July 29, 2026 4:16 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
July 29, 2026 4:16 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
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
Dear Vice President Harris,
As your pledged delegate, I write to ask that you select United States Senator Mark Kelly as your running mate.
Sen. Kelly knows how to talk to Indian country. He has been here, he understands our issues, and he will be an asset to your ticket. In Arizona, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan, Native American voters are a key swing state voting bloc. Adding him to your ticket will help in November and advance our shared vision of an America that lives up to its treaty and trust responsibilities.
I look forward to continuing our work together on tribal sovereignty, economic development in Indian country, and I hope you will consider this recommendation in the coming weeks. Thank you and best of luck in November!
Sincerely,
Amelia Flores
Chairwoman,
Colorado River Indian Tribes
Cheryl McCabe started her career with the Colorado River Indian Tribes on May 17,1994 as a Consultant for CRIT Education.
In 2004, she began her career with CRIT Head Start as the ERSEA Manager/ Family Service Advocate. Cheryl has held many titles at Head Start including ERSEA Data Manager, Family & Community Partnership Specialist, and ERSEA/Data Specialist. In 2014, she was promoted to ERSEA Coordinator, a title she still holds today.
The Tribal Council and Human Resources Department thanked Cheryl for 30 years of continued service to the Colorado River Indian Tribes. Chairwoman Amelia Flores also expressed her appreciation to Cheryl for her dedicated service to CRIT’s Head Start children and to the program.
The Patrick Fire is estimated at 70 acres and about 50% contained. Forward progress has been stopped on the blaze that broke out yesterday near 15th Avenue and Patrick Road on the CRIT reservation.
While the flames came close to a tribal member’s home, crews were able to secure the fire’s edge and save the home. No structures have been lost and no one has been injured.
CRIT Fire was first on scene when the flames broke out late morning on July 19th. They were soon joined by firefighters from CRIT Wildland Fire and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Despite heavy winds, crews were able to establish a fire break using hand tools. Even though the fire pushed towards the Colorado River’s edge, it did not jump across to the California side.
Additional units fighting the fire include Buckskin Fire, Parker Fire, and Arizona Fish and Wildlife.
Today (July 20th) crews are continuing to secure the fire at its north edge as well as at the edge of the Colorado River.
