September 12, 2026 4:26 am
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
September 12, 2026 4:26 am
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
Drought and water uncertainty continue to build across the Colorado River Basin as Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and the broader Southwest face growing pressure over how water is managed, stored, protected, and shared. Recent reports show the crisis is not limited to one city, one river, or one reservoir. It is being felt through court decisions over groundwater, city water planning, farming operations, statewide drought warnings, and the ongoing lack of agreement over the future of Colorado River management.
In Arizona, the question of groundwater oversight remains a major concern. KJZZ reported that the Arizona Court of Appeals will not force the state to review whether greater water-use oversight is needed near the upper San Pedro River. The case centered on whether the Arizona Department of Water Resources should be required to review the area for possible designation as an Active Management Area, which could lead to new limits on groundwater pumping. The court acknowledged that the San Pedro River is unique as one of the last undammed, free-flowing rivers in the desert Southwest, but ruled that state law does not clearly define how often the department must conduct such reviews. Because of that, the court said the decision remains within the department’s discretion.
That ruling reflects a larger issue across Arizona: when surface water becomes less reliable, groundwater often becomes the backup. But groundwater is not unlimited. As Colorado River supplies become more uncertain, decisions about groundwater management will become even more important for cities, rural communities, agriculture, development, and river ecosystems.
Phoenix is already preparing for a future with less certainty. KTAR reported that the City of Phoenix says it is not running out of water, but it may need to use backup water supplies to meet demand over the next 10 years. The report said Phoenix recently reviewed its water supply and demand while also evaluating how potential Colorado River cuts could affect the city’s water management.
Phoenix’s planning shows how major cities are trying to prepare before conditions become more severe. For large urban areas, backup supplies, conservation, water storage, and long-term planning are becoming part of regular water management. Still, the need to plan for backup supplies shows how serious the Colorado River situation has become. The river has long supported cities, farms, tribes, and ecosystems across the West, but continued drought and unresolved negotiations are making the future less predictable.
That uncertainty is also tied to the lack of a long-term Colorado River agreement. KPNX 12News reported that drought concerns are growing as the fight over Colorado River water continues without a deal. The report included discussion of the economic impact of the water fight, showing that the issue reaches beyond conservation and into the future of business, growth, agriculture, and community stability.
In Colorado, CBS News Colorado reported that drought is forcing farmers to adapt as water becomes more scarce. Farmers are moving away from traditional flood irrigation and toward sprinkler systems that use water more precisely. Some producers may also need to plant fewer acres, switch crops, or find new ways to stretch limited water supplies. Agriculture remains one of the most important water uses in the Colorado River Basin, and changes in farming practices in headwater states can affect the entire system downstream.
Utah is also facing worsening drought conditions. KUER reported that Gov. Spencer Cox said an emergency drought declaration is “coming fairly soon.” The report said Utah’s water outlook does not look good, and Cox stated that the drought is forcing difficult water issues to come to a head. Utah is part of the Upper Basin, where snowpack and runoff play an important role in feeding the Colorado River system. When drought deepens in Upper Basin states, the impacts do not stay there. They move downstream through reduced flows, stressed reservoirs, and more difficult negotiations between states.
The Sierra Club placed these concerns into a larger Colorado River warning, reporting that water levels in the river are approaching dangerous lows that could affect millions of people. The article focused on whether the Colorado River can survive 2026 as drought, low flows, and continued demand place the system under extreme stress.
Together, these reports show a river system under pressure from many directions at once. Arizona is facing legal and policy questions over groundwater. Phoenix is preparing to rely on backup supplies. Colorado farmers are changing how they use water. Utah is preparing for emergency drought action. Basin states still do not have a long-term agreement for how to share the river in the future. At the same time, the Colorado River itself continues to show the physical signs of stress through low flows, drought, and declining reliability.
What does this mean for CRIT?
For the Colorado River Indian Tribes, these developments reinforce why CRIT’s senior Colorado River rights and stewardship responsibilities remain so important. As states, cities, farmers, and federal agencies prepare for a future with less water, CRIT must continue to have a strong seat at the table in decisions that affect the river. The Tribe’s Water Code, the Personhood Resolution for the Colorado River, and the Water Resiliency Act all support CRIT’s efforts to protect the river, strengthen sovereignty, and assert its role as one of the river’s oldest stewards. As drought conditions grow more serious and negotiations continue, CRIT’s voice is essential.
Sources
KTAR News
https://play.cdnstream1.com/s/bonneville/ktar-news-water-watch/city-of-phoenix-to-tap-b-cbc7d3
NBC 12News Phoenix
https://www.12news.com/video/news/local/water-wars/drought-concerns-growing-without-deal-about-colorado-river-water/75-78394a7b-d39b-45b8-9b6f-ac82cb5861be
CBS News Colorado
https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/farmers-colorado-drought-adapt-water-scarce/
KUER Utah Public Radio
https://www.kuer.org/politics-government/2026-04-30/a-utah-emergency-drought-declaration-is-coming-fairly-soon-says-gov-cox
Sierra Club
https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/can-colorado-river-survive-2026?
According to KJZZ, federal water managers are considering a short-term fix to protect Lake Powell while Colorado River negotiations continue. The Bureau of Reclamation is looking at releases from Flaming Gorge Reservoir in Utah and Wyoming to help keep Lake Powell from dropping too low. If Lake Powell falls much further, Glen Canyon Dam could struggle to generate hydropower and eventually face problems moving water downstream. This matters to CRIT because Lake Powell and Lake Mead operations are tied directly to Lower Basin water planning, future shortage decisions and the ongoing post-2026 Colorado River negotiations.
According to the Colorado Sun, Lake Powell’s outlook has grown more serious after one of the driest snow years on record. The Bureau of Reclamation reported Lake Powell’s lower probable inflow is forecast at 2.78 million acre-feet, about 29% of the historical average and one of the lowest on record. Federal officials are weighing reduced releases from Lake Powell to Lake Mead, along with releases from Flaming Gorge, to protect Glen Canyon Dam. This matters to CRIT because emergency reservoir decisions upstream can affect Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, Lower Basin water supplies and the larger negotiations over how the river will be managed after 2026.
Source: https://coloradosun.com/2026/04/20/feds-water-releases-lake-powell-colorado-river-drought/
According to Courthouse News Service, Arizona’s record-breaking March heat has worsened the state’s drought outlook. Experts said Arizona experienced temperatures in March that were more typical of late spring or early summer, undoing some of the progress from a wetter fall. The heat, combined with dry soil and low snowpack, adds pressure to already strained water supplies. This matters to CRIT because hotter and drier conditions across Arizona directly affect Colorado River planning, drought response and the long-term value of senior Tribal water rights.
Source: https://www.courthousenews.com/record-breaking-march-heat-worsens-arizona-drought-outlook/
According to KJZZ, Arizona Republican lawmakers met with members of the Trump administration to discuss the Colorado River crisis. The meeting focused on low water levels at Lake Mead and Lake Powell, short-term conservation ideas and longer-term infrastructure needs. These political discussions show that Colorado River negotiations are moving beyond state-level talks and into direct conversations with federal officials. This matters to CRIT because any federal approach to the river must include Tribal water rights, Lower Basin impacts and the future of communities that depend on the Colorado River.
According to KSL News, Kearny, Arizona is facing severe water restrictions as the town works to avoid running out of water this summer. The town’s mayor warned residents that Kearny could run out of water around July 15, 2026, if conditions do not improve. The crisis is tied to drought, reduced supply and pressure on the Gila River system. This matters to CRIT because Kearny’s situation shows how quickly water shortages can become a public emergency for Arizona communities.
According to AZ Big Media, Arizona communities are looking at advanced water purification as traditional drinking water sources shrink. The article explains that drought has reduced Colorado River supplies and affected other Arizona basins, even as the state uses less water today than it did decades ago. Advanced water purification would allow treated wastewater to be cleaned further and reused as drinking water. This matters to CRIT because cities are searching for new water sources while the Colorado River remains under pressure from drought, growth and long-term overuse.
According to Smart Water Magazine, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California approved $150 million for continued planning of the Pure Water Southern California recycling project. The project would purify and reuse treated wastewater that currently flows to the ocean, eventually producing up to 150 million gallons of purified water per day. Metropolitan says the project could serve about 1.5 million people when fully developed. This matters to CRIT because Southern California’s push for local recycled water shows how major cities are trying to reduce reliance on imported supplies, including water connected to the Colorado River.
According to GV Wire, California’s groundwater reporting portal experienced problems as a major deadline approached for farmers in parts of Kings and Tulare counties. The issue comes as groundwater users in the Tule Subbasin face a May 1, 2026 deadline to submit their first groundwater extraction reports. The reporting requirement is part of California’s effort to manage groundwater overdraft under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. This matters to CRIT because groundwater regulation is becoming a bigger issue across the West as surface water supplies become less reliable.
According to the Los Banos Enterprise, $540 million in federal funding has been announced for California water projects, including the Delta-Mendota Canal. The Department of the Interior announced $889 million for western water infrastructure, with $540 million going to California projects that support water conveyance, storage and modernization. These projects serve farms, communities and businesses throughout the Central Valley. This matters to CRIT because federal water infrastructure spending shows how western states are investing in delivery systems as drought and aging infrastructure put more pressure on limited water supplies.
According to West Valley View (Cronkite News), a proposed federal plan to divide Colorado River water is facing strong pushback from Arizona leaders and water officials. Critics argue the plan could unfairly shift more water cuts onto Lower Basin states, including Arizona, while not requiring equal reductions from Upper Basin states.
The disagreement highlights ongoing tensions as the federal government moves forward with post-2026 operating guidelines without full state consensus.
For CRIT, these negotiations are critical because federal decisions will directly affect how Colorado River water is allocated and how shortages are shared.
According to CBS News, California’s Sierra snowpack remains near historic lows despite recent storms, raising concerns about summer water supplies. Snowpack plays a key role in replenishing rivers and reservoirs, and current levels are not enough to recover from long-term drought conditions.
Officials warn that even with some winter precipitation, water shortages are still likely as temperatures rise and demand increases.
For CRIT, reduced snowpack in California contributes to lower overall flows in the Colorado River system, impacting long-term water availability.
According to KRCR ABC 7 News, a proposal to raise Shasta Dam in California is raising concerns from Tribal communities who say it could flood sacred sites. Tribal leaders are warning that the project threatens cultural resources and highlights ongoing conflicts between water infrastructure development and Indigenous rights.
The proposal is part of broader efforts to increase water storage, but it has sparked debate about how those projects impact Tribal lands and sovereignty.
For CRIT, this underscores the importance of protecting Tribal interests and ensuring that water projects do not come at the expense of cultural resources or rights.
According to CBS 5 Arizona’s Family, growing interest in building data centers in Yuma is raising concerns about water use and extreme heat. Data centers require large amounts of energy and, in many cases, water for cooling, which has led to questions about whether the region can support that kind of growth during ongoing drought conditions. Local leaders and residents are weighing the economic benefits against long-term sustainability, especially as Colorado River supplies remain uncertain.
For CRIT, increased industrial demand near the lower Colorado River highlights the importance of protecting water resources and ensuring future development does not strain limited supplies.
Source: https://www.azfamily.com/2026/04/07/data-center-interest-yuma-raises-questions-about-water-heat/
According to DataCentre Magazine, new data center designs in Arizona are beginning to use waterless cooling technology to reduce strain on local water supplies. These systems rely on alternative cooling methods that significantly lower or eliminate water use compared to traditional facilities. The shift reflects growing awareness of water limitations in arid regions like Arizona.
For CRIT, innovations like waterless cooling could help reduce future water demand from industry, which is important as competition for Colorado River water continues to grow.
Source: https://datacentremagazine.com/news/how-edged-us-new-data-centre-uses-waterless-cooling
According to Daylight San Diego, the ongoing decline of the Colorado River is creating serious concerns for the future of the Imperial Valley, one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country. Reduced river flows threaten farming operations that rely heavily on Colorado River water, raising questions about long-term sustainability.
For CRIT, impacts to downstream agricultural areas reflect the broader strain on the Colorado River system, reinforcing the need to protect Tribal water rights and plan for reduced supplies.
Source: https://www.daylightsandiego.org/a-drying-colorado-river-threatens-imperial-valleys-future/
According to the Public Policy Institute of California, the rapid growth of data centers could significantly impact water demand across the West, though the extent varies depending on cooling technology. Some facilities rely heavily on water, while others are shifting toward more water-efficient or waterless systems. The report emphasizes that policy decisions and technology choices will play a key role in determining how much strain data centers place on already limited water resources.
For CRIT, understanding emerging water demands like data centers is important as new industries compete for water within the Colorado River Basin.
Source: https://www.ppic.org/blog/will-data-centers-threaten-californias-water-its-complicated/
According to KOLO ABC 8 News Now, Nevada’s snowpack has dropped to record lows, though recent rain has helped stabilize water outlooks in some areas like the Tahoe/Truckee region. Despite this short-term relief, long-term concerns remain due to persistent drought and warming temperatures. Water managers continue to prepare for reduced runoff and potential shortages in the months ahead.
For CRIT, ongoing snowpack deficits across the basin contribute to reduced Colorado River flows, impacting water availability for downstream users.
According to NBC 9 News Denver, the city of Aurora has approved new water restrictions in response to ongoing drought conditions and low water supplies. The measures aim to reduce outdoor water use and preserve available resources as snowpack and reservoir levels remain below average. Officials say conservation efforts are necessary to prepare for continued dry conditions. (more…)
According to the Colorado Sun, advocates working to protect the Colorado River are exploring multiple strategies, including the concept of granting the river legal “personhood.” This approach would give the river legal rights, similar to a person, allowing it to be represented in court and better protected from overuse. Supporters believe this could strengthen environmental protections, while critics question how it would work within existing water law frameworks. For CRIT, the idea of personhood is especially relevant as it connects to broader discussions about sovereignty, stewardship, and long-term protection of the Colorado River.
Source: https://coloradosun.com/2026/04/06/colorado-river-advocacy-threats-tools-personhood/
According to KJZZ, a new report suggests the United States and Mexico may need to renegotiate how they share Colorado River water as drought conditions worsen. The current agreement, rooted in the 1944 treaty, may no longer reflect the reality of reduced river flows, prompting calls for more flexible and updated water-sharing strategies. Experts argue that future agreements must account for climate change and declining water supplies to avoid further strain on the system.
Source: https://www.kjzz.org/business/2026-04-06/u-s-mexico-water-sharing-should-change-under-a-dry-colorado-river-new-report-argues
According to KTAR News, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum emphasized that all Colorado River Basin states will need to make sacrifices as negotiations continue over future water management. He noted that reaching a fair agreement will require shared responsibility, especially as water supplies continue to decline. The statement comes as federal officials move closer to making decisions if states cannot reach consensus on their own. For CRIT, federal involvement and shared sacrifice discussions are critical because they will shape how water cuts are distributed and how Tribal water rights are respected moving forward.
Source: https://ktar.com/arizona-water-news/colorado-river-water-burgum/5844418/
According to Arizona PBS Horizon, Arizona has hired a law firm to prepare for potential legal battles over Colorado River water usage. State officials are anticipating possible litigation as negotiations between basin states continue to stall and tensions rise over how water cuts should be handled. This move signals that states are preparing for court involvement if agreements cannot be reached through negotiation.
Source: https://azpbs.org/horizon/2026/04/arizona-hires-law-firm-amid-colorado-river-water-usage-battle/
According to KJZZ, Colorado River stakeholders have submitted thousands of public comments on the federal government’s proposed post-2026 water management plan. The feedback reflects widespread concern and competing priorities from states, water agencies, and Tribal Nations about how future shortages should be handled.
The volume of responses shows how high the stakes are as federal officials work to finalize new operating guidelines. Many groups are pushing for fair allocation, long-term sustainability, and stronger consideration of Tribal water rights.
For CRIT, this process is critical because these federal guidelines will directly shape how Colorado River water is managed and distributed, impacting Tribal access and long-term water security.
According to KTAR News, Arizona’s first wastewater-to-drinking-water facility has reached the halfway point in construction, marking a major step toward expanding alternative water supplies. The project is designed to recycle wastewater into potable water to help address long-term shortages.
Officials say advanced treatment technology will allow communities to reuse water safely, reducing reliance on the Colorado River. As water scarcity increases, more cities are turning to reuse systems as part of their strategy.
For CRIT, investments in water reuse highlight how states are adapting to reduced Colorado River supplies, which could influence how water is allocated and managed across the basin.
According to KJZZ, Phoenix leaders are preparing to introduce recycled wastewater into the city’s drinking water system as drought conditions worsen. Officials say the move is necessary to ensure long-term water reliability as traditional sources become less dependable.
The plan reflects a growing shift toward water recycling across the Southwest, where communities are being forced to diversify supplies. Public acceptance and infrastructure development will play key roles in its success.
For CRIT, this signals how urban areas are preparing for long-term shortages, which can influence demand and decision-making around Colorado River water use.
According to NBC Bay Area, California’s snowpack has dropped to near-historic lows following a dry winter, reducing the amount of water expected to flow into rivers and reservoirs. Snowpack is a critical source of water for the Colorado River system and the broader West.
Low snowpack means less runoff during the spring and summer, which can worsen reservoir levels and increase the likelihood of shortages. Experts warn that these conditions are becoming more common. (more…)
(LAS VEGAS) The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT), the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) and the Central Arizona Water Conservation District, which manages the Central Arizona Project, have signed an historic proclamation to work together to protect the Colorado River.
The three entities have had differing priorities and goals over the years regarding the River, but those differences do not prevent them from working together to safeguard the Colorado River which is suffering from drought and overuse.
The proclamation was signed during the Colorado River Water Users Association conference where multiple states, local and regional government entities, and the federal government have been trying to reach an accord on river water allocation and use.
CRIT, GRIC, and the CAP hope their proclamation can set an example and demonstrate the need for collaboration and conservation. The resolution states:
The Colorado River Indian Tribes, the Gila River Indian Community, and the Central Arizona Water Conservation District have been collaborative partners on various conservation projects to protect the Colorado River including the Pilot System Conservation Program, the Drought Contingency Plan and innovative water efficiency demonstration projects.
We commit to working on collaborative and creative partnerships that, consistent with our respective principles and values, utilize all the tools that are available to us through the Consolidated Decree in Arizona v. California, the Arizona Water Settlements Act, the 2007 Interim Guidelines, the Drought Contingency Plan, the System Use Agreement, the Colorado River Indian Tribes Water Resiliency Act of 2022, and the Arizona’s Groundwater Management Act, in addition to others.
Together, the Colorado River Indian Tribes, under its laws, including requiring preservation of the River as a living entity, the Gila River Indian Community and the Central Arizona Water Conservation District are committed to protecting the Colorado River and the needs of our respective tribal members while connecting much-needed resources to end users within the Central Arizona Water Conservation District service area.
CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores said, “All of us who live in Arizona, native and non-native alike, are connected by water for without water, there is no life. And it is that common thread that binds us, which has us here today, pledging to work together for the greater good of all who live in Arizona.” CRIT recently took the pioneering step to acknowledge personhood status for the Colorado River under Tribal Law. According to Chairwoman Flores, “CRIT will always put the Colorado River first.” (more…)
by Cronkite News
PHOENIX – Natasha Bowman is a Navajo doula and student midwife. Her work centers around revitalizing traditional birthing through practices that have been overshadowed by Western medicine.
In traditional spaces, families are often there, supporting the mother through labor and birth. One of Bowman’s clients was the first woman in her family to have a home birth since her great-great-grandmother. The client was in the company of other women in her family and for the first time — her father.
Before the woman’s home birth, her father wasn’t allowed to be present for the births of his own children. His wife would labor at the hospital while he was at home and then return with their babies.
It was very different while his daughter was in labor. He was invited into the space and able to console her, rubbing her head and speaking to her as she moaned through contractions.
He sat in the living room during the active birth and told Bowman — through tears — that he wished he would have been there for the births of his children. He had no idea what his wife was going through until he saw his daughter go through it.
“Within the community, bringing in the aunts, the grandmas, the sisters, the cousins, bringing them all within that space, working as a community together. It’s beautiful to see everyone come together at a birth with the women around,” Bowman said.
Bowman explained that traditional births can often involve ceremonies, songs, holistic herbs, tinctures and the use of Native language alongside including family members.
Indigenous medicinal practices, alongside cultural and religious ceremonies, were considerably restricted under the 1883 Code of Indian Offenses, allowing authorities to withhold food, impose extra labor or jail people for up to 10 days for seeking or providing medicine or traditional healing.
Until the Congress passed the American Indian Religious Freedom Act in 1978, Native communities were largely forced to seek care within Western health systems.
“We see that we had our traditional birthing practices long ago. It was taken from us when hospitals came into our communities, and then our traditional birth ways were taken from us. They started telling us it was unsafe,” Bowman said.
Last year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services approved a Section 1115 waiver, allowing Medicaid to cover traditional healing. On Oct. 1, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, AHCCCS, Arizona’s Medicaid agency, began reimbursing them, making Arizona one of the first states to do so. The initiative “aims to offer culturally appropriate options for eligible members.”
For tribal communities, this progress has been decades in the making.
“I’m really happy that, after over a decade, or to this point, that the advocates in our state didn’t give up and that we just kept moving it forward because we really understood the value of it,” said Kim Russell, the policy advisor at Sage Memorial Hospital on the Navajo Nation.
Hanley Manygoats is a traditional medicine practitioner (Hatalii) on the Navajo Nation. He grew up around traditional healing before becoming a practitioner himself. Lately, Manygoats went from seeing one person a month to three or four a week.
“It’s all part about healing, spiritual healing. It’s all about this being the one with nature, mother earth, father sky,” Manygoats said. “So we have all these stories that go with our traditional healing, our songs, our prayers. So it all starts with the origin stories.”
For many, he said, it’s the first time in decades they’ve been able to experience these healing ceremonies.
“When I do prayers for the elders, they get emotional because they haven’t heard prayers like this in a long time. The last time they had a prayer done was when their grandparents or their fathers and mothers were around. Now they’re gone,” he said.
Though AHCCCS coverage has allowed more people to seek traditional health care, Manygoats said the coverage is limited. (more…)
The Ahakhav Tribal Preserve is a treasured outdoor space for the Colorado River Indian Tribes community. Located along the beautiful Colorado River in Parker, the Preserve offers a peaceful and educational environment where families can explore nature, relax, and learn about the land we call home.
Newly hired Project Administrator, Marisol Chavira, has been dedicated to the Preserve for more than 20 years. Born and raised in Parker, she’s passionate about caring for the land and helping future generations enjoy it. After serving as the Administrative Assistant for many years, she began acting as the Project Administrator in 2021 and officially stepped into the role in November 2025.
Marisol shared that her favorite part about working at the Preserve is the quiet and comfort it brings. “It’s green, beautiful, and peaceful,” she said. “There’s so much for people to enjoy here.” From walking trails and bird watching to designated playground areas for families, the Preserve is an inviting space for all ages.
A typical day for the Preserve team includes maintaining the park, trimming trees, caring for the natural habitat, and working on grants to continue improving the area. One of Marisol’s favorite spots is Willow Beach, a scenic area where families can enjoy the water, shade, and open spaces.
Fall is her favorite season at the Preserve because the changing leaves bring the area to life with color. She even recalled one memorable morning early in her career when a doe fell into a ditch. Without hesitation, she rushed in to help and ended up drenched but proud of what she did. It’s moments like these that show how much she cares for the wildlife and environment.
The Preserve is also home to important cultural resources. Marisol was surprised to learn just how many of the trees and plants hold cultural value and are monitored and preserved with great respect. Restoration continues to be a major focus. A recent grant supports the revegetation of native trees, including cottonwood, willows, and mesquite, helping to restore the natural habitat and strengthen the ecosystem for future generations. (more…)
The Colorado River Indian Tribes Employment Development and Training Department (ED&T) continues to be a vital resource for tribal members seeking support, skills, and employment. Through partnerships with the Department of Labor, Arizona Tribal Workforce, and the Department of Economic Security, ED&T provides job readiness services, education support, and hands-on work experience to those enrolled in a federally recognized tribe. Their mission focuses on promoting general welfare, encouraging educational progress, protecting tribal interests, and helping community members build stable, independent futures.
The department offers a wide range of services designed to meet people where they are. Community members can receive help studying for a driver’s permit or license, creating resumes and cover letters, preparing job applications, and building job readiness skills. ED&T also assists with obtaining needed documents such as a GED or ID. For those looking to gain work experience, the Adult Work Experience program offers a 90-day on-the-job training period with the goal of permanent employment once training is complete. High school and college students can participate in the Summer Youth Experience Program, which provides hands-on workplace exposure during summer break. When needed, ED&T also provides supportive services such as work clothing, tuition assistance, certifications, testing fees, and education supplies if those items cannot be obtained through another program.
Click the links below to upload needed forms
UPDATED SUPPORTIVE SERVICE FORM 2025
The department is guided by a committed team dedicated to helping the community move forward. Acting Director and Case Worker Kaye Antone works closely with participants to understand their goals, explore their interests, and determine what support they may need. Office Administrator Madolyn Brenner reviews applications, assists staff, and helps maintain a welcoming and organized department. Office Assistant Deaun Johnson and ED&T participant supports daily operations, helps participants with questions, and ensures they receive assistance quickly and respectfully. Together, the team works one-on-one with community members and emphasizes the importance of offering help confidentially and with care, recognizing that every situation is different. (more…)
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.
