Tribal leaders in New Mexico say the famed Paolo Soleri Amphitheatre at the Santa Fe Indian School must go.

The governors of the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Council and chairman of the All Indian Pueblo Council, which represents the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico, said they support the school's decision to get rid of the amphitheatre. The tribes cited the high cost to maintain and upgrade the venue, which was built in the 1950s and 1960s, and they said it doesn't fit in with the mission of the school.

"The school's progressive educational agenda cannot be met if the amphitheater remains on campus," said AIPC Chairman Joe Garcia, a former president of the National Congress of American Indians. "The money spent maintaining Paolo Soleri can be better spent educating our Native children."

The school is owned and operated by AIPC and the campus is trust land. State and local officials want the tribes to reconsider the decision to raze the venue.

Alumni of the school, as well as a music fans who have seen top acts at the venue, have been rallying on Facebook in recent weeks.

Get the Story:
Pueblo leaders: Paolo Soleri facility must go (The Santa Fe New Mexican 6/17)
Tribal Leaders OK Demolition (The Albuquerque Journal 6/17)

Related Stories:
Santa Fe Indian School promises more public communication (6/15)
New Mexico panel urges Indian school to save famed venue (6/14)
New Mexico panel will discuss amphitheater at Indian school (6/11)
City wants more communication for Santa Fe Indian School (6/10)
Indian school official confirms razing of famed amphitheater (6/8)
Facebook group for Indian school amphitheater draws fans (6/1)
New Mexico tribes silent on future of school amphitheater (5/26)
Indian school alumni start campaign to save amphitheater (5/25)
Santa Fe Indian School clears campus of most trees (3/26)
Santa Fe Indian School mum on development rumors (12/3)
City worried about Santa Fe Indian School plans (12/2)
Santa Fe Indian School free to ignore federal laws (9/22)
Santa Fe Indian School to raze more old buildings (09/10)
Santa Fe Indian School still mum on demolition (08/11)
Santa Fe Indian School demolishes buildings (7/30)