Albuquerque Development

Albuquerque Indian School's Contribution to Albuquerque's Development

Albuquerque had begun rapid development around the same time the Albuquerque Indian School was at it max capacity. AIS was a known trade school amongst the other Indian Schools in New Mexico. The various teachings ranged from work done within a home such as cooking and sewing, to metal work and artistry. All the teaching done at AIS to the Indeginous students contributed to the development of Albuquerque physically, socially, and culturally.

The above images demonstrate the trade teachings the students went through at AIS and the various work they produced.

AIS Contributions to Albuquerque Buildings

Barelas Community Center 1957

The Barelas Community Center was one of the first documented contributions that the students of the Albuquerque Indian School had in the development of Albuquerque. The students made the community center's metal arch sign, ceiling fixtures, metal frame panels, and paintings inside the building. The sign is one of the most unique features of the community center and contributed to the building's historic recognition.

The students of the Albuquerque Indian School reflected their culture in their design work for the Barelas Community Center. Navajo or Pueblo designs such as squash blossoms, Ye Be Chai heads, and Manta art can be seen on the walls inside of the center.

The Southwest Presbyterian Sanatorium (currently Presbyterian Main Hospital) was another accomplishment the Presbyterians had along with the Albuquerque Indian School. The Sanatorium was under construction after AIS's opening. Students at AIS quickly began working with metal as a trade within the school and produce various parts that contributed to buildings throughout Albuquerque and surrounding areas.

Southwest Presbyterian Sanatorium

AIS Contributions to New Mexico Indian Schools

AIS contributed not only to different buildings and industries throughout Albuquerque, but also made various metal pieces for near by Indian Schools. This demonstrates the connection between the various Indian Schools throughout New Mexico at the time. There were some schools that taught trades that others did not, while some only focused on education and religion of the students attending.

Documented Projects by AIS students at their sheet metal workshop:

Alamo Day School
Zia Day School
Acomita Day School
Sandia Day Schools
Isleta Indian School
San Ildefonso Indian School
Taos Day Schools
Nambe Indian School
Paguate Indian School
San Felipe Day School
Santa Fe Indian School

Santa Fe Indian School

Isleta Indian School

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