The Pueblo of Sandia is a federally recognized Indian tribe located in central New Mexico and adjacent to Albuquerque, the largest metropolitan area in New Mexico. Our reservation covers 22,877 acres on the east side of the Rio Grande Valley. We are one of 19 pueblos located throughout New Mexico. The Sandia people are members of the pre-Columbian Tiwa language group who once dominated the Albuquerque area and our lineage can be traced back to the Aztec civilization who later migrated to the New Mexico region. The present site has been our home, where we have cultivated the land and raised our families, since at least 1300 AD. Sandia Mountain provides the source of our spirituality as well plants, animals and other resources which have been critical to our survival in this desert region. Once the largest pueblo in the area with over 3000 people, we currently have just under 500 members.

The Sandia Pueblo government owns and operates several business enterprises to generate revenue to provide services to our residents, manage our land, and operate our government: Sandia Resort and Casino, Sandia open-air amphitheatre, Bien Shur Rooftop Lounge and Restaurant, Council Room Steakhouse, the Green Reed Spa, Bien Mur Indian Market and Travel Center, Los Amigos Roundup and Sandia Lakes Recreation Area - some of the best fishing around!

Sandia Mountain Settlement

A topic of great interest to Albuquerque residents.  The proposed Settlement and Management Plan protect the Mountain from further development and preserve the use of these precious Wilderness lands for future generations.  Learn more about why this proposed settlement and its congressional ratification is so critically important to you.

Pueblo Culture and History

The arrival of the Spanish in 1539 brought turmoil and change to a peaceful group of people.  The effects of the European colonization of our homeland are still felt today as we continue to struggle for economic viability and recognition of our status as a sovereign nation.

Gaming Information

Casinos and gaming are topics of much discussion in New Mexico.  Gaming has become a very popular and exciting form of entertainment for residents and visitors alike. We believe that gaming is a tremendous asset to everyone in the surrounding communities and is critical to the operations of Tribal Governments and their ability to offer services to their residents. Read more about why.

At the foot of the majestic Sandia Mountains, Sandia Resort & Casino offers 228 deluxe guest rooms and over 50,000 square feet of meeting space. The Sandia Resort and Casino also features a Par 72 Championship 18 hole golf course designed by Scott Miller, the Green Reed spa and fitness facility, and the Bien Shur rooftop restaurant offering fine dining with the most spectacular view in the Land of Enchantment. Not to mention electrifying Las Vegas-style gaming.

Pueblo of Sandia Government

We are responsible for providing many of the same services as states, and preserving our unique cultural identity. We have our own education, police, maintenance, health and human services, environment, and economic development departments. We collect taxes, revenues and develop and oversee our business operations to ensure a stable economic base to provide the services that any thriving community needs

Community Support

We actively help others in the surrounding communities by making contributions to numerous local charities and events which benefit the lives of the area's residents. We also sponsor the New Mexico Slam basketball team, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®, and the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra.

Frequent Questions & Misconceptions

Find out the truth behind issues involving gaming, Indians and Sandia Pueblo's West Mountain land claim.