Taos Pueblo
New Mexico, USA
Red Willow Sustainable Education Center
Date of Completion: April 2003
 Taos Pueblo, located in the foothills of the Taos Mountain, is home to 3,000 Taos Pueblo Native Americans. The village was constructed over 1,000 years ago and these ancient adobe structures are considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited homes in all of North America. Taos Pueblo Indians possess a rich culture complete with their own native language (Tiwa), religion, and ancient traditions. Although a sovereign nation, the reservation is located within the United States and Pueblo Indians face many challenges associated with trying to preserve their culture while living in mainstream modern society. With less than 50 percent of Taos Pueblo students graduating high school, and with a declining percentage of Tiwa speakers, BwB decided to help the people of Taos Pueblo in their effort to preserve their culture.
 In June 2002, Taos Pueblo Indians began working alongside Trek for Knowledge team members from California, Connecticut and New York to construct BwB's first school in the United States. During the project, four thousand mud adobe bricks were made by hand and used to build the walls of the school.
After nearly ten months of hard work and anticipation, the school was inaugurated. The opening was accompanied by a large feast, traditional drumming and dancing. Community leader Shawn Duran quoted Margaret Mead proudly stating, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has."
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