Santa Fe Indian School demolished 18 historic buildings on its campus in New Mexico but hasn't explained much about it beyond a short statement to the local newspaper.

School officials and tribal leaders have refused to discuss the removal of the buildings, which date to the late 1800s and the early 1900s. But one tribal leader reportedly said he was glad to see the buildings removed due to some of the negative history associated with Indian boarding schools.

The school is part of the Bureau of Indian Education system but is run by the 19 Pueblo tribes in the state. The campus is held in trust for the tribes so local and state laws regarding historic buildings, demolition and asbestos removal don't apply there.

The Environmental Protection Agency was informed of the asbestos removal but hasn't sent anyone to the site. Some residents and nearby businesses have questioned the demolition.

Get the Story:
Dark history under the rubble (The Santa Fe New Mexican 8/11)
Contractor says asbestos removed before buildings razed (The Santa Fe New Mexican 8/11)
SFIS impacted by Indian education's harsh roots (The Santa Fe New Mexican 8/11)

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