August 14, 2026 4:35 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
August 14, 2026 4:35 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
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
The CRIT SDP-Recreation Program brought together families, athletes, and community members for a day of friendly competition and patriotic celebration—on July first.
The day began with a high-energy Youth 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament inside Irataba Hall. Athletes from ages 10–17 laced up and hit the hardwood, competing for medals, bragging rights, and the roar of the crowd.
CRIT’s July 4th celebration and BBQ took place at Manataba Park. The day was organized by Jaymee Li Moore with help from CRIT Maintenance.
Speakers included CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores along with Tribal Councilmembers Anisa Patch, and Tommy Drennan. They provided information about proposed Personhood Status for the Colorado River and they received input and opinions from tribal members.
Pastor Jackson Short served as emcee delivering an opening prayer and announcing raffles and giveaways.
Ndnjoe Parker Moore served beverages, Carrie Burns ran the popcorn stand, and Debbie Pettigrew with the EDNT & 4-H members served the delicious food cooked by the CRIT Fire Department.
Elders were assisted by CRIT Royalty and CRIT Wildland Fire.
