August 14, 2026 11:29 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
August 14, 2026 11:29 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
In a powerful act of remembrance and solidarity, the Hualapai Tribe on April 5th joined the Colorado River Indian Tribes to commemorate the Trail of Tears, a dark chapter in Native American history marked by forced removals, suffering, and resilience. The event, held on the CRIT reservation near Ehrenberg, Arizona, honored the thousands of Indigenous people who endured displacement and hardship during the 19th century.
While the Trail of Tears is most commonly associated with the forced relocation of the Cherokee and other Southeastern tribes it the early 1800’s, its legacy resonates with many Native American communities, including those in the Southwest. The Hualapai, whose ancestral lands span the Grand Canyon region, have faced their own struggles with displacement and federal policies aimed at assimilation.
By participating in the commemoration, the Hualapai and CRIT Tribe’s acknowledged the intergenerational trauma caused by forced removals while celebrating the strength and perseverance of Indigenous peoples.
The collaboration between the Hualapai and CRIT tribe’s highlights the growing movement among Native nations to unite in remembrance and advocacy. CRIT, a coalition of Mohave, Chemehuevi, Hopi, and Navajo people, has also experienced the impacts of colonization and water rights disputes, making the commemoration deeply significant.
Tribal leaders emphasized the importance of preserving history and educating future generations. The commemoration also served as a call to action, addressing ongoing challenges such as land rights, water rights, and cultural preservation. By honoring the past, the Hualapai and CRIT Tribes reaffirm their commitment to protecting tribal sovereignty and fostering unity among Indigenous nations.
CRIT Tribal Council Members Tommy Drennan & Anisa Patch attended the April 5th commemoration. Hualapai Tribal Council Members who attended include Chairman Duane Clarke, Council Member Robert Bravo Jr, and Council Member Earlene Havatone.
Frank Mapatis did the opening blessing. (more…)
The Colorado River Indian Tribes Mo-Chem-Ho-Na Senior Center recently held an Easter luncheon, bringing together elders for an afternoon of delicious food, laughter, and Easter spirit.
The Center was decorated with colorful Easter themed centerpieces and spring décor as attendees were treated to a traditional Easter meal, including roast beef and carrot cake. Program Director Jimi Mae White thanked the staff and volunteers who worked to make the event a success. In addition to the meal, the celebration included Easter egg coloring and an Easter egg hunt.
Many of the elders thanked organizers for the chance to get together and celebrate ahead of the holiday.
More than 500 people attended the third annual The Colorado River Indian Tribes Water Rights Day at Manataba Park Saturday April 5th. The event included traditional performances and a water ceremony in which Colorado River water was placed into special containers representing the Mohave, Chemehuevi, Hopi and Navajo Tribes as well as a container representing CRIT. Small vials of river water were also handed out.
The day also featured a BBQ, bounce house inflatables, music, raffles, contests, and a performance from the Le Pera school band. (more…)
