July 30, 2026 12:11 am
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
July 30, 2026 12:11 am
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
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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
Tribal Elders gathered for an unforgettable day of games, delicious food, and incredible entertainment. Elders enjoyed a hearty lunch, a beautiful fruit display, and variety of desserts in a festive Hawaiian atmosphere.
Guests at the recent Elders Luncheon had the chance to win raffle prizes and participate in games such as Simon Says, Hula Hoop, and Ball Toss. The highlight of the event was the Makai Show, which brought the spirit of the islands to life.
Elder women joined in learning to Hula dance, and the men at the event performed the Haka, a New Zealand ceremonial dance of warriors, proudly showcasing their moves!
To cap off the day, Elders lined up to take photos with the Makai dancers, capturing the perfect “Aloha” moment to remember this special celebration.
Frank Martinez Jr. was recently recognized for his dedicated years of service to Colorado River Indian Tribes.
Frank began his career with CRIT on July 7, 1980 as a Mechanic I in the Auto Shop Dept. Over the past 45+ years, he has earned numerous certifications, each one reflecting his dedication to keeping CRIT’s vehicles safe and reliable for our employees and community.
Frank has devoted his entire career — four and a half decades — to the Tribal Auto Shop, and his commitment has never wavered.
The Tribal Council and Human Resources Department extends its deepest gratitude to Mr. Martinez for his remarkable service, loyalty, and expertise.
Please give a warm welcome to CRIT Fish & Game’s new wardens to its team, Madison Schmeling and tribal member Brandy Eddy. Both women bring unique experience, a love for the outdoors, and an exciting step forward for diversity in the department as the only two female wardens on the team.
Brandy Eddy previously worked as a Security Officer at BlueWater Casino. She shared her excitement about the upcoming hunting seasons and the opportunity to explore more of the reservation. Looking ahead, Brandy hopes to continue her training, complete the academy, and eventually move into a supervisory role within Fish and Game.
Madison Schmeling comes to the department with a degree in biology and chemistry, as well as hands-on experience in Animal Control. She has always wanted to become a Game Warden, calling it her “dream job.” Her passion for fishing, hunting, and spending time outdoors makes this a natural career path for her. Both Brandy and Madison will begin their first step of training at the academy on August 17th in Yuma, Arizona.
The CRIT community looks forward to seeing their contributions to the protection and management of local wildlife and wishes them the very best in this new chapter of their careers.
Article Written by CRIT Reporter Ariana Romero
CRIT is proud to share exciting developments with ‘Amat Kuhwely, LLC which is expanding CRIT’s farming operations. With majority CRIT ownership, CRIT is entering a powerful new chapter: creating jobs, strengthening our economic sovereignty, and making full use of our water and land for the benefit of future generations.
Through an investment with Indigena Capital, this new venture will:
✅ Invest over $23.7 million in the first two years
✅ Create skilled trade and professional jobs
✅ Expand CRIT’s water use rights on Reservation
✅ Honor our heritage while building long-term prosperity
Learn more about the vision, impact, and opportunities of ‘Amat Kuhwely in our latest FAQ release.
Any comments, questions, or concerns you have about this new venture, please reach out to amatkuhwely@crit-nsn.gov and you can view the PDF online by clicking on this link: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:va6c2:23d1fe0e-abd8-44e3-9d1a-07dbb8aa1160
