9/13/2011 We wanted to let you know that our beloved, respected Dr. Joe Sando, great author, historian and scholar, from the Pueblo of Jemez passed away quietly early this morning. The way that we know Dr. Sando inspires us to say, "Let us not mourn his death, but let's begin to celebrate his life!"
 
His bright eyes, that knowing smile and his quick, unrelenting wit will be remembered.

Dr. Joe S. Sando 1923-2011

Dr. Joe Sando, one of the IPIS Founders, continues to provide guidance to the Institute.

In 1976, shortly after opening of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, a research center was established on site to plan and direct educational programming and research projects, as well as to provide an information center for use by Pueblo Indians, scholars, and others concerned with Pueblo Indian Studies.

Later, in 1983, the name 'Institute for Pueblo Indian Studies' (IPIS) was given to this initiative with the concurrence of the Pueblo governors of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. The educational programming through the years has been varied both in type and topic. Several programs have been held on Pueblo sites, although most have been located at the Center. Sponsored either by the Institute itself, or in conjunction with other organizations and agencies, mini-courses, individual lecturers, symposia, seminars, poetry readings, and multimedia events have been successfully held.

Today, the IPIS is rejuvenating its course, with the initial conversations focused on what is pertinent to Pueblo life. A research agenda, education programming, partnerships and more are all on the horizon.