September 12, 2026 1:08 am
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
September 12, 2026 1:08 am
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
To download more information and an application please follow this link
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…)
The Colorado River Indian Tribes and the Central Arizona Water Conservation District (CAWCD) have reached an agreement to deliver 9,009 acre-feet of CRIT Intentionally Created Surplus (ICS) water to the CAWCD. This represents the last remaining water CRIT made available as part of the Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) that was agreed to back in 2019.
The ICS was previously conserved between 2020 and 2022, when in response to requests from the federal government, CRIT conserved water to help stabilize Lake Mead. CRIT conserved approximately 160,000 acre-feet and was compensated $38 million for 150,000 acre-feet of conservation (the average value of that water was approximately $254 per acre-foot). There was additional conserved water of approximately 10,009 acre-feet for which CRIT was never compensated. It was converted into ICS so it would not be lost and is still behind Hoover Dam in Lake Mead.
Under the agreement, the CAWCD will compensate CRIT at $590 per acre-foot, for a total of $5.3 million, to be executed in two payments.
The CAWCD is the public agency that operates and maintains the physical infrastructure of the Central Arizona Project (CAP).
The ICS Agreements include requirements to account for system and evaporation losses, accounting, and use. By entering into this agreement now, CRIT will avoid future reductions in its ICS to account for evaporation and system losses; CRIT’s ICS water has already been allocated a 10% reduction, which is why the account balance is now 9009 acre-feet. In addition to system losses and evaporation, there are also upcoming limitations that restrict ICS recovery when Lake Mead falls to certain elevations. In agreeing to allow CAWCD to recover CRIT’s ICS, Tribal Council is being proactive in gaining compensation for this remaining water made available in the DCP prior to this water being devalued or otherwise lost. (more…)
The Colorado River Indian Tribes’ new Head Start School is moving closer to opening, with the sewer system expected to be ready for final inspection during the week of September 21, 2026. Once final approvals are received, the project team will be able to move toward opening the new school.
The delay has been tied primarily to operation and capacity issues at the Joint Venture Sewer treatment facility. Because of those issues, the project team had to redesign the school’s sewer system so it would meet Joint Venture Sewer requirements before the facility could become operational.
That redesign required additional engineering work for a holding tank and lift station system. The system will temporarily store wastewater and then release it into the Joint Venture Sewer system in a controlled, timed discharge during non-peak hours. A contractor also had to be brought on to complete the additional installation and related work.
The project team has continued working closely with Joint Venture Sewer, CRIT Utilities, CRIT Building & Safety, the engineering team, and contractors to finish the required work and secure final approval.
When it opens, the new facility will include 10 classrooms, a large multi-purpose room with capacity for 500 people, a playground, a bus barn, and room for future expansion.
CRIT received a $13.8 million federal grant to help fund the project. CRIT is contributing another $7.2 million, bringing the total investment to nearly $20.8 million.
CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores said, “This represents a vital investment in our children. The benefits of this facility will be felt for generations as we seek to provide our children with the best possible head start as they prepare for school, life, and the opportunities that await. We want to thank everyone for their patience during this time. This is a momentous step forward in the right direction for the entire community, and we thank everyone who helped get us this far.”
Following a series of historic ceremonies on Friday, September 4, 2026, the University of Arizona has permanently integrated the four native languages of the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) into its campus landscape. Organized by the university’s Office of Native American Advancement & Tribal Engagement (NAATE) in partnership with individual academic colleges, the Native Languages Campus Sign Initiative unveiled a progression of permanent building signs throughout the day to celebrate the Mohave, Chemehuevi, Hopi, and Navajo languages.
Members of the CRIT Tribal Council attended the sign ceremonies, including Treasurer Anisa Patch, Secretary Josephine Tahbo, Councilmember Vanessa Welch, and Councilmember Raeanne Patch.
The continuous initiative aims to elevate the visibility, recognition, and enduring presence of Indigenous communities within academic spaces. Levi Esquerra, Special Advisor for NAATE, explained that the permanent structural markers grew out of a linguistics department tradition where temporary language signs were posted for just one day each February to observe International Mother Language Day. “They used to put up tarps of native languages throughout campus at six o’clock in the morning, take them down by six, and they wanted permanent signage,” Esquerra said. “We started an initiative of reaching out to tribes and having them add language to our buildings… What makes CRIT so unique is, you know, CRIT is made up of four distinct tribes. And so we felt it was only correct to honor each of those tribes that make up the CRIT nation.”
The day-long celebration began at 9:00 AM at the Emil W. Haury Anthropology Building, home to the School of Anthropology. The Chemehuevi language inscription “Puha” was added to the building’s sign, translating to the “Power of learning about the people.” School of Anthropology Director Rob Schon noted that the naming honors and renews structural ties established in 1954 when Emil Haury preserved Chemehuevi baskets for the Arizona State Museum. Reflecting on the word chosen for the sign, Schon remarked, “Phua is a sacred term… As interpreted here, Puha means power of learning about the people. There is no greater calling for an anthropologist to aspire to.” CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores highlighted the deep perseverance required to bring the project to fruition, stating, “When I first heard of the university asking the tribes in Arizona to name buildings, I approached him and I said, ‘Why not CRIT? Why not CRIT?’ … It’s taken this long. So thank you, my dear friend, for making this happen… Most tribes have only one, but CRIT, you have four.”
At 10:30 AM, the procession moved to the Environment and Natural Resources 2 (ENR2) Building to honor the CRIT Navajo language with the phrase “Nihimá Nahasdzáán baa’áhwíílyą́,” meaning “We are protecting Mother Earth.” During the ceremony, CRIT Navajo representative Harlietta Mitchell shared her family’s history of post-World War II relocation to the western Arizona desert, emphasizing that true ecological resilience requires a marriage of academic science and ancestral wisdom. “I hope this building will be more than a place where people study environmental science,” Mitchell said. “May it be a place where indigenous knowledge and scientific knowledge meet with respect.” Chairwoman Flores added, “This signage marks a permanent and visible commitment to honoring the first people of the land. When you see the words… they are a powerful, powerful declaration that indigenous knowledge and culture belongs in academia.” Navajo artist Nicole Pete also presented the history of the official CRIT Tribal Seal, which was designed by her grandfather, John Scott Sr., in 1966.
The afternoon continued at 1:00 PM at the Forbes Building, the home of the College of Agriculture, Life, and Environmental Sciences (CALES) and the Cooperative Extension. Honoring the CRIT Hopi language, the building’s new sign reads “Tutskwat, Sinmuy, pu’ Natwanit Kyaptsilalwa,” which translates to “Honoring the land, the people and the Harvest.” Professor Sheilah Nicholas detailed the deep, remote history inherent in the chosen Hopi vocabulary. “Means land, but the nuances of the Hopi perspective of land inherent in the word changes,” Nicholas explained. “…encompasses the understanding of land as place and a specific place where groups of people coalesced and became a distinct people…” (more…)
Written by CRIT Media Reporter Ariana Romero
“This river is everything to so many people. And yet so many of us treat it as if it’s nothing.”
Those words from ultradistance runner and water advocate Mina Guli carry added weight as the Colorado River faces more than two decades of drought, declining reservoir levels, and growing uncertainty over how the river will be managed in the years ahead.
For the Colorado River Indian Tribes, the future of the river is not a distant issue. CRIT lives along its banks, holds senior Colorado River water rights, and continues to play an active role in conversations surrounding conservation, management, and the river’s future.
Those conditions gave added significance to Guli’s 2,000-mile “Keep the River Running” journey as it reached the Colorado River Indian Reservation.
Guli is running approximately 2,000 miles in 100 days along the Colorado River as part of her “Keep the River Running” campaign. Her journey follows the river through communities that depend on it, with a focus on raising awareness, listening to local voices, and encouraging cooperation around the river’s future.
Her CRIT visit began on the California side of the Reservation, where Councilman Tommy Drennan, Councilwoman Raeanne Patch, and Councilwoman Tracey Quillen greeted and welcomed her before the run.
From there, members of the Mohave Runners, Adrian Pulido, Nolan Taliman, Irving Sharp, Elan Drennan-Webb, Joseph “Joe” Deleon, Aniah “AB” Booth, Mickey Anderson Jr., Joshua Mike, Oslette Johnson, and Chance Fisher joined Guli and ran alongside her through scorching desert heat. Together, they crossed the Colorado River from the California side into Arizona and continued through the community to the Tribal Council Chambers on Mohave Road.
The Mohave Runners brought a strong local presence to the event. Their participation reflected more than physical endurance. They were running beside a river that has sustained their community for generations, showing strength and determination while taking part in a larger effort focused on the future of the Colorado.
Guli said running alongside local people gave her a deeper understanding of the communities tied to the river.
“These are people who have spent their lives here and have so much to share and so much knowledge,” she said.
After the run, Guli, Tribal Council, and community members gathered inside the Tribal Council Chambers. Vice Chairman Dwight Lomayesva, Secretary Josephine Tahbo, Treasurer Anisa Patch, Councilwomen Tracey Quillen, Vanessa Welch, and Raeanne Patch, and Councilman Tommy Drennan were among those in attendance.
The Tribal Council welcomed Guli, presented her with a gift, and thanked her for bringing attention to the Colorado River and the people whose lives are connected to it.
During the gathering and her interview with CRIT Media, one message continued to surface: the importance of working together.
Guli spoke about the many challenges facing the river, including fragmentation among governments, communities, industries, and organizations. She said long-term solutions will require people to look beyond individual interests and focus on a shared future.
“Together doesn’t mean that the river is yours or mine,” Guli said. “It means that it’s ours.”
She also described what she called the “power of together,” saying the future of the river will depend on people being willing to listen to one another, include different perspectives, and work across boundaries.
For Guli, that includes Tribal communities whose relationship with the river goes back generations.
She said being at CRIT gave her the opportunity to listen directly to people who have lived with and understood the Colorado River “since time immemorial.” She also pointed to CRIT’s work involving legal personhood as an example of thinking about the river as more than simply a resource.
“The way to hear them is to be here,” she said. (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.
