Andrea Travnicek, Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Water and Science, recently toured the Colorado River Indian Reservation with Chairwoman Amelia Flores, ‘Amat Kuhwely Farms Manager Joshua Moore, Deputy Attorney General Travis Nez, Lead Water Attorney John Bezdek, Water Resources Director Dillon Esquerra, and Fish & Game Wildlife Manager Alexander Kalinowski. The goal of the visit was for Travnicek to understand in real time about the Tribe’s water, agricultural capabilities, and infrastructure inefficiencies.

Travnicek was accompanied by members of her staff and representatives from the Bureau of Reclamation, an agency within her oversight portfolio. During the visit, Tribal representatives took her to several locations across the reservation to provide a firsthand look at CRIT enterprises, agricultural operations, and the deteriorating irrigation infrastructure affecting the vast farmland throughout the valley.

The tour began at Aha Quin Resort, a Tribally owned and operated recreational destination located on CRIT lands along the California side of the Colorado River.

Travnicek then visited a portion of the valley’s irrigation system, a critical stop because it is where excess water flows through the canals before draining back into the Colorado River. The deteriorating infrastructure limits CRIT’s ability to retain and reuse that water within the irrigation system. Once the water returns to the river, it becomes available to downstream junior users, some of whom have derived substantial economic benefit from water over which CRIT holds a far more senior legal claim, with an earliest priority date of March 3, 1865. The location has long been used to demonstrate the serious condition of the aging irrigation system. By visiting the site, Travnicek was able to observe the problems firsthand and hear Dillon Esquerra and Joshua Moore. explain how the failing infrastructure affects the Tribe’s ability to conserve and efficiently use its water.

The tour continued at ‘Amat Kuhwely Farms, where Travnicek met with Farm Manager Joshua Moore and local farmers John Nelson and tribal member Ciesto Leivas, Jr.. The farmers discussed the challenges of maintaining agricultural operations while relying on aging and unreliable infrastructure throughout the valley. They also discussed the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) inoperable ability to maintain its own infrastructure and how often (if not daily) these farmers need to do the work of the BIA in order to maintain their crops and yield successful results.

Travnicek listened to their concerns and expressed her willingness to elevate these issues with BIA leaders in DC. She relayed how frustrating it must be for them, and for CRIT overall to not see any updates. (more…)

The CRIT Department of Health and Social Services hosted its Health Fair on Wednesday, June 24, at Irataba Hall. The event brought together departments and programs from across the community to share helpful resources and important health information.

There was food, games, raffles, and free shaved ice provided by Uncle Phil’s Awesome Snow Shaved Ice. Guests also left with bags filled with informational flyers, recipes, and useful household items. It was great to see so many departments working together to support and connect with the community.

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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