September 13, 2026 7:34 am
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
September 13, 2026 7:34 am
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ

Notices

NOTICE OF ADDITIONAL PUBLIC HEARINGS

On a Proposed Ordinance to Amend
the Government Code
to Add an Article 6. Standard of Conduct and Ethics

 

Dates:
Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 5:30 P.M.
Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 1:00 P.M.
Monday, November 18, 2024 at 9:00 A.M.

Location:  Colorado River Indian Tribes Tribal Council Chambers

The proposed Ordinance will amend the Government Code by adding an Article 6. Standard of Conduct and Ethics, which will govern the actions and activities of Tribal Council members to ensure they are carried out in the highest ethical standards, and to set forth consequences for violating these standards.

Written comments from the public will be accepted at the address below up until 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 20, 2024. Any comments submitted will be made a part of the legislative record and will be considered for incorporation into the final Code.

Submit comments to:  Colorado River Indian Tribes
Office of the Attorney General
26600 Mohave Road Parker, Arizona  85344

The proposed Code can be viewed online and printed just follow this link C_Standards of Conduct Ethics _08062024 Edits

 

Copies will also available at the Tribal Administrative Bldg. and the CRIT Library, located at 26600 Mohave Road, Parker, Arizona.

Planned Power Outage – Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Per BIA Electric, Mochem Housing in the Valley will not lose power

 

 

Corte de energía planificado – miércoles 23 de octubre de 2024

Según BIA Electric, Mochem Housing en el valle no se quedará sin electricidad.

Services for Angelita Thompson

Lost Lake Resort Camping and Boating Information

General Welfare Assistance Notification

Click the links below to download a form

Direct Deposit Authorization Form

General Welfare Application_09242024

General Welfare Application Minors_09242024

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

 

Dear Tribal Member:

Tribal Council has approved a 2024 General Welfare Assistance payment of $2,000.00 for each CRIT Tribal Member. CRIT Tribal members, both minors and adults, who are enrolled with CRIT as of November 1, 2024 are eligible to receive assistance. Tribal Members MUST submit an application to receive a General Assistance Payment for 2024.

Click the links below to download a form

Direct Deposit Authorization Form

General Welfare Application_09242024

General Welfare Application Minors_09242024

This 2024 General Welfare Assistance payment replaces the annual Tribal Distribution Payment.  The benefits to the membership are that the General Welfare Assistance payment is NOT income subject to federal taxes and should not impact eligibility for benefits such as SSI and food stamps.  You will not be issued a 1099 for this payment.  Please review the General Welfare Plan for more information.

Tribal Members will receive their General Welfare Assistance payment by mail or by direct deposit into a bank account after submitting their application.  Parents or legal guardians may request direct deposit for their eligible minor tribal member children into an account owned by the parent or the child.  YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SUBMIT A NEW DIRECT DEPOSIT FORM WITH YOUR APPLICATION IF YOU INTEND TO RECEIVE YOUR GENERAL WELFARE ASSISTANCE PAYMENT IN SAME BANK ACCOUNT AS YOU RECEIVED YOUR 2023 GENERAL WELFARE ASSISTANCE PAYMENT.

The General Welfare Assistance payment will be mailed or direct deposited as follows:

Application and Forms Due Date                   Payment Issued

Must be received by Accounting:

October 18, 2024                                            November 21, 2024

November 22, 2024                                        December 19, 2024

December 20, 2024                                         January 16, 2025

After December 20, 2024                              Payments issued monthly on a rolling basis

and before December 31, 2025

If you want to receive your General Welfare Assistance payment by direct deposit, you must submit the attached Direct Deposit Authorization Form along with a voided check to CRIT Accounting.  If you do not have a direct deposit authorization form on file from last year, or do not submit one for 2024 with your application, your payment will be mailed to the address on your application.  The mailing address you provide on the application will be used to update your address with both enrollment and accounting.   You may have already  received written notification  along with  an application and a self-addressed stamped envelope for your use to return the forms or the forms can be dropped off in person at Tribal Administration.  Additionally, the application and forms can be emailed to GWA@crit-nsn.gov.

Please note that the checks for eligible minor tribal members will be issued in the name of the child and not the parents. Parents or guardians must submit proof of their right to receive the distribution on behalf of their child by submitting an application with a copy of the birth certificate listing the parent(s), and if applicable, a court order establishing legal custody and placement before checks will be mailed or the payment directly deposited.

Checks will not be issued to the parent(s) if they do not have the care and custody of their children.  Guardians and custodians of minors who are not the child’s legal parent shall be required to provide a court order indicating their status.  Payments for children in the physical care and custody of CRIT Social Services or other state or tribal agencies shall be held in an account established by CRIT Accounting.

Tribal Members must apply for the 2024 General Welfare Assistance Payments no later than December 31, 2025 after which a 2024 payment will not be available.

Please be advised that if you are in default on a debt you owe to the Colorado River Indian Tribes or its enterprises, you may voluntarily agree to apply your General Welfare Assistance to the loan or other outstanding debt in default.  If you have any questions about outstanding debts in default please contact Tracey Quillen at (928) 669-1239.

If you have any questions regarding General Welfare Assistance or you have an agency incorrectly treating this payment as income please contact the Office of the Attorney General at (928) 669-1271.

Click the links below to download a form

Direct Deposit Authorization Form

General Welfare Application_09242024

General Welfare Application Minors_09242024

Basin Brief January 29th and 30th 2026

End of January 2026

Axios Phoenix
Governor Katie Hobbs traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with federal officials and other Basin state governors as the deadline to reach a Colorado River agreement approaches. Arizona is pushing to avoid deeper mandatory cuts that would heavily affect Central Arizona Project deliveries.

Colorado Sun
Colorado Governor Jared Polis and the state’s top water negotiator joined the D.C. meetings, signaling growing urgency among Upper Basin states. Officials acknowledged drought forecasts are “exceedingly grim,” with reservoirs unlikely to recover soon.

Las Vegas Weekly
Nevada and six other Basin states are running out of time to agree on a plan for managing the shrinking Colorado River. If no consensus is reached, the federal government is expected to impose its own operating rules.

Rep. David Schweikert Press Release
Congressman Schweikert introduced the “Equal Access to the Colorado River Act,” claiming it would protect Arizona during future shortages. The proposal focuses on reallocating access during drought conditions.

Prescott eNews
Panels of experts and negotiators warned that despite ongoing talks, major disagreements remain unresolved. Some officials are openly preparing for legal and political fights if negotiations fail.

Post Independent
Colorado officials are signaling readiness to fight for their water allocations if no deal is reached, reflecting hardened positions among states.

Arizona Republic / State Affairs
New legislation would make it easier to move water from rural Arizona to growing cities, including changes affecting irrigation and groundwater use.

NBC Palm Springs / LA Times
California officials are debating how to manage water deliveries as federal Colorado River rules near expiration. Environmental groups warn that ecosystem collapse is possible if large diversions continue.

Nevada Independent
Nevada’s warmer winter may reduce snowpack and hydropower generation, potentially increasing water and energy costs for residents.

KJZZ
Arizona lawmakers advanced legislation to increase the state’s Colorado River litigation fund, signaling preparation for court battles if negotiations collapse. Colorado is doing the same, underscoring how close the basin is to legal confrontation rather than collaboration.

KJZZ
Central Arizona Project leaders warned that deep federal water cuts would severely impact Arizona communities, agriculture, and economies that rely on CAP deliveries.

Arizona Water News (ADWR)
Arizona’s water director told state lawmakers that the Colorado River is entering a “new paradigm” where historic rules no longer match hydrology or climate reality. Long-term shortages are now assumed, not hypothetical.

California Department of Water Resources 
California announced increased State Water Project allocations following December storms, improving flexibility for cities and farms. Officials emphasized that this does not end long-term supply risks. (more…)

Basin Brief January 28, 2026

KAWC Yuma Public Radio
As the federal deadline approaches, Colorado River stewards and water managers are openly debating which options remain viable to stabilize the river. Discussions now center on short-term operational changes, deeper conservation, and the possibility of federal intervention if states cannot agree.

Parker Pioneer
Local officials and residents raised concerns over proposed legislation that would allow groundwater transfers out of the McMullen Valley Basin, fearing it could accelerate depletion in western Arizona.

SignalsAZ
Queen Creek announced steps to secure its long-term water future through a mix of groundwater, imported water, and infrastructure investment.

NBC 9 News Denver / ABC4 Utah
Lawmakers and governors across the Basin are aligning legislative agendas around water security as negotiations intensify. Leaders acknowledge that compromise will be unavoidable.

Eurasia Review
An international analysis examines how climate change, overuse, and governance failures have pushed the Colorado River toward crisis, calling for coordinated action across jurisdictions.

Arizona House Committee on Natural Resources (Video)
Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Tom Buschatzke testified before lawmakers, outlining the seriousness of the Colorado River situation and the potential consequences if Basin states fail to reach agreement. He emphasized that Arizona remains highly vulnerable to deeper cuts under federal plans.

Colorado Sun
State water officials warn that drought forecasts and reservoir levels in Colorado are worse than previously expected, increasing urgency for action.

(more…)

Basin Brief January 26, 2026

January 26, 2026

ABC15 Arizona
The Central Arizona Project’s general manager warned that deeper Colorado River cuts would have severe impacts across Arizona, affecting municipal supplies, agriculture, and long-term planning. Officials stressed that Arizona is particularly vulnerable because CAP deliveries are among the first reduced during shortages.

Lake Havasu News Herald
Arizona lawmakers are weighing funding for drone-based cloud seeding programs aimed at increasing snowfall in key watersheds. Supporters see it as a potential tool to enhance runoff into the Colorado River system.

Arizona Republic
Mesa is finishing a $210 million water reuse pipeline that will reduce reliance on Colorado River water by recycling treated wastewater for non-drinking uses.

KJZZ
New aircraft equipped with laser technology will measure snow depth and water content across Arizona’s mountains, improving runoff forecasts.

Wyoming is exploring a voluntary program to conserve Colorado River water, potentially paying users to leave water in the river.

ABC15 Arizona
Seven Western governors, including Arizona’s governor, are traveling to Washington, D.C., as negotiations intensify and deadlines approach. States are scrambling to present unified positions ahead of federal meetings.

KUNR
Extraordinary winter warmth continues to suppress snowpack across much of the West. Officials warn that poor snow accumulation could require additional reservoir releases, including from Flaming Gorge, to meet downstream needs.

Colorado Sun
As data centers expand into Colorado, concerns are growing about their large water footprints in already-stressed regions.

(more…)

Basin Brief January 23, 2026

Federal officials again summoned governors from all seven Colorado River Basin states to Washington, D.C., signaling growing concern that negotiations remain stuck. Reports indicate the federal government is preparing to step in more forcefully if states cannot agree on near-term shortage management and a longer-term framework.

Governor Katie Hobbs is escalating efforts to restrict groundwater pumping tied to Saudi-backed alfalfa farming in La Paz County. The reporting highlights how years of unregulated groundwater use have drawn down aquifers connected to Colorado River–dependent regions.

New analysis outlines what may come next if Basin states fail to reach agreement, including deeper federal control, stricter shortage tiers, and more aggressive conservation.

 

Sources – January 23, 2026

 

 

Arizona Governor’s Executive Budget Proposal Includes Funding for Key ADWR Initiatives

Arizona Budget Proposal Includes Major Funding for Colorado River Protection

On January 16, 2026, the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) shared details of Governor Katie Hobbs’ FY 2027 Executive Budget Proposal focused on preparing for long-term challenges facing the Colorado River. The plan includes new and expanded funding aimed at strengthening water security across Arizona in the face of ongoing Colorado River shortages.

Key points from the budget related to water:

  • $30 million one-time deposit into a newly created Colorado River Protection Fund to support conservation efforts and short-term drought response.
  • Permanent funding mechanism for that Protection Fund to be supported by a water usage fee on data centers.
  • Continued investment in water conservation, shortage mitigation, supply augmentation, and water infrastructure upgrades.
  • A recognition that current Colorado River operating rules expire at the end of 2026, with negotiations underway to create a sustainable long-term framework.

Source:
Arizona Water News https://azwaternews.com/2026/01/16/fy2027_execbudgetproposal/

(more…)

Basin Brief January 13, 2026

Arizona announced new groundwater management rules for parts of La Paz County, expanding oversight in an area long known for unregulated pumping. The move follows increased scrutiny of agricultural water use and reflects a broader push to protect groundwater supplies as Colorado River shortages continue. La Paz County lies within CRIT’s region. Stronger groundwater rules help prevent over-pumping that can undermine surface water systems and threaten tribal water security.

A water policy expert argues that Basin states are unlikely to compromise without clear federal consequences. With post-2026 rules approaching, the federal government’s willingness to step in is seen as a key driver for progress. Federal involvement increases the importance of ensuring tribal water rights and sovereignty are explicitly recognized in any imposed or negotiated plan.

Multiple outlets report on the release of the draft post-2026 Colorado River management alternatives by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The plan outlines several options for operating Lake Powell and Lake Mead, including deeper cuts and greater federal control if states fail to agree. Officials stress that public and stakeholder input is still open but time is limited. These alternatives could directly affect downstream water deliveries. CRIT’s senior water rights, sovereignty, and river stewardship must be included before any plan is finalized.

Arizona municipal water providers stress that collaboration during the legislative session will be essential to address shortages, infrastructure needs, and conservation goals tied to the Colorado River.

Legislation was introduced in Congress to formally codify a tribal water rights settlement, providing legal certainty and recognition of the tribe’s rights. Each tribal settlement strengthens the broader recognition of tribal water rights across the Colorado River Basin and reinforces sovereignty.

Reports highlight emerging technologies, including satellite tools and agricultural innovations, aimed at reducing water use and improving efficiency across the West. Technology can support conservation efforts, but it does not replace enforceable water rights or the need to protect river flows.

(more…)

News

Congratulations CRIT & Parker Graduates

Last week was filled with proud moments, happy tears, and celebrations as students across the community marked important milestones in their educational journeys.

The celebrations began Thursday, May 21, with the Parker Alternative Graduation ceremony that morning. Later that evening, families gathered again as students from Wallace Jr. High and Le Pera Elementary School took part in their promotion ceremonies, marking their next step forward.

The excitement continued Friday, May 22, with Parker High School’s Graduation celebration. Before the ceremony, graduates took part in a parade through town, where family, friends, and community members lined the route to cheer them on as they passed by. It was a special moment of recognition, not only for the graduates, but for everyone who supported them along the way.

The week ended Saturday, May 23, with the Head Start Promotion, a celebration filled with excitement, smiles, and a few tears from both parents and students. Although Head Start was the final event of the week, for many students, it represents where their educational journey first began.

Each ceremony served as a reminder of growth, hard work, and the importance of community support. From the youngest students taking their first big step forward to high school graduates preparing for new opportunities, each milestone is worth celebrating.

Congratulations to all the students who walked across the stage, down the aisle, or through the crowd of cheering loved ones. May you continue to shine, reach your goals, and move forward with confidence.

As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

Written by CRIT Media Reporter Ariana Romero

Update on Post 2026 Process: Reclamation Accepts Tribal Council Position: No Pro-Rata Cuts on CRIT Water

The Bureau of Reclamation told all 30 Tribal Nations in the Colorado River Basin on May 8th  that they will no longer seek to allocate across-the-board shortages to all water users as previously proposed but instead will follow current law and respect senior tribal rights.  This is a major victory for CRIT, Tribal rights advocates, and holders of senior water rights.  As stated by CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores “We are pleased that Reclamation has finally decided to drop its illegal proposal to disregard CRIT’s senior water rights and allocate shortages without regard to priority.”  Chair Flores continued, “Tribal Council has never backed down on the issue of protecting our Tribal rights.  Throughout this process, Reclamation, and many others, have proposed for setting aside the priority system and for all water users to share equally in shortages.  We know this is wrong and we were prepared to defend our senior water rights all the way to the Supreme Court.  Fortunately, Reclamation has understood the seriousness of our position and dropped its proposal.”

Tribal Council has opposed these so called “pro-rata” shortages since they were first proposed by Reclamation over two years ago to manage reductions in Colorado River water due to overuse and climate change.  Over this time, Tribal Council has been in support to stop the implementation of pro-rata shortages through an intensive and coordinated advocacy effort with the Trump Administration.  This included many trips to Washington, DC, meetings with state-wide elected officials, and direct government-to-government consultation with senior Trump Administration officials.

While these efforts paid off in the statements made by Reclamation last week, the process regarding how the dams on the Colorado River will be operated is still ongoing. The CRIT Tribal Council understands that while the Reclamation’s reversal is a critical milestone, the fight to protect and preserve CRIT’s rights remain.  As stated by Councilman Tommy Drennan “we will never rest in protecting and preserving our rights, not just for today but for future generations. “

CRIT’s water rights date back to the creation of the reservation, March 3, 1865 and are the most senior tribal water rights in the Lower Colorado River basin.   We expect Reclamation to issue a final environmental document sometime in June.

CRIT History: Charles Debrille Poston

During the mid-1800s, as the American Southwest was rapidly changing, Charles Debrille Poston emerged as one of the key figures helping shape the future of Arizona. A strong promoter of the region and its opportunities, Poston would later earn the nickname “Father of Arizona” for his efforts to establish Arizona as its own territory.

Poston was born on April 20, 1825, in Kentucky. Like many Americans of his time, he moved west in search of opportunity as new lands opened following the Gadsden Purchase of 1853. He soon became involved in mining ventures and settlement efforts in southern Arizona, particularly around the community of Tubac. His work promoting the region helped bring national attention to Arizona’s potential during a time when the area was still largely considered a frontier.

When the Arizona Territory was officially created in 1863, Poston was appointed Superintendent of Indian Affairs for the territory, a position that required him to travel throughout Arizona and meet with tribal leaders across the region. His duties frequently brought him to the lower Colorado River, an important transportation corridor that connected Arizona with California and Nevada.

During these travels, Poston visited areas along the river near present-day Parker, where Native communities had lived for generations. The Colorado River served as a lifeline for tribes of the region, supporting agriculture, trade, and daily life long before American settlers arrived. By the early 1860s, however, the arrival of miners, settlers, and military expeditions was beginning to reshape the Southwest and create new challenges for Native communities.

Among the tribal leaders working to navigate these changes was Mohave leader Chief Irataba, known for his diplomacy and efforts to work with federal officials while protecting his people and their homeland. Territorial leaders like Poston met with tribal representatives as the United States government considered how to organize the region and respond to increasing pressure on tribal lands. (more…)

Statement by Tribal Council on the Recent Press Reports of a Lower Basin Proposal for Management of the Colorado River

In early May , there were press reports regarding the Lower Basin states of Arizona, California, and Nevada releasing a proposal on how to manage shortages on the Colorado River system through the end of 2028.  The proposal identifies how current and future shortages on the Colorado River system will be apportioned among the three states.  It establishes goals for the conservation of water and proposes studies to reoperate the reservoirs on the Colorado River to allow for water deliveries at lower elevations.

The Lower Basin Proposal also established a Tribal Pool in Lake Mead setting aside water to specifically address future shortages for those Tribes that receive their water through the Central Arizona Project (CAP) and may be shorted as CAP allocations are diminished.  We want to be clear with you that this Tribal Pool does not pertain to CRIT because our water comes directly from the Colorado River and NOT delivered through the CAP.  Our water rights are the senior Tribal rights in the Colorado River Basin and senior to the CAP.

Tribal Council has taken no formal position on this proposal, and we were not involved in its drafting or negotiation.  We do appreciate, however, that this proposal does not seek to set aside the priority system in allocating shortages, which some in the Lower Basin states have pushed for in the past.  Retaining the priority system for allocation of shortages has been the biggest concern of Tribal Council throughout the Post 2026 Process and we want to acknowledge the Basin States holding firm on this position.  We are concerned, however, about the significant federal investment it will take to implement this proposal and want to be assured that portions of these federal funds will be expended on all Tribal Nations in the Basin.

Tribal Council has been in contact with leadership from Arizona and will continue to monitor how this, and other proposals for the management of the Colorado River, will be viewed by Reclamation.  Tribal Council is also in continuing contact with Reclamation and will hold a government-to-government consultation with Senior Reclamation leaders on June 1st.  We will continue to update membership as these matters develop.

Events

University of Arizona to Honor Colorado River Indian Tribes with Native Language Sign Unveiling Ceremonies and Heritage Football Game

TUCSON, Ariz. — The University of Arizona will host a special series of sign unveiling ceremonies on Friday, September 4, 2026, honoring the four languages of the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT): Mohave, Chemehuevi, Hopi, & Navajo. These ceremonies represent an important milestone in an ongoing campus-wide initiative to elevate the visibility, recognition, and continued presence of Indigenous languages and cultural heritage within the campus community.

The events are organized by the University of Arizona’s Office of Native American Advancement & Tribal Engagement (NAATE) in collaboration with individual academic colleges. Students, faculty, staff, tribal community members, and the general public are invited to attend the progression of ceremonies throughout the day.

The schedule for the Friday ceremonies includes:

  • 9:00 AM – Emil W. Haury Anthropology Building (1009 E South Campus Dr): Honoring the CRIT Chemehuevi language. The ceremony features a welcome and land acknowledgment from Levi Esquerra (Special Advisor, NAATE), a prayer by Eloy DeLeon, remarks from Clarissa Robles Parra on behalf of the Office of the Provost, and an address by CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores. Cultural sharing will feature the Salt Song(s) and Red Foot, followed by refreshments.
  • 10:30 AM – Environment and Natural Resources 2 (ENR2) Building (1064 E Lowell St): Honoring the CRIT Navajo language. Hosted by Liz Petterson, Associate Director, Arizona Institute for Resilience, alongside CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores, and a Navajo language representative featuring a traditional blessing and cultural demonstration.
  • 1:00 PM – Forbes Building (1140 E South Campus Dr): Honoring the CRIT Hopi language with remarks from Dr. Edward Martin (Associate Dean, CALES Cooperative Extension), Professor Sheilah Nicholas, and Dean George W. Smith.
  • 2:30 PM – College of Education Building (1430 E 2nd St): Honoring the CRIT Mohave language. The concluding sign unveiling of the day will include introductions by students, remarks from CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores, and a final cultural demonstration.

The celebration of Indigenous culture continues into the weekend with the Native American Heritage Game on Saturday, September 5, 2026. The Arizona Wildcats will face Northern Arizona at Casino Del Sol Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 6:30 PM MST. Pre-game festivities at Bear Down Field will begin at 3:15 PM with the Bear Down Bash, featuring 18-minute cultural performances from each tribe. A traditional gift presentation will follow during the Wildcat Walk at 4:15 PM, leading up to an on-field tribal recognition ceremony during the second quarter of the football game.

For more operational schedules or to register for the unveiling events, please visit the official University of Arizona Event Page.

Keep The River Running August 25

Mohave sign unveiling

Hopi sign unveiling

Navajo sign unveiling

Chemehuevi sign unveiling