July 29, 2026 11:38 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
July 29, 2026 11:38 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
The Colorado River Indian Tribes Tribal Council has made a historic decision to protect the lifeblood of their Reservation. On November 6, 2025, the Council unanimously approved Resolution No. R-375-25, which proclaims the personhood status of the Colorado River under tribal law.
This resolution acknowledges the Colorado River as a living entity whose health and well-being are intrinsically linked to the well-being of the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) members. The Tribes’ deep-rooted connection to the river spans centuries, providing cultural identity, spiritual strength, food systems, and economic stability that continue to shape their community life today.
The resolution emphasizes the central role the river has played in defining the identity of the CRIT. It highlights that CRIT’s ancestors have preserved and protected these lands since before the establishment of the Colorado River Indian Reservation in 1865.
The Council underscores the crucial role the river plays in sustaining traditional practices, wildlife, and agriculture, including the federal irrigation systems authorized as early as 1867. Today, the Colorado River Indian Irrigation Project stands as a cornerstone of the tribal economy.
The resolution underscores significant legal milestones that acknowledged CRIT’s water rights. In the landmark 1964 and 2006 Arizona v. California U.S. Supreme Court decisions, the Tribes secured 719,248 acre-feet of water annually, ensuring their access to the river for generations to come.
By granting personhood to the River, the Tribal Council reaffirmed its sovereign duty to honor and protect it. This status mandates that the River’s well-being must be a priority in governance and decision-making moving forward.
As part of the resolution, the Attorney General and their staff will develop legal safeguards and propose updates to the CRIT Water Code and other relevant regulations. These updates may include the potential designation of the river as a protected cultural landscape.
Council members recognized that protecting the river is not merely a legal obligation but a continuation of cultural beliefs passed down through generations.
Through this declaration, CRIT demonstrates its unwavering commitment to stewardship. The resolution concludes with a resolute message: the Colorado River is, and will always remain, a vital entity deserving of respect, care, and protection for all future generations.
Article Written by CRIT Media Reporter Ariana Romero
News Update November 12, 2025
Negotiations over the future of the Colorado River have reached a standstill after all seven basin states failed to meet a key federal deadline. Reports from 12News and 8NewsNow confirm that the states were unable to agree on a new water-sharing plan, leaving the situation unresolved as the river continues to decline.
High Country News explains that the biggest disagreements involve how much each state should give up in the future. The upper Basin states want fewer mandatory reductions, while the Lower Basin states, including Arizona, say they have already taken the deepest cuts and cannot continue to absorb the majority of the impacts.
With no agreement in place, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has asked the Trump administration to intervene. She stated that Arizona has made significant sacrifices and cannot carry the weight of the reductions while other states refuse to commit to measurable cuts. If the states cannot reach a plan soon, the federal government may create one for them.
For the Colorado River Indian Tribes, the outcome of these negotiations has major importance. CRIT holds valuable senior water rights and relies on a stable and fair management plan to ensure long-term security for the community and the region.
For more information, you can read the news articles with the links below.
High Country News
https://www.hcn.org/articles/why-colorado-river-negotiations-are-so-difficult/
12 News
/wednesday-is-deadline-for-7-state-including-arizona-to-negotiate-the-colorado-river
Ramirez Flores has been serving as a Game Warden for the past four months, bringing a passion for the outdoors and a background in biology that inspired his career with Fish and Game. Growing up, he spent much of his time fishing alongside his father, which gave him an early appreciation for nature. His typical day includes patrolling the reservation, making sure campers and hunters have the proper permits, and helping to keep the reservation safe and clean. One of his most memorable moments on the job was responding to a call about baby falcons in need of care.
Flores and his team transported the birds to a rehabilitation facility, and seeing them survive and thrive was a rewarding experience. For Flores, being a Game Warden is more than working with animals, it’s about protecting the land and ensuring the community can enjoy it responsibly. His advice to anyone interested in joining the field is simple, follow policy. He believes it is the key to keeping both the community and the environment safe. Flores describes the work as exciting and fun, and he is proud to be part of such a strong team. As he heads to the academy alongside his fellow wardens, the community wishes him the best of luck on his journey. Also on the Fish and Game team is Sergeant Christian Handyside, who has been with the department going on one year. (more…)
Article written By CRIT Media Reporter Ariana Romero
Photography by Naythen T. Lowe
Parker’s best kept secret, nestled over the hill is the Colorado River Indian Tribes(CRIT), Avi Suquilla Airport. From his office, Airport Manager Joshua Philipps enjoys a clear view of the airport runway stretching across the desert floor and the iconic view of “P” Mountain in the distance. At the helm of this unique facility, Philipps has transformed his years of military service and leadership into a role that blends aviation expertise with a deep commitment to the Colorado River Indian Tribes and the Parker community.
Josh grew up far from the desert, on a small dairy farm in Indiana owned by his family for generations. From daily farm duties and taking care of animals, he learned early on the value of hard work and responsibility. In 2001, Josh enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and soon after transferred to the U.S. Army. His military career took him to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations around the world, where he developed a deep commitment to leadership, safety, and service.
After traveling all over the U.S., Josh sought out the quiet and peaceful desert of CRIT and the refreshing Colorado River, making Parker his home. He first worked as a Senior Training Advisor with Metris Global, hosting active shooter and trainings for CRIT departments including CRIT PD. His experience in military aviation and security training eventually led him to a natural fit for Avi Suquilla Airport.
For Josh, what truly makes CRIT Air special is the employees behind it. “ The staff are the backbone of the airport” he says, proudly recognizing he’s dedicated team. Assistant Manager Cindy Homer, who has served nearly 20 years, leads alongside Administrative Assistant Christina Johnson, Lead Technician Everett Babcock, Fuel Technicians Michael Carter and Jack Fisher, and ED&T youth Tamia Fisher and Candace James. Together this hard working crew keeps daily operations running smoothly, while continuously pursing professional development and certifications to ensure the airport continues to grow and operate efficiently.
The airport itself is unique, Avi Suquilla is one of the few tribal airports in the nation that supports a commercial side of operations. It hosts a variety of aircraft, from military A400s and T-6 trainers to private planes and Hawkers, and also serves as a base for free-fall training, parachuting, and full mission exercises for the military. (more…)
The CRIT Library was buzzing with excitement August 7th, as children and families gathered for a special Story Time and Cookies event with CRIT Police Officer Andrea Eddy.
Officer Eddy’s lively reading of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff had the children so excited they could hardly sit still. After the story, CRIT Library Technician, Blanca Quintero handed out colorful craft supplies so the children could design their very own “cookies,” with each cookie uniquely decorated to match its young artist’s style.
Officer Eddy shared some fun facts about herself. Her favorite childhood book? The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, a timeless story she now enjoys reading to her own daughter. If she could be any children’s book character, she said she’d be Captain Underpants, because her nephews love the character’s silly adventures. She also shared that becoming a police officer was her dream since childhood.
When asked what advice she’d give to kids who want to follow in her footsteps, Officer Eddy encouraged them to “stay out of trouble, find the right people you want to hang out with, and enjoy being a kid as long as possible.”
The CRIT Library thanks Officer Andrea Eddy for sharing her time and we wish her continued safety in her service to the community.
On August 8th three and four year old CRIT Head Start students took their first steps into a brand-new school year. From excited smiles to a few brave tears, these little learners were ready to take on their first day.
Students were welcomed through a colorful tunnel, stopped to wash their hands and then headed to class for breakfast, crafts and learning.
We loved seeing so many helping hands, passing out napkins, spoons, and milk to friends. Here’s to a year of learning, laughter and new adventures. Good Luck Kiddos.
