Abeita, Diego, 1905-1984.

Chairman of the Middle Rio Grande Pueblos Irrigation Committee, lieutenant governor of the Isleta Pueblo, and rancher. Long active in political and civic affairs, Abeita is noted for his advocacy of water rights of the Pueblo Indians.

From the description of Diego Abeita papers, 1927-1981 (bulk 1951-1977). (New Mexico State University). WorldCat record id: 37450937

Diego Abeita was born in 1905; his father's name was Louis Abeita. Diego Abeita married Lottie G. Abeita and they had two children, a daughter, Louise and a son, Richard. Deigo Abeita attended the University of New Mexico for about two years in the 1920s. He was self-employed as a rancher, and raised Hereford cattle.

Diego Abeita was very active in Pueblo Indian affairs. He was the first Chairman of the Middle Rio Grande Pueblos Irrigation District, from 1951 to ca. 1977. Abeita often acted as spokeperson for the Irrigation Committee. Abeita was a member of the Isleta Pueblo, and served as lieutenant governor for the Pueblo of Isleta. He also served on the Isleta Tribal Pueblo for 30 years and was a trustee of the Bernalillo County Indian Hospital.

Diego Abeita died September 15, 1984.

From the guide to the Diego Abeita Papers, 1927-1981, (Archives and Special Collections, New Mexico State University Library)