It's Dells, dude, for Sandia (fwd)

[Phil Cash Cash]

It's Dells, dude, for Sandia
http://www.abqtrib.com/archives/news03/072403_news_sandia.shtml

 By Ailene Torres
 Tribune Reporter

 Close to home, far from ordinary, the casino advertising says.

 Sandia Pueblo council members are attempting to live up to that slogan
by donating a new computer to each household on its pueblo.

 "The council is committed to education and the continued learning of
our people," said Pueblo Governor Stuwart Paisano. "We look for ways to
give back to the community that will benefit all members in a positive
way."

 It's not every day a business donates more than 100 computers and
related equipment to its community.

 But today is different, and Sandia Casino is not the average business.

 Sandia Pueblo's 16-member tribal council today will distribute to all
135 households on the pueblo a new Dell computer, flat screen monitor
and laser jet printer. The computers and training classes on how to use
them are funded by gaming revenues earned through the pueblo's main
source of income: Sandia Casino.

 The casino is owned and operated by the pueblo's tribal council, the
governing body for all 481 members that reside on its land.

 Paisano said the idea of donating computers to the entire pueblo came
from a visit to New Mexico by President Clinton in April 2000. Clinton
noted that many residents in the Navajo Nation lacked basic
technological items most American families possess, such as telephones,
and were close to what he termed "the digital divide."

 As Sandia continues to search for ways to enrich the community from its
businesses, they decided technology would be ideal gift for those who
live on the pueblo, he said.

 "It's a very powerful tool," Paisano said.

 He said computers are essential if members want to be competitive in
today's job market, Paisano said.

 "I continue to be proud of the council's commitment. . . . I'm glad
they are providing the necessary tools the members need to survive in
the world of technology," Paisano said.

 The machines also will be a means to ensure the continuity of the
pueblo's native dialect - Tiwa - to the next generation.

 The pueblo teaches their young members the language and provides study
materials on CD-ROM and DVD. Although the Learning Resource Center,
which is located on the pueblo, is open to all members, it can be
inconvenient to go there and check e-mails, write resumes or study
Tiwa, say pueblo residents.

 "The computers will be used to teach and preserve our language,"
Paisano said. "If members don't have that technology they will be at a
disadvantage."

 Aaron Chavez, a pueblo resident and father of four children, three of
whom are school age, said he is grateful for the gift.

 "Not having to go down to the Learning Resource Center will save a lot
of time," Chavez said. "It will be of great use and make me more
productive."

 Chavez said the tool will be an enormous aid to his children for their
school work.

 "Having these things on a daily basis makes it easier," Chavez said.
"It enhances our ability to survive in the world."

 An assessment for the types of training needed will be determined after
each member receives their computer. For those not physically able to
collect their machines, deliveries will be arranged, Paisano said. All
training will be free.

 Pueblo officials will also act as a liaison between members and Dell
when technical issues arise, he said.

 "All they will have to do is call us," Paisano said. "And we will
contact Dell, and help them any way we can."

 The council takes the responsibility of taking care of their people and
community very seriously, Paisano said. The pueblo will continue to
deliver computers to each household including those who move in after
today, he said.

 "Giving back to the community is an idea which is embedded in the
hearts and minds of the tribal council," Paisano said.