Pablo Abeita facts for kids
Pablo Abeita (1871–1940) was an important leader from the Pueblo of Isleta in New Mexico, United States. He served as the governor of his pueblo for many years. During his time, he worked closely with Father Anton Docher, who was known as "The Padre of Isleta."
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About Pablo Abeita
Early Life and Education
Pablo Abeita was born into a native family at Pueblo of Isleta. He grew up speaking both the Tiwa language and English. He went to school at the Jesuit School in Old Albuquerque. Later, he studied at St Michael's College in Santa Fe. After ten years of schooling, he first worked as a typesetter for a newspaper in Albuquerque. Then, he worked at a family business in Isleta.
A Leader for His People
In 1889, when Pablo Abeita was just 19 years old, he joined the All Indian Pueblo Council. This council had been inactive for 300 years. In 1913, his tribe chose him to be a judge. He was also elected Secretary of the All Indian Pueblo Council.
The Council became very active in the 1920s. They worked hard to protect the lands of the pueblos. They wanted to stop the government and private groups from taking their land. In 1924, they helped pass the Pueblo Lands Act in Congress. This law officially confirmed that the pueblos owned their lands.
Special Friendships and Honors
Pablo Abeita became good friends with Father Anton Docher. Father Docher was a French priest who came to Isleta Pueblo in 1891. He served the church there until he passed away in 1928. They were friends for their entire lives.
In October 1919, King Albert I of Belgium visited Isleta Pueblo. He came with his wife, Queen Elisabeth, and their son, Prince Leopold. The King honored both Governor Abeita and Father Docher. He gave them the Order of Leopold of Belgium. This was a very special award.
Naming the KiMo Theater
The KiMo Theater was built in 1927 in Downtown Albuquerque. The owners held a contest to name their new theater. Pablo Abeita won the contest! He suggested the name KiMo. In the Tewa language, KiMo means "mountain lion." For his winning idea, Pablo Abeita received $50.
A Respected Figure
The author Joe Sando thought very highly of Pablo Abeita's leadership skills. He believed that if times were different, Abeita could have even been elected as a governor of New Mexico. At that time, Native Americans usually did not run for state offices. Also, if they were part of federally recognized tribes, they often could not vote as U.S. citizens.
When the journalist and ethnologist Charles Fletcher Lummis lived in Isleta, he stayed in a room at Pablo Abeita's house. There were no hotels or inns available back then.
