September 12, 2026 6:08 am
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
September 12, 2026 6:08 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

KJZZ
https://www.kjzz.org/politics/2026-04-30/appeals-court-wont-force-arizona-to-review-water-use-near-upper-san-pedro-river

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.

Source: https://www.kjzz.org/science/2026-04-15/a-short-term-fix-for-lake-powell-could-be-coming-while-colorado-river-negotiations-drag-on

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.

Source: https://www.kjzz.org/politics/2026-04-19/colorado-river-crisis-arizona-republican-lawmakers-meet-with-trump-administration

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.

Source: https://www.ksl.com/article/51483968/arizona-town-facing-water-issues-as-city-implements-severe-restrictions

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.

Source: https://azbigmedia.com/real-estate/as-drinking-water-sources-shrink-how-is-arizona-creating-more-drinking-water/

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.

Source: https://smartwatermagazine.com/news/smart-water-magazine/metropolitan-water-district-allocates-150-million-wastewater-recycling

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.

Source: https://gvwire.com/2026/04/14/california-groundwater-portal-grinds-to-a-halt-as-deadline-for-farmers-approaches/

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.

Source: https://losbanosenterprise.com/the-valley/water/2026/540-million-in-federal-funding-announced-for-california-water-projects-including-delta-mendota-canal/

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.

Source: https://www.westvalleyview.com/news/federal-plan-to-divide-colorado-river-water-brings-pushback/article_bf246b72-6d86-46ba-85cd-e1895e867585.html

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.

Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/california-sierra-snowpack-near-historic-lows-summer-concerns/

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.

Source: https://krcrtv.com/news/local/proposal-to-raise-shasta-dam-levels-could-submerge-tribal-sacred-sites-tribe-warns

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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.

Source: https://www.kolotv.com/2026/04/06/nevada-snowpack-hits-record-lows-rain-keeps-tahoetruckee-water-outlook-near-normal/

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/

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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…)

As CRIT Media approaches this year’s first newspaper, we’re inviting the community to help us celebrate the amazing mothers in our lives this Mother’s Day.
If you’d like to honor a special mom, you can submit her photo along with a short message sharing why she means so much to you and what makes her an incredible mother. Her photo and bio will be featured in the upcoming Manataba Messenger Newspaper.

As part of this celebration, we’re also offering complimentary family portrait sessions in our Media studio for any selected participants who would like to take part or you can send us a photo with a summary explaining why you are nominating this special mom for Mothers Day!

The deadline for entering is May 1st.
Please email critmedia@crit-nsn.gov to nominate a special mother!

The prolonged drought combined with the lowest winter snowpack on record is requiring swift actions to protect this vital water system  

WASHINGTON – Long-term drought has reduced Colorado River system storage to about 36 percent of capacity, and the combination of the lowest snowpack on record and record-breaking March heat has further intensified drought conditions across the Basin. These compounding factors are creating elevated risks to essential water and power infrastructure that supply water to more than 40 million people, underscoring the need for immediate action.

Lake Powell’s water year minimum probable inflow is forecasted at just 2.78 million acre-feet—29% of historical average and one of the lowest on record. Reclamation’s April “24 Month Study” projects Lake Powell may decline to below 3,490 feet—the minimum power pool level—by August 2026 without major intervention. If Glen Canyon Dam declines below 3,490 feet, water releases would be only through the river outlet works, which could cause operational issues, uncertainty for users, downstream impacts, instability in regional power and water supplies, and a reduction in power generation.

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum met with Governors for the seven basin states, Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, and their designees again today to discuss the concerning hydrology and plans for operations.

“I am grateful for the Governors and their teams working diligently to find a solution to the complex challenges created by these unprecedented drought conditions which require immediate action,” said Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. “Interior and Reclamation continue to coordinate with the basin states, tribes, Mexico and basin stakeholders as we make the decisions necessary to operate and protect the system.”

To stabilize the system, Reclamation is moving quickly and initial plans include adding up to about 2.48 maf of water to Lake Powell by moving water from the upstream Flaming Gorge Reservoir and by reducing releases from Lake Powell.

Through the 2019 Drought Response Operating Agreements, Reclamation is intending to release 660,000 acre-feet to 1 maf from Flaming Gorge Reservoir from April 2026 through April 2027. In addition, Reclamation is intending to reduce the annual release volume from Lake Powell to Lake Mead by 1.48 maf—from 7.48 maf to 6.0 maf—through September 2026 by utilizing section 6E of the Record of Decision from the final 2024 Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for near-term Colorado River Operations.

Together, these actions are expected to increase Lake Powell’s elevation by approximately 54 ft to at least elevation 3500 feet by April 2027. Through the current, ongoing DROA process, the basin states, tribes and partners continue to provide feedback related to the proposed releases. A final decision will be coming next week.

Flaming Gorge Reservoir now holds about 3.1 maf of water, which is 83% full. These actions are expected to lower the reservoir’s elevation by roughly 35 feet over the next year to approximately 59% of capacity. This will have no effect on contracted water rights at Flaming Gorge or Lake Powell. No additional releases from the other upstream initial units of the Colorado River Storage Project Act—Blue Mesa and Navajo reservoirs—are planned at this time, due to their low water levels and poor forecasted inflows.

“Given the severity of the risks facing the Colorado River system, it is imperative that we take action quickly to protect a resource that supplies water to 40 million people and supports vital agricultural, hydropower production, tribal, wildlife, and recreational uses across the region,” said Assistant Secretary — Water and Science Andrea Travnicek. “As we weigh current conditions and prepare for future operations by working with states, tribal nations and stakeholders, the Department of the Interior and Reclamation remain fully committed to taking the actions necessary to reduce impacts on water deliveries, safeguard critical infrastructure, and preserve as much operational flexibility as possible.”  (more…)

Parker, Ariz.) The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) welcomes the news that The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has rejected the Arizona Legislature’s challenge to Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni-Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument. The monument, established by a 2023 presidential proclamation, protects approximately 917,000 acres of federal land surrounding the Grand Canyon.

CRIT is part of the Grand Canyon Tribal Leaders’ Coalition and the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Tribal Commission.

CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores said, “The Colorado River is indistinguishably  connected to the lands of the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument. This monument protects the health of the Colorado River, the surrounding lands, and the irreplaceable cultural resources.   This ruling designation honors the tribal connections to the surrounding lands and the value of tribal stewardship in protecting the waters that flow through the Grand Canyon down to our reservation.”

Leadership from the Colorado River Indian Tribal Council served a major role in the official designation of the Monument an attended its dedication ceremony in August 2023.

On April 1st, 2026, Senator Ruben Gallego visited the Colorado River Indian Reservation. Upon the visit, he came to the Tribal Council Chambers and met with Chairwoman Amelia Flores, Vice Chairman Dwight Lomayesva, Council Secretary Josephine Tahbo, Councilwoman Vanessa Welch, Councilman Billy Beeson, Councilman Tommy Drennan, Councilwoman Raeanne Patch, and Councilwoman Tracey Quillen. Chairwoman Amelia Flores and Councilman Drennan thanked him for coming to CRIT, and spoke on the pro-rata decisions that are being considered for the Colorado River in its recent publication of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). They expressed a deep concern for the decisions stating that pro-rata is in many ways unlawful, and goes directly against their seniority water rights.

Furthermore, Senator Gallego took a small tour with Chairwoman Flores, members of Council, and lead water attorney John Bezdek with Joshua Moore as their tour guide on the reservation. The last stop was at the Colorado River Sewage System Joint Venture where they met with Town of Parker Mayor Randy Hartless, Vice Mayor Zafer Genc, Town Manager Nora Yackley, Council member Joshua Grenwalt, and Operations Manager Ashley Longanecker. The tour of the facility was led by Longanecker who emphasized the importance of fixing the sewage system for Parker and the Reservation, which was clearly displayed in its decaying state in need of desperate repairs. (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:

  • 9:00 AM – Emil W. Haury Anthropology Building (1009 E South Campus Dr): Honoring the CRIT Chemehuevi language. The ceremony features a welcome and land acknowledgment from Levi Esquerra (Special Advisor, NAATE), a prayer by Eloy DeLeon, remarks from Clarissa Robles Parra on behalf of the Office of the Provost, and an address by CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores. Cultural sharing will feature the Salt Song(s) and Red Foot, followed by refreshments.
  • 10:30 AM – Environment and Natural Resources 2 (ENR2) Building (1064 E Lowell St): Honoring the CRIT Navajo language. Hosted by Liz Petterson, Associate Director, Arizona Institute for Resilience, alongside CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores, and a Navajo language representative featuring a traditional blessing and cultural demonstration.
  • 1:00 PM – Forbes Building (1140 E South Campus Dr): Honoring the CRIT Hopi language with remarks from Dr. Edward Martin (Associate Dean, CALES Cooperative Extension), Professor Sheilah Nicholas, and Dean George W. Smith.
  • 2:30 PM – College of Education Building (1430 E 2nd St): Honoring the CRIT Mohave language. The concluding sign unveiling of the day will include introductions by students, remarks from CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores, and a final cultural demonstration.

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.