There is a history and a people that’s been forever cultivating it’s lands and people to allow not just for the growth of the generations of past, but for the future ones to come. Colorado River Indian Tribes celebrated it’s 150 Commemoration Anniversary in 2015, hosted by the commonwealth of the four main tribes that make up the reservation – Mohave, Chemehuevi, Hopi, and Navajo. The historical tribal leaders – of Chief Manataba and Chief Irataba – bridged by connection and bonds of direct bloodlines and history of the territory, still hold their families and growing lineage to this day. Community built on the expectations of respect, resilience, and familiarity found with the natural siding protection and preservation of the river – our sacred and ecological treasure. Interviews conducted with Chairwoman Amelia Flores and posthumous folks like Sheldon Swick and Delano Carter, show off the sides of the Mohave leaders who fought and advocated for the respect and designation of tribal sovereignty protecting their footprint of tribes. The documentary short gives accounts and testimonies from the selected influential council/leaders/members who wish to help with establishing and upholding the standards found within the history and long lasting legacy of CRIT.
On top of having the moments to advocate and speak on the importance of upholding the history of language, culture, and artifacts, the Mohave members are active in encouraging their youth community to engage in more activities and preservation matters. The events hosted by professionals and active participants in the traditions of dancing and singing (with Bird Dances and gourd singing) brings out the engagement and proper respect aimed by the Mohave resiliency and grand recognition. We see the people coming together for the dances and songs of the passed down knowledge and customs of the elders we unfortunately lose as times grows on. So much their influence can be found with the practices and standards established into the policies up making sure nobody outside reservation can ignore/forgets that “we” hold the keys to our future – not just as a tribe but as a people who’re strong and ready for all obstacles in the line. CRIT holds a special stance as a reservation of varying cultures that all handle the goals of those in their interests as a revitalization tool towards the Indigenous way of life that we must build up more. The way we document and specially record our own accounts and history – the land history, tribal leaders designation, gathering of the peoples, establishing the CRIT way – has everything to do with our lives here. And it’s something to never be forgotten.
Film Review by CRIT Media Tech Naythen T. Lowe