Canku Ota

(Many Paths)

An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America

May 1, 2004 - Issue 112

Baca School awarded for Earth-Friendly Design

It is the first Bureau of Indian Affairs school and the first building in New Mexico to receive the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. It is one of only 104 buildings in the world to receive this certification.

"I think its exciting to have LEED certified school," said Jacque Mangham, school principal.

Mangham said she thinks the school will set an example of conservation and the importance of caring for the environment.

The school received certification because of a positive impact toward the environment. It uses natural lighting devices such as skylights and windows in hallways.

After hours, the complex switches to an energy automation system. Building materials that help to lower energy was used.

The school's landscape has native plants growing - plants that require minimum watering.

Greg N. Comer of Dyron Murphy Architects, PC, said while designing the school they decided to use recycled materials that do not emit high amounts of gas and which use minimum amounts of water.

"This award vindicates about a year and a half of really hard work. So we are absolutely thrilled," Comer said.

The front entrance faces east. At the center is the library. Comer said the designers consider the library as the center of learning. There are four hallways expanding from the library, which represents the four directions.

Hallway entrances and floor tiles were colored in red, turquoise and yellow.

David W. Anderson, Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, was present to accept the BIA's certificate for its contribution in building the school.
Anderson was given a tour of the building. Greeting him was a poster that said, "We walk in beauty to be productive life-long learners."

He visited classrooms, offices and had lunch with students. Hallways were decorated with information about Earth Day and "TV Turn Off Week." Doors were decorated with Earth Day themes as part of the school's door decorating contest.

"You have a beautiful school," Anderson said during the certification ceremony. He was proud of the "green" example set by the school's positive environmental impact.

Anderson said he thinks all schools should be environmentally conscious and would like the BIA to continue promoting and building environmentally safe buildings.

"Our creator did not create this wonderful place that we call home or Mother Earth," said Anderson, "for us to walk on this earth unconscious."

During Anderson's speech, he had students stand and repeat a pledge to continue to be proud of their school, to continue protecting the environment, and to continue learning.

"I am native and I am proud...I am strong and I will protect Mother Earth. And we will take care of her," repeated the students.

Showing appreciation for Anderson, he was presented with a bolo tie and a school T-shirt.

During the ceremony, the school's Indian Club performed a ribbon dance and basket dance.

Certificates were given to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Albuquerque district, the BIA's Office of Facilities Management and Construction, Dyron Murphy Architects, PC, Bradbury Stamm Construction Inc., Environmental Dynamics Inc., and Southwest Commissioning Services LLC.

The U.S. Green Building Council is a coalition promoting buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. LEED was created to recognize environmental friendly designs and performances in buildings.

Baca/Dlo´ay azhi Community School opened in August 2003.

Approximately 400 students attend from the Prewitt, Haystack and Thoreau communities. It is one of 184 BIA-funded schools located near or on 63 reservations in 23 states.

Canku Ota is a copyright © 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 of Vicki Lockard and Paul Barry.

The "Canku Ota - A Newsletter Celebrating Native America" web site and its design is the

Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 of Paul C. Barry.

All Rights Reserved.