Interior Secretary William Clark today formally transferred the 44-acre site of the former Albuquerque Indian School to the 19· Indian Pueblos of New Mexico.
In ceremonies at the U.S. Capitol, the Secretary witnessed acceptance of the deed to the property by representatives of the 19 Pueblos. Ken Smith Interior Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, earlier this month executed the quitclaim deed which stipulated that acceptance of the property by the Pueblos must be completed no later than August 15.
"This is a giant acquisition for the Indian Pueblos of New Mexico and provides these tribal governments with the basis for additional revenue generation through possible economic development projects," Secretary Clark said.
"I am proud to be a part of these actions that mean so much to the Indians of New Mexico. Additional development on this property should provide employment for members of the Pueblos and other local citizens, lessen tribal dependence on Federal funds and programs and reduce the Federal presence, all of which are objectives of this Administration's Indian policy," he added.
Initial use of the property will be for the continued operation and administration of programs under contract by the Pueblos for the Departments of Interior, Health and Human Services, Labor and Commerce. In addition, the new owners will develop the property for commercial uses.
Secretary Clark met in December with representatives of the New Mexico Pueblos. As a result of that meeting, the Pueblos submitted a revised version of their 1981 application for the property, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs began an intensive study of the application. After appraisal of the property, an environmental assessment of the effects of the proposed transfer and development of covenants for the protection of historical resources, the final paperwork was presented for Assistant Secretary Smith's decision in early July.
The three original remaining buildings on the former Albuquerque Indian School property are eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. The BIA operated a school for Indian students on the property before transferring the students to Santa Fe in 1980.
The BIA operated a school for Indian students on the property before transferring the students to Santa Fe in 1980.
