September 10, 2026 2:40 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
September 10, 2026 2:40 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
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.
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
Terrilynn “Kitty” Little started her career with the Colorado River Indian Tribes on May 22, 1985 as a Dispatcher Matron with the Law & Order Department. In 1986, she transferred to CRIT Auto and became the Parts Manager.
In 1989, Ms. Little transferred to the CRIT Fire Department and became the Assistant Fire Chief. Her commitment and expertise led her to be appointed in 2000 as the CRIT Fire Chief. Chief Little still holds this position today. (more…)
On Wednesday, May 22, 2025, Parker Alternative School held its graduation ceremony for the class of 2025. The commencement took place at the Parker Learning Center, located at the Arizona Western College.
The ceremony began with a welcome from Center Director Lesley Brown who greeted family and friends gathered to celebrate the 22 students receiving their diplomas. Joining Ms. Brown were the Instructional Support staff members Elijah Fisher and Heaven Humphrey.
Speakers at the event included Danika Esquerra, who delivered the senior speech. Mr. Fisher, presented the Academic Excellence Award, which is based on high motivation, integrity, intellectual depth, leadership qualities and exceptional judgment. The recipients of this award were Ralph Miller Jr., Christopher Welch and Danai Ameelyenah. The award for Academic Achievement was presented by Ms. Humphrey. This award recognized students for their outstanding educational growth, improvement, commitment, and intellectuel development. The recipients of this award were Leora Jimenez and Keaton Dunlap. Ms. Brown then presented this year’s Citizenship Award, given to one student who exhibits exceptional behavior, is ready to help others, and treats everyone with respect. This year’s recipient was Sofia Rodriguez.
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On May 22, 2025, Wallace Junior High School proudly hosted its Promotion Ceremony for the Class of 2025 at the Parker High School Gym. Family, friends, and faculty came together to honor a remarkable group of students stepping into the next chapter of their academic journey.
Jasmandeep Singh set the tone as the enthusiastic Master of Ceremonies, guiding everyone through an evening packed with pride, reflection, and celebration.
The program included meaningful moments: the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of reflection, and warm welcomes in different languages. Valentina and Victoria Escobedo Murguia gave the Spanish welcomes, Amiah Henry represented Mohave, Grace Tahbo spoke in Hopi, and Jasmandeep Singh shared a welcome in Punjabi.
The Promotion Ceremony for the Class of 2025 was filled with laughter, heartfelt speeches, and proud moments for students, families, and staff.
The ceremony kicked off with a grand processional, led by the graduating Class of 2025 themselves. Taye Welsh and Ivan Villegas served as bilingual Masters of Ceremonies, effortlessly guiding the event in both English and Spanish, setting a warm and inclusive tone for the night.
The Pledge of Allegiance was followed by multilingual greetings—Christopher Hurtado delivered a thoughtful message in English, Ilse Sanchez shared warm words in Spanish, and Malarie Leivas honored the local heritage by speaking in Mohave.
Alumni Award recipient Sophia Soto was recognized for her continued achievements beyond the classroom. A touching moment came when the Valedictorian & Salutatorian Awards were presented by principal Brian Wedemeyer, honoring students Russell Smith and Artemio Castillo Jr. for their academic excellence. 
