Grandmother Abby

COCHITI PUEBLO ELDER

Grandmother Abby Arquero is a proud member of the Cochiti/Kewa Tribal Nations and a lifelong resident of Cochiti Pueblo, New Mexico. A devoted grandmother, mother, educator, and community member, Abby dedicated 40 years of her life to education, retiring in 2020 from the Santa Fe Indian School. Throughout her career—spanning public, private, and Bureau of Indian Education schools—she served as both teacher and administrator, with a steadfast commitment to ensuring that Indigenous students saw their identity, culture, traditions, and history reflected in their education. 

Abby’s work now continues through mentorship. She serves as a Teacher Mentor for the University of Idaho’s Indigenous Knowledge for Effective Education (IKEEP) Program, guiding Indigenous educators and supporting professional development. At home, she is deeply engaged in mentoring her grandchildren and Keres Language Learners, preserving the language, culture, and traditions of the Cochiti Pueblo Nation. Through the Keres Children’s Learning Center (KCLC) Apprentice/Mentor Program, she mentors two young mothers in language revitalization and cultural practices. 

Her lifelong dedication to cultural preservation and education has touched generations, ensuring that the values, knowledge, and traditions of her people remain strong and vibrant for the future.