September 23, 2026 11:24 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
September 23, 2026 11:24 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
Notice to Contractors: The Colorado River Indian Tribes has issued Addendum 1 for the CPUC Broadband Deployment Phase I Request for Proposals for the construction of outside plant fiber optic infrastructure. This addendum includes answers to questions discussed during the March 17 pre-bid meeting, along with revisions to the construction specifications. Proposers are required to acknowledge receipt of Addendum 1 in the cover letter of their proposal.
Click the link for details
The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) is requesting proposals from qualified contractors for the renovation of a building located at 1405 S. Joshua Ave. in Parker, Arizona, which will serve as the future CRIT Broadband Operations Facility. The project will convert the existing structure into a secure, fully functional center to support CRIT’s expanding broadband network.
A pre-proposal site visit will take place on March 18, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the project location. Proposals are due by April 7, 2026 at 2:00 PM (Arizona Time).
Follow the link below for details.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL-Broadband building (002)
The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the CPUC Broadband Deployment Phase I Project, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at expanding reliable, high-capacity internet service for Tribal communities and surrounding areas. Through this public bid process, CRIT is seeking qualified contractors to furnish, install, splice, and test outside plant fiber-optic infrastructure that will form the foundation of an expanded broadband network. The project will support improved connectivity along key regional corridors near the Reservation, including areas within San Bernardino and Riverside Counties and surrounding communities such as Blythe, Earp, and Parker Dam. This investment represents an important step toward strengthening digital access, supporting economic development, enhancing education and telehealth opportunities, and ensuring long-term technological resilience for CRIT members and neighboring communities. Proposals will be evaluated based on cost, qualifications, construction schedule, and Indian Preference in accordance with Tribal procurement policy.
Follow the links below for bidding information and specs.
Appendix B_CRIT CPUC_Phase 1_Contractor Bid Sheet_02.23.2026
Appendix C_CRIT CPUC_Phase I_Project Specifications_Sealed_02.23.2026
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 August 8th three and four year old CRIT Head Start students took their first steps into a brand-new school year. From excited smiles to a few brave tears, these little learners were ready to take on their first day.
Students were welcomed through a colorful tunnel, stopped to wash their hands and then headed to class for breakfast, crafts and learning.
We loved seeing so many helping hands, passing out napkins, spoons, and milk to friends. Here’s to a year of learning, laughter and new adventures. Good Luck Kiddos.
Tribal Elders gathered for an unforgettable day of games, delicious food, and incredible entertainment. Elders enjoyed a hearty lunch, a beautiful fruit display, and variety of desserts in a festive Hawaiian atmosphere.
Guests at the recent Elders Luncheon had the chance to win raffle prizes and participate in games such as Simon Says, Hula Hoop, and Ball Toss. The highlight of the event was the Makai Show, which brought the spirit of the islands to life.
Elder women joined in learning to Hula dance, and the men at the event performed the Haka, a New Zealand ceremonial dance of warriors, proudly showcasing their moves!
To cap off the day, Elders lined up to take photos with the Makai dancers, capturing the perfect “Aloha” moment to remember this special celebration.
Frank Martinez Jr. was recently recognized for his dedicated years of service to Colorado River Indian Tribes.
Frank began his career with CRIT on July 7, 1980 as a Mechanic I in the Auto Shop Dept. Over the past 45+ years, he has earned numerous certifications, each one reflecting his dedication to keeping CRIT’s vehicles safe and reliable for our employees and community.
Frank has devoted his entire career — four and a half decades — to the Tribal Auto Shop, and his commitment has never wavered.
The Tribal Council and Human Resources Department extends its deepest gratitude to Mr. Martinez for his remarkable service, loyalty, and expertise.
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
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.
