gertrude). She is one of 6 children
who were brought up by very traditional
parents. As a matter of fact, her parents
wore native clothing throughout their
lives well into the 1970's. Josephine
lives in the home where she grew up
and was the primary caregiver for her
STAR ATHLETE
parents and sister Cecelia. Josephine JOSEPHINE VALARDEZ
is like a mother to her 12 nephews and
nieces and is loved and respected by everyone. By trade she worked
as a housemaid and house sitter, and because of her loyalty to her
employers they treated her like family. She has many interesting
stories about the vacations she took with her employers throughout
the 42 years of employment.
Like many elders, she has a medical set back with arthritis, but you
would never know it. Her determination to overcome her set back is
reflected in her choice to participate in Senior Olympics every year.
She plays shuffle board, frisbee distance and accuracy, soccer kick
accuracy, and loves to bowl. Throughout the years Josephine has won
many competitions. Most importantly, she is an inspiration to all
elders who may be reluctant to participate in Sr. Olympics for health
reasons. In Josephine's words "I stay involved in Senior Olympics
because it helps me stay involved with my friends and physically it
has really helped me improve the movement of my hands and legs."
Josephine was honored at the AIGD Banquet on March 23rd where she
was accompanied by many members of her family. Congratulations
Josephine, keep up the great work!!
This year’s AIGD event drew more than 420 participants from
the various New Mexico tribal communities. Look for results
and pictures in next month’s Tribal Newsletter!!!

Isleta Elder Center
Activities Calendar
April 2011

For more information contact Renee Chavez,
Activities Coordinator (869-6661 ext. 359);
email poi23002@IsletaPueblo.com

Pueblo of Isleta Veterans
Association
The next meeting will be on Wednesday, 20 April
2011 at 6:30 PM. There will be a presentation
on the recent Memorandum of Agreement
between the Veterans Administration and
Indian Health Services. As a Native American
veteran, this is important information.
The Association is always looking for new
members. If you would like to join the
Association, be at the meeting and sign up. Any
veteran with an honorable discharge is eligible
to join the Association. Annual dues are $25.
If there should be any questions...call Ulysses
Abeita at 307-1582...Refreshment will be
served.

April 2011

April 5: Shuffleboard - Manzano Mesa - 12:30 pm
April 7: CHR - Eye glass and hearing aid Cleaning & Information 10 am
April 7: Mass - 11:30 am
April 7: Commodities
April 8: Railrunner to Santa Fe - Lunch/Shopping in the Plaza
April 11: Chile Cook-Off (Red/Green) - 10 am - 12 noon
April 12: Belen Senior Center Dance/Bingo - 9:30 am
April 12: Isleta Cancer Education & Support - 10:30 am
April 14: Easter Activities/luncheon -10 am
April 15:Spotlight on Volunteers Conference-Sheraton Uptown 8am
April 19: Caregivers Training - 12 noon
April 19: Shuffleboard - Manzano Mesa - 12:30 pm
April 20: AARP Meeting - 1 pm
April 21: General Membership Meeting -10 am
April 22: Good Friday
April 24: Happy Easter
April 25: Commodities
April 26: Board Meeting - Open to Public - 10 am
April 28/29: Build Froat for Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness
Parade. Volunteers Needed - 9 am
April 29: Gathering of Nations - "The Pit" - 10 am
April 30: Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness PARADE!

April 2011

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 5

TRAFFIC DIVISION NEWS
Isleta Police Department Traffic Division is asking everyone to
Traffic Safety Officers Darryl Chavez and
Tim Zuni recently completed training in
Child Seat Safety and are now certified
technicians. Officers Chavez and Zuni
attended a forty-hour training class, as
well as participated in a car seat clinic
set up for trainees. Both wasted no time
in becoming active in the community by
participating in the Car seat Clinic held at
the Health Clinic on March 26, 2011. Traffic
Supervisor, Sergeant Sharon Mitamura,
has been a Child Seat Technician for two
years, recently renewing her certification,
and was also in attendance at the clinic.
Sergeant Mitamura also attended the
Buckle Up Conference held March 23-24,
2011, presented by the NM Department of
Transportation Traffic Safety and Safer NM
Now. The conference provided updates, new
information, and the bringing together of
ideas/concepts of keeping our most precious
assets, our children, safe while traveling in
a motor vehicle. A session was also provided
on non-traffic related safety for children in
and around motor vehicles.
According to the American Academy of
Pediatrics (AAP), "motor vehicle crashes
represent the leading cause of death for
children and youth older than three (3) years
in the United States. Each year, more than
5000 children and adolescents under the

BUCKLE UP!

age of twenty-one (21) years die in crashes,
which represents approximately 15% of
people killed each year in crashes. Fatalities
represent only the tip of the motor vehicle
crash problem for children and youth. For
every fatality, approximately eighteen (18)
children are hospitalized and more than
400 receive medical treatment for injuries
sustained in a crash".
Another fact presented by the AAP "in the
United States, motor vehicle traffic-related
mortality rates are the highest for black and
American Indian/Alaskan Native children,
lowest among Asian/Pacific Islander
children, and intermediate for Hispanic
and white children".
Child seat restraints, properly installed, are
absolutely critical for the protection of our
children when in a motor vehicle. However,
everyone needs to know the proper restraint
for children as well as proper installation
of infant ca,rriers, carseats, booster seats,
etc. Always follow the manual instructions
provided with the carseat, but also ensure
that you refer the your vehicle owners'
manual, as well. Both together will assist
parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles,
friends, etc., on making the mode of
transportation for our young passengers as
safe as possible.

If you are not absolutely comfortable with
your own installation, there are other
avenues of assistance you may seek. Not
only can you contact the Traffic Division of
the Isleta Police Department, but Frances
Anchondo and Stephanie Barela are also
technicians and instrumental in the carseat
clinics that have been made available on
the Pueblo of Isleta. Please take advantage
of the skills and knowledge available to you
and your children in making sure everyone
is safe when traveling in a motor vehicle.
Parents, please take note the Traffic
Safety Division is quite concerned with
your children’s safety, but we are equally
concerned for yours, as well. What better
way to teach your children the importance
of using seatbelts than setting the example.
The Isleta Police Department Traffic Safety
Division is asking everyone upon getting
into a motor vehicle
BUCKLE UP FOR
SAFETY!
Or
CLICK IT OR TICKET!
CONTACT INFORMATION:

Isleta Police Department Traffic Division
Traffic Safety Sergeant Sharon K.
Mitamura
poi06056@isletapueblo.com
(505) 724-9282 or Ext. 253

PUEBLO OF ISLETA
ISLETA POLICE DEPARTMENT
Criminal Investigations Unit
Fraud Prevention Tips For Elders
With Spring time fast approaching, the Isleta Police
Department cautions everyone to keep watch over our elders
who live alone, with focus on ''Fair Weather Foes"; the doorto-door scam artists. Here are some tips to help reduce elder
exploitation in our community.
Never participate in sweepstakes offers either
through the mail or over the phone. The odds of winning
are terrible and many are out and out scams.
Never buy anything over the phone unless you
initiate the call. If a stranger calls you and asks you to
buy or invest or donate, hang up the phone.
Shop in your own backyard. Decide what products
you want and then find local merchants in the yellow
pages to buy from.
Never make a buying decision based upon
emotion. Don't let a salesperson convince you to "do it
for your kids, or your grandkids."
Before buying from a business, find out:
The age of the business. Where is it located and for how
long. Who has done business there before and talk to
them about the business. If any complaints have been

filed with the Better Business Bureau or the attorney
general's office. You may call IPD to assist with this
endeavor.
Never buy anything from a door-to-door
salesperson, especially someone purporting to be a
contractor or a yard worker.
Never make a buying decision at the time of the
sales pitch. Have your own personal rule that you have
a three day cooling off period before deciding whether or
not to buy,
Before making a charitable contribution, ask for
and review written financial reports of the charity
to find out where your money is going.
Ask for advice from a friend or family member
before deciding to buy something. The most
successful fraud pitch in the United States today
is: CONGRATULATIONS, YOU'VE WON! Don't fall
for it. There is nothing free in the marketplace and if
someone tells you otherwise, the person is lying.
Any suspicious persons selling products, offering to do yard
work, or soliciting donations should be reported to the Isleta
Police Department at: 869-3030.

Page 6

MRGCD News
from Board Member Abeita
Irrigation season is here again within the Middle Rio
Grande Conservancy District.
Water availability looks decent this season with
possibility of shortages during the late summer. The
2012 irrigation season water supply does not look very
promising. Competition for our river water is great even
during a good year.
Keep June 7, 2011 open on your calendar for the
upcoming MRGCD election. Three seats on the MRGCD
board are up for election. These are position No. 1 - At
Large, Position No. 2 — Bernalillo County, and Position
No. 5 — Valencia County, all which impact Isleta Pueblo.
Early voting will be available two weeks prior to the
June 7, 2011 election date. At least one early voting site
will be available in each county. It is still not too late to
run for the board if anyone is interested. It is important
that pueblo members participate in the election process.
Potential candidates will be circulating petitions for
signatures to become eligible.
Negotiations on the Operations Maintenance and
Betterment Agreement between the MRGCD and BIA
are ongoing. This agreement covers routine maintenance
on MRGCD works on Pueblo lands. This agreement
expired in 2010. A stop gap agreement has been
submitted to BIA for their consideration. Meanwhile
the district will continue water deliveries and routine
maintenance.
It is very important that we attempt to use all our farm
lands. This use of farmlands will reinforce pueblo water
quantifications in future claims for Rio Grande water.
Everyone is invited to attend our bi-monthly board
meetings. The MRGCD follows the Open Meeting Act.
Meetings are open to the public with an agenda item
allowing members from the public to present their
concerns to the MRGCD Board. Please visit our website
at www.mrgcd.us to get an update on MRGCD news.
Please feel free to contact me regarding MRGCD issues.
I will do my best to find you an answer. My phone
number is 934-6538.
Have a successful irrigation season.
Eugene Abeita

Isleta Pueblo News

April 2011

Update on the Cacique Ditch Work
on March 12, 2011
We, the Cacique Mayordomos (Kenneth Jojola and Michael Lucero) had our
Ditch work on March 12th. We had support by the Isleta Fire Department
and the Southern Pueblo Agency BIA fire crew to control and safeguard
the ditch workers from any harm or any damages to property. Thank you
for your presence, devotion and dedication to your job. We appreciate your
help.
"REGULATION AND BY-LAWS FOR THE CACIQUE DITCH
MEMBERS APPROVED AND ADOPTED IN 1947: Article
I-Membership: Under the customs and traditions of the Pueblo of Isleta;
any land owner within the Cacique District are considered to be a member
of the Cacique Irrigation District".
Having read the By-Laws, every effort was made to contact each Cacique
member through billboard posters and a Newsletter announcement. Some
notices were delivered personally to over 120 known residences with a
turnout of 35 members who showed up for ditch work on Saturday. We
spent a large amount of time cutting, burning, and shoveling the inside
ditch from start to finish. Control burning takes time and requires safety
issues. The wind grew strong at the half way point and started to burn in to
personal fields. The Fire crews helped a lot and ditch workers also helped to
control some of the fire. The conditions were not safe for the ditch workers
and fire fighters to continue. Due to the lack of unattended members, the
tiredness, struggling of the workers present, and for everyone's safety we
adjourned for the day. This resulted in another day of work on Sunday in
which 26 members showed up on this day.
The weeds are growing faster than we can attempt to control. For this
reason, we may need to have another Ditch cleaning/weed control day(s) in
the upcoming months ahead. Due to the price of gas and the delinquent fines,
there are no funds available to personally notify all members with notices
door to door and it was very difficult to locate some Cacique members and/
or their addresses. The response we received from delivering notices for the
Ditch work was unsuccessful based on the number of attendance.
Due to the cement falling in to the ditch which could cause stoppage of the
waterflow, the water will not run until the repairs to the ditch have been
completed.
If you have any questions and/or concerns, please feel free to present them
to the Cacique members and the Mayordomos at the next Public ditch
meeting.

April 2011

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 7

Parks & Recreation
With the end of March 2011, hopefully comes the end to the nasty winds we have been experiencing as of late. The month of March was a
very different one as far as activities were concerned. We were the host site for several WIA and AmeriCorps meetings that were held in
our games-room. Also this month we were the host site for the last of a four year contract with the All Indian Day Senior Olympics. We
had just about every Pueblo from the State of New Mexico and several chapters of the Navajo Nation representing their respective tribes.
Approximately 450 athletes were on hand and about a 135 volunteers (the most ever) that helped make the event such a joyous occasion
for all participants. Also this month we were fortunate enough to fill the vacant position of the Massage Therapist since Ramona B.
Teller vacated because of her illness. We wish Mona all the luck in the world and thank you for serving our Pueblo of Isleta. The Aquatic
Program is once again open after doing some extensive clean up work that included emptying, scrubbing and power washing both the
big pool and the kiddy pool, along with working on the heaters that warm the water in the pools and Jacuzzi. Also with the beginning
of April, that means the growing season for our Parks, along with the beginning of the Little League Program that will be in full swing
with the Grand Opening of the 2011 Season on Saturday, April 2nd. The grand opening will include the parade of teams, team pictures
and barbecue prior to the participants beginning their full slate of scheduled games that commence on Monday, April 4th.

Senior Olympics

On Wednesday and Thursday, March
23rd and 24th the Pueblo of Isleta
was the host site for the last of a four
year contract having our Pueblo as the
venue site for All Indian Game Day
Senior Olympics from the State of New
Mexico. Although it has been an honor
and a pleasure for us to host and run
the games, it really has become a very
expensive and labor intensive program
that needs to be shared by other tribes
from throughout the State of New
Mexico. As Rita Jojola, Director for our
Elderly Program for the Pueblo of Isleta
said: “it is time for our seniors to go visit
other Pueblos or programs where we can
concentrate on getting more involved
with participating in activities rather
then hosting the activities.” Because of
the nature of the activities and the setup that took place for all the sports and
activities it was necessary to close the
New Rec Site to our Pueblo members
for those 2 days. We did however make
provisions for everyone to use the Old
Rec Center at Pickle Heights. It has been
fun and a great challenge that will be
hard to measure up to by whoever may
host the next All Indian Games, but one
that we as a Parks & Recreation Staff
will be willing to assist with rather than
being in charge of, in less of a financial
and labor intensive role. As a result of
these games, we had several of our tribal
members qualify for the National Senior
Olympics that will be held in Houston,
Texas in mid-June. Congratulations to
all Participants. You are all winners.
Pictured is a collage of pictures depicting
the many activities that took place
which included the 100 meter dash, the
400 meter run/walk, the 800 meter run/
walk, archery, basketball free throw,
bowling, Frisbee accuracy, Golf-9 holes,
huachas, shuffle board, soccer accuracy
kick, softball distance throw all held on
these 2 days of games. Also included as
fun events were bowling, chair exercise,
golf putting indoors, talent show, health
screening, chair massages, arts/crafts
fair, and a social dinner at the Hard
Rock Casino and Resort. The Olympics
ended with the Parade of Teams and
the carrying of the Torch by three of our
Tribal members whose pictures were
misplaced at the time of print.

Page 8

Isleta Pueblo News

Massage Therapist
On Monday, March 21, 2011 we
were fortunate enough to be able
to hire one of our own Pueblo
members to be our newest Massage
Therapist, Jonathan Lente. After
he does some minor upgrades
and painting, he will begin taking
on new clients as early as the
first week of April, 2011. Upon
being notified that he was the
person selected for the position,
he said; "it will be his honor and
distinct privilege to be serving his people, the people of this great
Pueblo of Isleta". He went on to say that throughout his travels,
experiences, and education, he has been fortunate enough to have
been taught by exceptional and inspirational mentors and I look
forward to applying efficient techniques of massage therapy and
health science for the betterment of our people as individuals, as
well as for the community as a whole. By the way, he is our first
male Massage Therapist since the program’s inception back in
1996. For more information about the program or for his schedule
of appointments, he can be reached at 869-8557, Monday through
Friday from 10:00 am until 6:30 pm. Welcome Jonathan and we
wish you great success with the program. Pictured is Jonathan
Lente, after being indoctrinated to the program, during the Senior
Games with chair massages for the many athletes.

Summer Program
The summer program is right around the corner and we will
begin with the hiring of our summer youth staff in early April.
Hopefully our youth who are interested in working with children
applied with the Pueblo of Isleta Human Resources Department.
The posting was held for 4 weeks. As a reminder, we will begin
taking registration for all participants beginning Monday, May
2nd. The 4 and 5 year old program will be held at Old Rec with the
6 year old and up will be at the New Rec. Center. Our anticipated
opening day is Monday, June 6, 2011 which could change pending
any make-up dates for our school system. We will keep everyone
posted as we find out more information.

Park Management
Our Park Management Division has begun to put the final touches
on the World War II Memorial Park known to many as the Chical
Baseball field. We will, by the time this newsletter reaches most
of you, have about 10 new trees planted along with an automatic
drip system and 2 new shade structures. The shade structures
will take some time to finalize but they will be completed before
the season begins. Pictures of the upgrades will be shown in next
month's newsletter.

April 2011

ISLETA POLICE DEPARTMENT
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND
TRAINING
This is to inform the residents of the Isleta Pueblo that on March
16, 17th 2011. The
Isleta Tribal Police
Department held open
recruitment for Entry/
Lateral Tribal Police
Officers positions. The
following photograph
depicted the P.E.B.
Selection and Fitness
Recruitment process.
As demonstrated by
our Lead Instructor/
Fitness Specialist Admin/Officer J. Reyes, included were
the IPD Instructor Cade Team, Sgt. Sharon Mitamura,
Sgt. Linda Milane, Traffic Officers, Darryl Chavez, and
Tim Zuni. We also included our Administration personnel, Mrs.
Juana Jiron, Executive Secretary to Chief Alvarez, and Lt.
D.J. Miller, Commander of Operations.
Police Chief Vernon Alvarez gave our applicants words of
support and encouragement and a brief history on our agency and
the new physical fitness requirements. Kudos to all IPD personnel
for a great job done in preparing and administering the selection
process and testing.
All Police candidates were required to participate in P.E.B. physical
fitness exams to include, but not limited to, running 1.5 mile, 300
meter run, pushups, sit-ups, and flexibility testing. These tests
are used nationwide for testing an applicant's physical ability
to become Police Officers. The Isleta Tribal Police Department
uses the Cooper Institute Standards for testing of Public Safety
personnel.
The Isleta Tribal Police Department is committed to serving our
community and maintains the highest standards of Tribal Law
Enforcement. To better serve our needs and provide our community
with the best trained and physically fit Police Officers. We attempt
to recruit Isleta Tribal Members/Native Americans and NonTribal applicants, who can best serve our diverse community. If
you are interested in serving your community, please make an
application with Isleta Human Resources or call IPD Admin/
Officer J. Reyes at 505-869-6511 ext. 353 for details on becoming
"Isleta's finest proud to serve".
Submitted By: Admin/Officer, J.Reyes
Professional Standards and Training Section, Isleta Police Department

April 2011

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 9

Pueblo of Isleta Public Library
Spring is here, spring is here! We hope all of you had a nice, fun, and relaxing spring break. For
those of you who haven’t had it yet, don’t worry, Easter is around the corner. We wish you the best
of luck finding all of those Easter eggs and may you get many goodies in your basket.

NEWS

We want to apologize to those of you who
submitted an essay for a free computer and
have not heard anything yet. There were
many essay entries and we are still reading
and going thru them. We will be making
our decisions soon and we will inform those
winners as soon as possible.
The library has been granted permission
on March 29, 2011, to shelve both the
Pueblo of Isleta Law and Order Code and
the Civil and Criminal Ordinance for check
out purposes for the public. In the past, we
were only allowed to shelve such material
on our Reference shelf without borrowing
privileges. At this time, no official word
has been given to us about making copies;
however, individuals may purchase a copy
from the Tribal Courts (see Tribal Courts
for prices).
The library’s Tribal Newsletter Archive
via library’s web site (www.isletapueblo.
com/library2.html) is now fully functional,
thanks to Norman Lucero and the rest of
the M.I.S. Department. With this service
you may view or download both current
and previous Newsletters at your will.
Another option of getting the Newsletter
is joining our Digital Newsletter Email
List Serve. All you have to do is send your
full name and email address to poi02002@
isletapueblo.com and we shall send you PDF
Version of the Newsletter. If you are not
receiving the newsletter via email it could
be that attachment is too large, you do not
have enough space in your email account,
or wrong email address. Of course, you can
always come into the library to pick up a
hard copy of the Newsletter, as well.
Our supervisors informed us that we need to
start informing our patrons of the handicap
parking. Only those cars with an official
handicap parking permit are allowed to
park there. If there is no parking permit,
violators will receive a warning, but if there
is a second warning, violators will be towed
and are responsible for any towing fees.
Jane’s Construction Company wants us to
inform our community members that they
have a drain at the south end of the school,
at the bottom of the hill. So ATV riders,
runners, and those who live in the area
please be cautious. There is no barricade or
warning sign up but will be shortly, so look
out for the drain and be careful.
The staff here will be attending the New
Mexico Library Association conference in
Albuquerque, the last week of April, so our
schedule is a little different. We will be
closing at 6:30 on Thursday, April 28th
and we will be closed all day Friday,
April 29th.
Lastly, the New Mexico Tribal Libraries
Fundraiser Committee will be hosting a
Golf Tournament at your local Isleta Eagle

The Library/Education Complex from the Southeast Side (Parking Lot).
Golf Club, on Friday, July 22nd. Proceeds
will be divided evenly to the participating
Tribal Libraries (Isleta, Laguna, Acoma,
Jemez, and San Ildefonso) to help cover
the cost of library operations in their
communities during these tough economic
times. If you, your business, or perhaps
The Library/Education Complex from the
you know of a business that would like
Northwest Side (Back of Library).
to Sponsor a hole or enter a team, please and we had many “Things” who showed up.
call the Library at 505.869.8119 and ask Those lucky students who received all their
to speak to Nathaniel Lujan for further points to go to the movies Friday night, had
details.
fun. Both movies we watched were funny
and the kids enjoyed it. They got free kids
UPCOMING:
In honor of Earth Day, we will be planting pack plus dinner afterwards. They worked
chili seeds on April 11th. Each student will hard and they deserved it. We appreciate
have his or her own planter that will stay all the hard work and reading that the
here at the Library, until Earth Day, April students do. We hope to see more of you
on our next trip. Continue to study hard!
22nd, when they can take them home.
We hope that you have already saved the date Also, thank you to both the Department of
for Easter Bunny pictures at the Library. If Education and the Isleta Recreation Center
not, here is another reminder. Pictures will for lending us your vans.
be taken on Tuesday, April 19th from 2:30
to 6:30. They will be available for pick up
that Friday after 12pm. Please remember
that these pictures are free and you receive
two 3x5’s. We look forward to see all your
smiling faces, and families are more than
welcome.
Be on the lookout for the Library’s float
on Saturday, April 30th for the Annual
Child Abuse Parade. During the parade,
the staff will be handing out Isleta Pueblo
Public Library buttons. Receive one and
bring it to our booth for a free snow-cone.
One snow-cone per button brought to us.
The parade starts at 10am then continues
into a fair at the Recreation Center. Stop by
our booth for information about the library
and also the Summer Reading Program. All
of the information regarding the Summer
Program will be available during this time.
We are looking for suggestions for the
Library’s End of the Year Incentive
Program. The date to go on this fieldtrip
will be Friday, May 20th but we are leaving
it up to the kids to decide where they want
to go. We have a suggestion box here at
the Library for the students to give their
input.

RECAP:

Christina Lujan & her Donated Cake
for Dr. Seuss’s Birthday.

For Dr. Seuss’ Birthday bash, we could not
leave out a special thank you to Christina
Lujan for donating the delicious birthday
cake and also to Alex Wood, from Molina
Health Care for donating all of the goodies
Mary Jane reading to a HUGH group during
inside of your gift bags. The kids enjoyed it
Dr. Seuss’s Birthday Party @ the Library.

Page 10

Isleta Pueblo News

April 2011

We always enjoy having visits from our
Elders. They gave us a special visit Monday,
March 28th. They planted spinach with our
staff, which they got to take home. They
looked at many books but paid particular
attention to our garden and planting section,
maybe because planting season is coming
up. We hope to see them again soon.

The 14 Students who earned their Movie Madness Points.

Isleta Elders transplanting Spinach
during their Library Visit.

Pueblo of Isleta Public Library Hours of Operation:
Monday-Thursday: 8am-8pm Friday: 8am-4:30pm • Saturday & Sunday CLOSED
Mailing Address: PO Box 610 Isleta, NM 87022
Phone: 505.869.8119•Fax: 505.869.7690
Email: Poi02002@isletapueblo.com • Web Address: www.isletapueblo.com/library2.html
Facebook: www.facebook.com/IsletaPuebloLibrary

April 2011

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 11

Note from Isleta Pueblo Housing Authority (IPHA):
Please be advised that the IPHA will be accepting requests for
Seasonal service to include but not limited to turning on Air
Conditioners and turning off heaters.
Isleta Pueblo Housing Authority Resolution No.2010-010
Approving Amendments to the Isleta Pueblo Housing
Authority Renovation, Emergency Home Repair and
Maintenance Policies and Procedures
Adopted July 19, 2006
Amended December 16, 2009
Amended November 24, 2010
Routine heating, ventilation and air conditioning services, where
IPHA's cost of labor is equal to or less than twenty-five ($25.00)
dollars. This includes but is not limited to, lighting of furnace pilot
lights, changing of air filters, seasonal setting up and taking down
of evaporative coolers, and installation or replacement of weather
stripping. The charge for the services will be twenty-five ($25.00)
dollars plus the cost of material and labor time, provided that the
tribal member must make payment for such services immediately
or agree to do so within fifteen (15) days of billing. Payments will
be accepted in the form of Cashier Check or Money Order only.
Persons receiving assistance under these Policies will be required
to repay IPHA for the assistance, except that repayment will not
be required in the following instances:

1.the person receiving the assistance is both a) low income
and b) elderly or disabled (to qualify under this provision,
the person who is elderly or disabled must be a Isleta tribal
member), unless the emergency situation or situation which
required the renovation was caused by the gross negligence of
the person receiving the assistance, his or her family members
or an invited guest; or
Elderly person. A person who is at least 62 years of age
Disabled person. Any person who:
1) has a disability as defined in Section 223 of the Social Security
Act, or
2) has a physical, mental or emotional impairment which is expected
to be of long-continued and indefinite duration, substantially
impedes his/her ability to live independently and is of such a nature
that such ability could be improved by more suitable housing
conditions, or
3) has a developmental disability as defined in Section 102 of the
Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act.
A statement from a medical doctor or certified Social Services
worker verifying that a person meets one of the above definitions
of disability shall be sufficient.
Low income family. A family whose income does not exceed 80%
of the median income for the area as determined by the IPHA using
federal guidelines. The income of all household members shall be
used in determining whether an applicant is low income.

New Higher Education Students
The Pueblo of Isleta Scholarship Program is currently
planning for Summer 2011/Fall 2011 funding. In order
to be considered, you will need to submit a complete
scholarship application packet.
Your scholarship packet must contain the following
documents:
1.
POI Scholarship Application
2.
Certificate of Indian Blood
3.
Class Schedule
4.
2010-2011 Student Aid Report (Summer 2011)
5.
2011-2012 Student Aid Report (Fall 2011)
6.
Financial Needs Analysis
7.
Degree Plan
8.
High School Diploma or GED
9.
Acceptance/Admission Letter
Continuing Higher Education Students
Your scholarship packet must contain the following
documents:
1.
Summer 2011 Class Schedule
2.
Spring 2011 Official Transcript
Deadlines
Summer 2011
June 15, 2011.
Fall 2011
September 15, 2011.
Please submit document(s) to:
Pueblo of Isleta Higher Education
P.O. Box 1270, Isleta, NM 87022

SAVE THE DATE
Isleta Health Center
and Head Start's
Annual Community Health Fair
July 30, 2011
at the Isleta Rec Center
9 am-Noon

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 12

April 2011

CAR SEAT CLINIC

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

The Isleta Health Center held a Car Seat Clinic Saturday March 26, 2011
from 9am-11am at the Health Center. We'd like to say a BIG THANKS to
all the families that came and got their car seat checked, got to see if it was
properly installed, and the correct size for their child, and to make sure their
car seat was not recalled. It is very important to make sure your child is in
the appropriate car seat and make sure the car seat is safe.
The below chart explains 4 Easy Steps to protect our children, by putting
children in the appropriate car seat:
4 Easy Steps to Protect American Children

If you were unable to make it out to this event, but would
like to get your car seat checked, then call me (869-4479)
or Frances Anchondo (869-4482) to set up an
appointment and take an important
step in keeping your child safe!!

Freedom from Smoking
Stop Smoking in 8 Sessions

CONTACT Stephanie Barela at 869-4479
to sign up for Freedom From Smoking.
Be the next Isleta Tribal Member to take
back control of your life and sign up now!!

SIGN UP NOW

CALL 869-4479
Free Nicotine Replacement Therapy for
Isleta Health Center patients who
attend every session.

Isleta Pueblo News

Interested in receiving
emails regarding
up-coming
events at the
Isleta Health Center?

Editor:
Ulysses Abeita
Asst. Editor:
Beverly Piro
Published By:
Valencia Express

Email
Sbarela@islclinic.net
to get on the list
OR Call 869-4479

Great Job Charlie!!!
Charlie Jojola, son of Cynthia
and Joseph Jojola, and sixth
grade student at Bosque
Farms Elementary School,
recently competed in the
2011 Central New Mexico
Science and Engineering
Research Challenge held
at UNM in Albuquerque.
With
his
Engineering
Division Project entitled,
"Which Bridge will Hold the
Most Weight?", he placed first in the Bosque Farms
Elementary School Science Fair and placed second at
the Los Lunas District Science Fair which was good
enough to qualify him for the Central New Mexico
Science and Engineering Research Challenge.
Charlie was one of four students who earned the
opportunity to represent Bosque Farms Elementary
School in the Central New Mexico Science and
Engineering Research Challenge. Although he did
not place in the Challenge, his hard work paid off
as he gained valuable experience at this level of
competition. As a sixth grade elementary student,
this is the highest level of competition that Charlie
can compete in this year. But that is not stopping him,
as he is now motivated to do a much more in-depth
science project for next year's competition, and he is
determined to reach the next level of competition; the
New Mexico State Science Fair.
Your parents and extended family are very proud
of you and your accomplishments, Charlie!!! Great
job!!!

April 2011

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 13

Family values
"Alternatives to Physical
Discipline"

It is not easy to be a parent in today's fast
moving world that interferes with family
values. Family values start with parents
(and grandparents) as the role models
for teaching family rules. This is what
holds the family together and helps the
children understand what is expected and
appropriate behavior in the home.
In making family rules you may start with
4 to 5 specific rules you want in your home.
Choose rewards, privileges and consequences
that you are willing to enforce, rather than
using physical discipline. Explain to your
child or teenager the rules, privileges and
consequences. Some common family rules
are given below, with an example provided;

Rules
Chore to feed dog in AM Before you leave
for school.

Privilege Play after school.
Consequence Can’t play and must feed
dog.

• Chores
• Homework
• Bedtime
• Respectful language
• No fighting
Family rules help with the development of
positive values. You may want to minimize
your family's overexposure to TV and other
media forms. And increase more family time
together with going for walks, eating and
cooking together, spending time together
like playing board games, attending church,
working out in the gym, participating in
cultural activities, and having family talking

circles to improve family communication.
It is important to be a parent advocate
by getting involved with your child's
or teenager's extracurricular school
activities and/or community youth-serving
organizations like "Project Vent" at Isleta
Behavioral Health Services. The Project
Vent program provides youth leadership
development activities like camping,
snowboarding, hiking, ropes courses and
other fun filled adventures activities for
ages 10 and up.

• Tell the child to stay for the given time
(age of child) by using a timer.
• If the child gets out of the time out place,
escort the child back and reset the timer.
You keep doing this till the child responds
appropriately.
• When child has completed their time. You
explain at their eye level, the reason for
time out. Ask the child to say, “I’m sorry.”
Then give a hug and praise. The child is not
given another consequence other than the
time out.

Another form of discipline technique is
using "time out," for younger age children.
Many of us have probably watched the TV
show "The Nanny." Her show demonstrates
active parenting skills to decrease children's
negative behaviors using the "time out."
The TV show also emphasizes, "quality play
time" with parental interaction with their
children.

It is important for parents to have patience
and to not rely on yelling, hitting (spanking),
or shaming as discipline strategies. These
strategies only create fear in children, which
does not result in lasting change. Whereas
the other approaches create self-regulation
and improve the child’s self esteem as their
time outs become shorter and less frequent.
Also, hitting the child could easily result
in physical abuse leaving visible marks or
bruises on the child.

The purpose of "time out," is to give children
one warning using a firm voice, to remind
the child to listen and obey. If the child
continues with the misbehavior like biting,
hitting, and destructive behavior then a
time out is used as a consequence.
Many parents mistake the time out as
only the beginning of a consequence. And,
they may remove other privileges for the
consequences from the child. If so, the child
may give up on responding appropriately to
a time out. Below, explains how a time out
is to be used.

“TIME OUT”

• Use a firm voice, and give one warning. “If
you don’t stop, you will go to time out.”
• Remove child to a safe boring place (not in
the bathroom).

To learn about parenting skills or stress
management, contact Isleta Behavioral
Health Services 869-5475.
Article written by Lisa Cherino,
IBHS Therapist

"Our Children are Keepers of Our Songs and Traditions"
We are all responsible for what we do in keeping children safe. The
month of April is recognized as National Child Abuse Awareness
and Prevention. It is about promoting awareness to voice concerns
about community messages of safety for all children. Child abuse
occurs in every community.
Child abuse often involves family members and usually the abuser
is someone the child knows and trusts, not a stranger. Also, many
children do tell an adult who are not willing report the abuse. Child
abuse takes many forms and can be defined briefly in four common
categories listed below:
• Emotional Abuse: by feeling threaten or verbally abusive.
• Physical Abuse: by hitting, biting or shaking.
• Sexual Abuse: by sexual contact with a child
• Neglectful Abuse: is when a parent or guardian fails to
provide a child with love and attention, food, clothing,
medical care, supervision, education and medical care.
How do we prevent abuse and neglect? One way is to use traditional
stories to communicate to children prevention messages to teach
children about safety. Isleta Behavioral Health Services is using a
story called, "Bear Hugs" which will be presented as a puppet show
which will be performed on April 30, 2011 at 11:00AM at the Isleta
Recreation Center as part of the Isleta Social Services Child Abuse
Awareness event.
Below, is an illustration from one of the scenes from the "Bear
Hugs" story. The story helps to tell children what to do if they are
touched inappropriately by using three puppet characters (bear,
raccoon and the alert bird). The animals in the story teach children
to tell adults, and keep telling until someone believes them.

Our children are keepers of our songs and traditions. That is why
it is important to listen if a child talks of being abused, whether
emotionally, sexually, physically or by neglect. People who abuse
children need help to overcome their problem and most of them are
survivors of their own abuse. They need help but are not likely to
do it on their own, which is why reporting is so important.
If you suspect child abuse, or to learn more about child abuse,
contact Isleta Social Services at 869-2772.
If you would like to learn more about the puppet show or other
prevention activities at Isleta Behavioral Health
Services call us at 869-5475.
Article written by Lisa Cherino, IBHS Therapist

Page 14

Isleta Pueblo News

April 2011

Commercial Tobacco Use Prevention Art Contest!

Lisa Cherino and Stephanie Barela

Isleta Behavioral Health staff Lisa Cherino, who was representing the Native Ways Family Program, was
accompanied by the Health Educator, Stephanie Barela, in assisting with the Commercial Tobacco Use Prevention Art
Contest.
The Isleta Elementary 5th graders and Dr. Shutiva and Mrs. Welbourne, were visited on March 3, 2011, for a
classroom presentation reviewing what they learned last year about Commercial Tobacco Use Prevention and how it is
advertised. The students seemed excited as they were commenting to each other, "It was about not smoking." They were
asked about how Commercial Tobacco has been advertised, and how they will design a T-shirt for commercial tobacco
use prevention. Many students eagerly raised their hands and responded positively providing many suggestions of
visual designs for a T-shirt.
The students were informed there will be a first, second and third place prize awarded for the selection of the T-shirts.
The students were given two weeks to submit their penciled outlined and colorful drawings. The design that is selected
will be used for the upcoming T-shirt for the "Every Breath Counts, Stay Smoke Free" awareness event. This event will
be held on July 30, 2011, at the Isleta Health Fair, which will be from 9-noon at the Isleta Rec Center.

NEW MEXICO INDIAN
LIVESTOCK DAYS
MAY 10 & 11, 2011

10:30 am to Noon Rotate between these
groups — please circle two choices
1 Grp #1 — Range and Water
2.Grp #2 — Proper Vaccination &
Proper Handling Techniques
3. Grp #3 — Horse
4. Grp #4 — Estate Planning
12:30 pm Lunch back at the Casino
1:30 pm Water Quality Presentation
2:30 pm NRCS — Norman Vigil
3:30 pm Adjourn
3:30 pm to 4:30 Bull Session
Hotel Information

McKinley County
Cooperative Extension

Tuesday, May 10th, 2011
8:00 am — Registration
8:30 am — Welcome
9:00 am — Managing Fertility in Cows
& Bulls
10:00 am — Break
10:30 am — Trich
12:00 pm — Lunch (with speakers)
1:00 pm — Feral Horse
2:00 pm — Beef Council
2:45 pm — BREAK
3:15 pm — Grass Feed & other markets
5:00 pm — Adjourn for Dinner
6:30 pm to 8:00 pm — Bull Session
Enjoy your evening
Wednesday, May 11th, 2011
8:00 am — gather to travel to hands-on
workshops. We will depart the parking lot
at 8:20 am.
8:30 am — 10 am Rotate between these
groups — please circle two choices
1. Grp #1 — Range and Water
2. Grp #2 — Proper Vaccination &
Proper Handling Techniques
3. Grp #3 — Horse
4. Grp #4 — Business Planning
10 am Break (30 mins)

John M. Romero, Sedillo Cattle Assoc.
Joseph Garcia, NMSU CES Southern
Pueblos
Steve Lucero, Sandoval County 4-H Agent
Jesse LeFevre, Jicarilla Extension Agent
Mike Larsen, San Juan County Extension
Agent
Chase Elkins, Cibola County Extension
Agent
Gerald Moore, Tri-State Extension Agent
Manny Encinias, Livestock Specialist

Rt. 66 Casino and REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Mail this brochure/form to: McKinley CES
Star Rt. 2, Box 59 Gallup, NM 87301
Hotel
Deadline for special room rate is
April 25th, 2011
1-866-352-7866
Ask for the Livestock 2011 group
rate of $69

Registering is important to ensure that
adequate seating space and meals are
available. Please circle your registration
option.
Full Program (2 day, lunch & breaks) $50
Tuesday Only (lunch & break)
$30
Wednesday Only
$30
DEADLINE for Program Registration
is April 22, 2011
Please make money orders out to
McKinley CES

New Mexico State University is an equal
opportunity employer. All programs are
available to everyone regardless of race, color,
religion, sex, age, handicap, or national origin.
New Mexico State University and the U.S.
Department of Agriculture cooperating.

Planning Committee:
Kathy Landers, McKinley County
Extension Agent
Pat Romero, Laguna Natural Resources
Pat Melendrez, Livestock Specialist
Wayne Franklin, Crownpoint Extension
Agent
Jesse Jim, Crownpoint Extension Agent
Elena Bowers, McKinley County Home
Ec Agent
Bob Alexander, Laguna Natural Resources

Amount Paid: $
Name:
Address:
Phone:
Email:

Please go to the following website
Indianlivestock.nmsu.edu to do online
registration and for credit card payments.
Questions please call McKinley CES 505863-3432
If you are an individual with a disability
who is in need of an auxiliary aid or service
to participate in any event, please call (505)
863-3432 at least one week in advance.

April 2011

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 15

Department of Natural Resources
2011 Fire Awareness

As we all know, this is the time of year
that the Pueblo starts to ready itself for
spring planting and irrigating. One of the
tools that we use to accomplish this is fire.
While fire is a great and useful tool, it is
also highly dangerous and destructive and
it comes with great responsibility. I know
that fire has been used for generations, but
the Pueblo today is not the Pueblo of twenty
or even ten years ago and there are now
homes and infrastructure spread across the
valley.
In the past month and a half, there
have been out of control field/yard fires
practically every day and most of these
have been extinguished by the quick action
of the Volunteer Fire Department and the
Wildland Fire Crew in the Department
of Natural Resources. However, with the
larger and /or more aggressive fires, our

tribal resources have had to call in the BIASPA Fire Crews for back up and for extra
patrols. In fact, this year alone BIA-SPA
has responded to fifty fires on the eight
tribes they patrol and unfortunately 27
of them have been on Isleta — more than
half, and these aren't counting the ones
that our Volunteers and Natural Resources
Crews put out themselves. These are only
the statistics from this year and really
most of them have happened in the past
two months and we still have nine more
months to go. Fires are costly - an out-ofcontrol fire that spreads to a home, the
bosque or mountains, could easily run into
the hundreds of thousands, if not millions
and the person who lit the fire could be hit
with the bill. Also, anyone who damages
property that belongs to the Power, Gas,
Telephone or Railroad could be sued for the
monies - a gas meter replacement alone is
approximately $1000.00.
We have been very lucky, lucky in the sense
that no one has been seriously hurt in any
of these fires. Unfortunately, we have lost

at least two sheds, two corrals, a truck,
a camper, two homes were also severely
damaged and one abandoned mobile home
was completely destroyed. We have damaged
infrastructure such as telephone and power
poles, burned cable and electrical lines - all
during the same sixty days. We also have
had dozens of close calls with fires and
many of these were averted because of the
excellent work of our fire personnel - many
of them volunteers or employees serving on
their own time. Contrary to popular belief,
the fire personnel don't get paid danger
pay, many are salaried and when you see
them out at night or on weekends, they are
in fact "donating" their time or getting their
regular pay, if any, to fight these fires. Fire
personnel respond at all hours, in all types
of weather and stay as long as needed to
ensure you are protected. They sacrifice time
off and time with their families, risk their
health and even lives for their fellow tribal
members. Also, I would like to note that all
of our fire personnel are highly trained and
all of them are certified fire fighters, either
through the Volunteer Fire Academy or the
BIA-SPA Federal System, or both.
Remember, no one is trying to outlaw
burning or the use of fire as a tool. In fact,
the majority of Tribal members are very
conscientious and responsible when they
burn, but accidents do happen and our
emergency responders are there to help. In
fact, should you be worried about a field

following:

• 30-12-17 Unlawful burning

A. Any person who sets a fire or allows a
fire to escape, leaves a camp fire burning
unsupervised, or causes a fire to be
started by means of a lit cigar, cigarette,
match or firework causing damage to
any vegetation, forest, or structures is
guilty of unlawful burning.
B. Any person found guilty of
unlawful burning is guilty of a Class D
Misdemeanor

• 30-12-18 Arson

A. Any person who intentionally
and willfully starts a fire or causes an
explosion with the purpose of destroying
or damaging any structure or property,
to collect insurance, or to cause damage
to any public property, utility line, or
railway structure, or injure any person or
animal is guilty of arson.
B. Any person found guilty of arson is
guilty of a Class B Misdemeanor

• 30-07-01 Public Nuisance

A. Any
person
who
unlawfully
endangers the health or safety of another
or interferes with another's enjoyment
of property by willfully or negligently
causing a hazardous, unsightly or
unhealthy condition to exist on public
property, or a premise, or place where
persons are known to gather for purposes
of engaging in lawful conduct is guilty of
a public nuisance.
B. Any person found guilty of a
public nuisance is guilty of a Class E
Misdemeanor

• 30-12-05 Criminal Damage to
Property

burn or think you may need assistance,
you can request help by calling beforehand
through the Department of Natural
Resources (869-2710) or by contacting
the Volunteers - either way we will work
together to try and help you. We only ask
that you please stop by the Dept. of Natural
Resources and get a burn permit, follow the
list of instructions, such as creating a fire
break, having water on hand to extinguish
it and most importantly— calling the Police
Department (869-3030) before you burn to
see if it is a burn day. While it may look and
feel like a nice day, we all know the weather
here can change at any moment and if the
winds pick up it could be catastrophic for
you and your neighbors.
A minority few however, do refuse to abide
by the tribal council approved resolution:
requiring the use of burn permits, burning
on non-burn days, leaving fires unattended
and/or put others lives and/or property at
risk —to those few I feel the need to remind
you that you could be charged with the

A. Any person who defaces, damages, or
tampers with the property of any person,
organization, corporation, government, or
other entity in such a manner that their
action impairs its functionality or value is
guilty of criminal damage to property.
B. Any person found guilty of criminal
damage to property is guilty of a Class D
Misdemeanor
On top of these separate charges which
include fines, community service and so
forth, the damage could be such that a
person could find themselves being charged
with a felony if someone is hurt, killed or
if the value of the property is significantly
high. The person could also be charged with
aggravated charges if cultural sites are
damaged.
Again, no one is trying to ban burning or
regulate it to death — we would just like
our community members to respect it as
the dangerous tool that it is, and to help us
protect our tribal residents, neighbors and
our beautiful natural resources.
***A house can be rebuilt, a field
replanted, but we can never get
someone's life back... so let's all watch
out for each other.
Thank you.

Page 16

Isleta Pueblo News

April 2011

Health Beat

HELMET SAFETY

Health Educator: Stephanie Barela, 869-4479
The 4th grade students at Isleta Elementary School learned about
bicycle and helmet safety. The Isleta Health Educator teamed up
with Albuquerque Parks and Rec to offer the 4th grade students
a presentation on bike safety and then the opportunity to try
out their newly learned skills through participating in a BIKE
RODEO. A bike rodeo is a skills course, which provides a fun and
safe environment for a class to learn various bike safety skills and
practice them. This rodeo consisted of a bike riding course designed
to simulate actual road conditions, a stop sign to help practice their
starting and stopping, as well as using their directional signals, a
chance to practice their skills when they are approached by a dog
and many other important bike safety skills.

ISLETA PUEBLO NEWSLETTER
P.O. Box 1270
Isleta, New Mexico 87022

PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
ISLETA, NM 87022
PERMIT NO. 2

Bike riding is a lot
of fun, but accidents
happen. Every year,
about 300,000 kids
go to the emergency
room
because
of
bike injuries (www.
kidshealth.org).
Some of these injuries
are so serious that
children die, usually
from head injuries. A
head injury can mean brain injury and as the 4th graders learned;
OUR BRAIN IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF OUR BODY,

so we need to PROTECT IT!! That's why it is so important to wear
your bike helmet. Wearing one doesn't mean you can be reckless,
but a helmet will provide some protection for your head and brain
in case you fall down.
The most important skills the 4th graders learned were:
• STOP and Look Left, Right, Left, before crossing the street
• Use your hand signals when turning

Hand Signals. ( Use Left Hand.)

left turn

right turn

stop

• If you are ever chased by a dog while you are riding your bike,
you should stop peddling and coast (continue to move forward
without using your peddle). If the dog continues to chase you,
get off your bicycle and put it between you and the dog and
back up slowly.
• ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET!!
Thank you Albuquerque Parks and Rec, Chuck Malagodi and
the Isleta 4th grade classes.

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Apueblo_isleta%3Ad2c0330834decbb2. Public record. Not legal advice.