Since May 2024, Bryan Enas has been managing the CRIT Food Distribution Program. With nearly 20 years of experience working in warehouses and grocery stores, Bryan has learned the
ins and outs of produce and supervision. Those skills now help him run a program that makes a big difference for families in our community.
The Food Distribution Program is here to support individuals and families who may be lowincome, on social security, students, or just going through a tough time. This program is
available for both tribal and non-tribal members who live on the CRIT Reservation (this also extends to those who live off reservation within a 25 mile radius but you must have at least 1
person in your household who is a CRIT Tribal Member). Everything is confidential, and the goal is to make healthy food more accessible for everyone.

The program offers a variety of items each month such as, fresh fruits and vegetables, pantry staples, meats, dairy, grains, and more. Families can come by and pick up a pre-packed box, or
if transportation is an issue, deliveries can be arranged.  For Bryan, this work is personal. “My home is here, my family is here and it’s a blessing to come back and be able to help the community,” he said. Looking ahead, he hopes to add a greenhouse to keep fresh produce growing year-round. If you think you or someone you know might qualify, the program is worth checking out. Applications are simple, and staff are always happy to help walk you through the process.

The CRIT Food Distribution Program is more than just food—it’s about making sure our families are supported, cared for, and never left behind.  We highly encourage you to take advantage of this program – follow the link below to download the application to see if you qualify.

CRIT FDP APPLICATION & REQUIREMENTS PDF FY.24-25 (1)

CRIT Food Distribution Program is located at:
13951 2nd Avenue & Mohave Road, Parker, AZ
Phone: (928) 575-1191

Article written by CRIT Media Reporter Ariana Romero
Photography by CRIT Media Tech Naythen T. Lowe

CRIT recently welcomed KUNC News Reporter Alex Hager, who was interested in covering CRIT’s Personhood Status and why it is so important to the Colorado River Indian Tribes. Upon his visit, he interviewed Water Resource Director Dillon Esquerra, Councilwoman Anisa Patch, and Chairwoman Amelia Flores, each offering insight into why this initiative is vital for the tribe and future generations.

The day began with a visit to the Ahakhav Preserve, where Acting Director Marisol Chavira highlighted how the plants, trees, and natural environment are deeply connected to cultural traditions, from crafting gourds to the sacred use of wood in burials. Alex showed a great interest in learning about the cultural and historic roots of CRIT, and both Dillon and Marisol provided an in-depth explanation of the tribe’s connection to the land and river. Hager then toured Willow Beach, a scenic area of the Preserve, before continuing on to CRIT Chambers for interviews.

Councilwoman Anisa Patch shared her perspective on the river’s personhood status, reflecting on her upbringing along the river and its role as a lifeline for tribal members. Chairwoman Amelia Flores further emphasized the importance, stating: “It is essential for us to take care of the river, to protect and defend it. We need to protect the river for future generations.”

The Personhood status is currently being considered as CRIT tribal law, a groundbreaking step that would formally recognize the Colorado River as a living entity under the tribe’s governance. For CRIT, this is not only a legal step but it builds on the foundation of our beliefs, reflecting the longstanding cultural and spiritual commitment to the river, which has sustained the people, land and traditions for countless generations. Establishing Personhood Status will ensure CRIT beliefs are always held by all future council members and chair persons. This will be the foundation CRIT stands by and relies on when future tough decisions will need to be made about the river. Raising awareness about the personhood initiative is key. It allows both tribal members and the broader public to understand the importance of protecting the Colorado River, not just as a resource, but as a relative, a lifeblood, and a sacred responsibility.

“We are the people along the river, Hamakhav. It’s within us, that’s who we are” says Chairwoman Flores.

Councilman Raeanne Patch provided additional details and context in a follow up interview with Alex detailing the importance of the Personhood Status.

To learn more, you can read Alex Hager’s full article or listen to his podcast at KUNC follow this link.

On behalf of CRIT we would like to congratulate Yolanda Gomez for 40 years of service and dedication.

Yolanda started her career with the Colorado River Indian Tribes on August 19, 1985 as Secretary with CRIT Farms.
In May of 1991, Yolanda transferred to Accounting as Enterprise Bookkeeper, and in 2008, she received a promotion to Senior Staff Accountant. Because of her expertise and dedication, “Yoli” as she is affectionately called, has also been appointed Acting Controller during times of need.

The Tribal Council and Human Resources Department thanks you for 40+ years of continued service to the Colorado River Indian Tribes.

COLORADO RIVER INDIAN TRIBES
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
12302 KENNEDY DRIVE
PARKER, ARIZONA 85344
TELEPHONE (928) 669-6577
FAX (928) 669-8881

August 22, 2025
Notice to the Public:
The Colorado River Indian Tribes Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) has received information that Mosquito Arbovirus Surveillance was conducted on the Colorado River Indian Reservation on August 19“’  & 20“’, 2025. This surveillance was conducted by the Parker Indian Health Service Office of Environment Health and Engineering (IHS;OEH&E) in partnership with the CRIT Environmental Protection Office (EPO).

There were mosquito pools that were tested for the presence of the West Nile Virus. One sample tested  Positive for the presence of the West Nile virus collected at the Poston, Arizona – 50 Homes site.  The best way to prevent infection is to avoid mosquito bites by taking precautionary measures to protect you and your family from dusk to dawn.
● Use an insect repellent and reapply as directed.
● Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, covering arms and legs.
● Treat clothing and gear with repellant.
● Take steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors, drain standing water
in flower pots, bird baths, or old tires.
● Keep doors and windows shut.

Eighty percent (80%) of people infected with WNV will not show any symptoms but we are asking the public to report any symptoms that you may be experiencing after a mosquito bite that you feel could be due to the  West Nile virus. Symptoms can be flu-like and can include: a fever, a headache, body aches, diarrhea, a rash, nausea and vomiting and can be mild or severe, and may last a few days to a few weeks. However, in  rare cases, severe illness can occur; that might include brain infections such as meningitis or encephalitis, paralysis or even death. There is no vaccine for the WNV in the United States, and there are no specific  treatments.

The 50 Homes area was treated in the early morning hours of Friday, August 22, 2025, by CRIT EPO, The Parker IHS OEH&E and CRIT EPO will continue to monitor the area as well as the surrounding areas for  West Nile virus activity to reduce the mosquito population.

● If you want to report an environmental issue such as standing water, please call the CRIT Environmental Office at 928-662-4336.
For any symptoms that you may be experiencing, please contact your primary care physician or visit  the Emergency Department or call the Parker Indian Health Services Public Health Nursing at 928- 669-213
● For more information on the West Nile virus, please visit this link.
You can also contact the Department of Health and Social Services at 928-669-6577, for more information