The Pueblo Indians of New Mexico: An Analysis of the Educational System.

Educational systems (both tribal and formal) of the Pueblo Indians, including Taos, San Juan, Tesuque, Zia, Zuni, and the Bernalillo District in New Mexico, were analyzed. The analysis included discerning whether or not (1) the Pueblos' traditional culture and heritage is being taught and to what extent and (2) bilingual and bicultural studies have been implemented in the elementary and/or secondary schools on the reservations and to what degree. Interviews were conducted at day schools operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the All Tribes Mission School, and schools in the Zuni area. Students, teachers, school personnel, and parents were questioned about tribal and formal education. It was found that so far San Juan has been the only pueblo to introduce bilingual and bicultural studies into the elementary school. The others prefer to keep the tribal and formal educational systems departmentalized with tribal education in the kivas. Even though bilingual and bicultural studies have not been developed at Taos, Tesuque, Zia, and Zuni, Indian aids who speak the language of the pueblo have been hired to reinforce instruction. This paper also discusses the history, language, and educational and population statistics of the Pueblo Indians. (NQ)