September 10, 2026 4:24 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
September 10, 2026 4:24 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
CDO HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAM
2026-2027 HE Application
CDO ADULT VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM
2026-2027 AVT Application
CDO Youth Services (YS) PROGRAM
CDO YOUTH SERVICES APPLICATION
Computer Assistance Program
COMPUTER PROGRAM APPLICATION
The Colorado River Indian Tribes is seeking applicants to fill a number of Tribal Board, Committee, and Commission vacancies. Applications are open until filled. Applications may be picked up at the Tribal Executive Offices or you can download the PDF’s here.
May 1st CommitteeBoard Member Application
Completed applications may be emailed to b.c@crit-nsn.go or dropped off at the Executive Offices.
Applicants must be CRIT Tribal Members, at least 21 years old, reside on or within the exterior boundaries of the reservation, and meet all board eligibility requirements.
Additional paperwork may be required depending on the board or committee.
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
On May 3, 2025, Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) youth including Junior Miss CRIT along with Little Miss CRIT attended a solemn and impactful event at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix to honor Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). The gathering brought together tribal leaders, activists, and community members to raise awareness about the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous women and girls.
The event featured speeches from tribal representatives, survivors, and advocates, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change, improved law enforcement response, and greater public awareness. CRIT’s royalty participated in prayers, a memorial walk, and a ceremonial display of red dresses—symbolizing the countless missing Indigenous women whose cases remain unresolved.
The MMIW movement has gained significant momentum in recent years, with Arizona joining other states in declaring May 5 as a day of awareness. CRIT’s presence at the Capitol underscored the tribe’s commitment to advocacy and community leadership in addressing this critical issue.
As the event concluded, participants called for continued collaboration between tribal nations and state officials to implement stronger protections for Indigenous women and ensure their stories are never forgotten.
The Elks Lodge partnered with the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) and CRIT Education Department to host Elks Youth Day on May 1st. It’s a celebration of education, leadership, and cultural pride. The event brought together students, educators, and community leaders.
The festivities included interactive workshops on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), traditional tribal arts, and career development. Elks Lodge members provided scholarships and awards to outstanding students, reinforcing their commitment to youth empowerment.
Members of the Tribal Council and Chairwoman Amelia Flores thanked the students for their hard work and dedication.
The CRIT Head Start dance was alive with rhythm and excitement as young dancers from the CRIT Head Start program took to the dance floor on April 25th.
The CRIT Head Start program focuses on fostering creativity and physical activity in young learners, incorporating dance as a way to build confidence, coordination and teamwork. The School dance included a photo booth as well a pizza made by the CRIT Head Start Staff.
“It’s amazing to see how much these kids have grown,” said CRIT Head Start Director Caroline Alcaida. “Dance isn’t just about movement it’s about expression, and tonight they truly shined.”
Parents praised the event for giving their children a chance to showcase their skills in a supportive environment. Blake School, known for its community engagement, provided the perfect venue for the celebration.
CRIT Head start would like to thank everyone who helped set up and volunteered their time for the event.
The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) celebrated with their elders in style at the annual Easter Elders Luncheon, held in the Bluewater Resort & Casino’s showroom. The event brought together tribal elders, leaders, and community members.
The luncheon served as an opportunity to honor the elders’ lifelong contributions to preserving CRIT’s culture, traditions, and values. Tribal leaders took time to express their deep appreciation, reminding everyone of the elders’ vital role in guiding the community forward.
This year’s gathering also featured special activities, CRIT Royalty, a prayer blessing, and gifts.
The Easter Elders Luncheon is an annual tradition, reinforcing the bonds between generations. CRIT extends its deepest thanks to all who helped organize, volunteer, and support this special day. The Parker Church of the Nazarene church choir sang at the event.
Departments in attendance included CRIT Behavioral Health, CRIT Food Distribution, Parker Walk in Clinic, CRIT Special Diabetes Program, Indian Health Services, and CRIT Human Resources.
Council members in attendance included Chairwoman Amelia Flores, Council Members Vanessa Welch, Anisa Patch, Raeanne Patch, and Tommy Drennan.
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:
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.
