The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) will commemorate and celebrate the 3rd annual Water Rights Day April 5th from 11am to 2pm. Most of the events will be held at Manataba Park.
The CRIT Water Rights Committee would like to remind everyone of a celebration that will take place April 5 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Ahakhav Tribal Preserve (25401 Rodeo Dr, Parker, AZ 85344)
The theme behind the events is to reinforce CRIT’s commitment to protecting and managing its water resources.
The day includes an art contest and a Ribbon Skirt Contest, bounce houses, a performance by the Le Pera School Band, and a performance from the River Tribes United Dance Groups.
This day serves as a reminder of CRIT’s historical and legal struggles to secure its water rights, as well as ongoing efforts to ensure sustainable water use for future generations.
Water Rights Day commemorates the tribe’s legal victories in asserting their rights to the Colorado River’s water. These rights were formally recognized in the landmark case (Arizona v. California 1963), where the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed CRIT’s entitlement to a substantial portion of the river’s flow. This decision was a pivotal moment in the tribe’s history, granting them the authority to manage and allocate water within their reservation.
In 2025, CRIT continues to be a leader in water management and conservation. The tribe has implemented innovative agricultural practices, such as drip irrigation system and crop rotation, to maximize water efficiency. They have also partnered with state and federal agencies to address the challenges posed by climate change, including prolonged droughts and declining river flows. CRIT’s proactive approach to water stewardship serves as a model for other communities in the arid Southwest.
Water Rights Day is not only a celebration of past achievements but a call to action. The tribe uses this occasion to educate their members and the broader public about the importance of water conservation and the need for equitable water policies. These actions reaffirm CRIT’s commitment to preserving this vital resource.
