July 29, 2026 11:30 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
July 29, 2026 11:30 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ

The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the CPUC Broadband Deployment Phase I Project, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at expanding reliable, high-capacity internet service for Tribal communities and surrounding areas. Through this public bid process, CRIT is seeking qualified contractors to furnish, install, splice, and test outside plant fiber-optic infrastructure that will form the foundation of an expanded broadband network. The project will support improved connectivity along key regional corridors near the Reservation, including areas within San Bernardino and Riverside Counties and surrounding communities such as Blythe, Earp, and Parker Dam. This investment represents an important step toward strengthening digital access, supporting economic development, enhancing education and telehealth opportunities, and ensuring long-term technological resilience for CRIT members and neighboring communities. Proposals will be evaluated based on cost, qualifications, construction schedule, and Indian Preference in accordance with Tribal procurement policy.

Follow the links below for bidding information and specs.

Apendix A

Appendix B_CRIT CPUC_Phase 1_Contractor Bid Sheet_02.23.2026

Appendix C_CRIT CPUC_Phase I_Project Specifications_Sealed_02.23.2026

CRIT CPUC Phase I RFP_02.26.26

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.

8NewsNow
https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/colorado-river-negotiations-fail-to-meet-federal-deadline-for-7-state-agreement/

High Country News
https://www.hcn.org/articles/why-colorado-river-negotiations-are-so-difficult/

 

ABC 15 News
https://www.abc15.com/weather/impact-earth/why-gov-katie-hobbs-wants-trump-administration-to-broker-colorado-river-deal

 

12 News
/wednesday-is-deadline-for-7-state-including-arizona-to-negotiate-the-colorado-river

The Pala Turtles finished first in the February CRIT Mo-Che-ho-na  Chair Volleyball tournament held at the BlueWater Resort and Casino. Hosted by the CRIT Senior Center, 32 teams competed. A special dinner the night before the games kicked off the tournament. Jaymee Moore and Jackson Short served as emcees and they also explained the rules of the game. Entertainment followed by CRIT Royalty and the Mohave Bird Singers, along with dancers from the United River Tribes Dance Group. Tribal Council in attendance included Chairwoman Amelia Flores, Vice Chairman Dwight Lomayesva, and Councilwoman Vanessa Welch. Day one of the competition saw 32 teams playing with 12 making it to day two.

Here are the results.

Day 2 – 9:00 AM Games

Losers Bracket:

Gilva River Oodham Vs Pala Turtles 2 – Winners Gila River Oodham

Rez Hawks Vs the Force – Winners Rez Hawks

Nyaa Thooosh Vs Servivors – Winners Nyaa Thoosh

Native Chaos Vs Cocopah Classics – Winners Native Chaos

(more…)

A celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday, hosted by CRIT Education in collaboration with the CRIT Library took place on February 28th at the CRIT Education parking lot, where families, kids, and book lovers of all ages were invited to attend.

The reading sessions featured beloved classics like The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham, as well as crafts and interactive games. There was also a Dr. Seuss themed photo booth hosted by CRIT Royalty, and a special appearance by the Cat in the Hat himself!

Dr. Seuss birthday marks the start of “Read Across America” for the month of March.

CRIT Library and CRIT Education would like to thank everyone who attended the event.

The CRIT Education center held the first awards ceremony of the year for its tribal students who received Honor Roll, Principal’s Honor Roll, and Perfect Attendance for the second quarter of the school year.

Students also enjoyed a pizza party hosted by CRIT Education as well as prizes  and activities  following the awards ceremony.

The CRIT Senior center held its first luncheon of the year for CRIT Elders. The annual Valentine’s Day luncheon was held on February 7th.

Previously, CRIT Elders created the center pieces for the luncheon.

Tribal Council Members in attendance February 7th included Chairwoman Amelia Flores, Councilwoman Vanessa Welch, Councilwoman Raeanne Patch, and Treasurer Anisa Patch.