February 14, 2025 8:38 am
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
February 14, 2025 8:38 am
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ

CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores Addresses Arizona Lawmakers

CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores delivered a message emphasizing water rights and tribal sovereignty as one of three tribal leaders who addressed the Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day January 15th at the Arizona State Senate Chambers. It was the event’s 30th year.

Chairwoman Flores said this is a critical time for the Colorado River, “The decisions we make about how we share and use this living resource will directly impact our children and our grandchildren.”

As climate change, population growth, and drought impact the Colorado River, Chairwoman  Flores told the gathering of tribal leaders and Arizona lawmakers, “My Tribe is engaged in a great struggle, not just to project our great river but to protect the very essence of our identity.”

Flores thanked Arizona lawmakers for their support in federal legislation that gave CRIT the authority to allow for the use of its water off reservation land, if CRIT chooses to do so.

Flores said the CRIT Water Resiliency Act gives CRIT control as to how, where, and when its water is used. But she says the fight isn’t over, “Despite the passage of our Act, our water rights continue to be under attack. But rest assured, CRIT will protect our water rights. We always have and we always will.”

Other speakers included Stephen Roe Lewis, Governor, Gila River Indian Community and Sandra Pattea, President, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.

Seven local  students attended the Tribal Legislative Day. All were students from Parker High School and part of the CRIT Youth Council.