Drought conditions, climate change, and concerns about CRIT’s water rights bring into focus the importance of recognizing Earth Day. CRIT’s 15th annual Earth Day celebration takes place May 31st from 8am to 11am at the Ahakhav Preserve.
The event will include raffles, music, food, hayrides, prizes, and information booths.
The event comes as CRIT’s Tribal Council considers personhood status for the Colorado River. The Council would like to hear from Membership about this proposal.
Email: Coloradoriverpersonhood@crit-nsn.gov
- Personhood status would mean that the Colorado River, along with its spiritual and cultural connection to CRIT, has the right to be protected under tribal law.
- The designation would acknowledge what CRIT members already know and believe, that the River is alive, and it is a part of every Tribal Member.
- It provides a directive to account for the needs of the River in future decision-making.
- The designation would note that all decisions by any future Tribal Council must take into account the physical well-being and the spiritual and cultural connection CRIT’s membership has with the Colorado River.
- Personhood status for the Colorado River would give CRIT legal means to address the damage climate change is causing to the Colorado River and it puts the world on notice that anyone doing business with CRIT will be required to address the needs of the Colorado River.
While a small number of Tribal Nations have conferred personhood status on their bodies of water and other natural resource features, CRIT would be the first Tribal Nation in the Colorado River Basin to confer personhood status on the Colorado River.
The designation would reaffirm the CRIT Nation’s commitment to protect the sustainability of the river for future generations and reinforcing CRIT’s sovereignty and its responsibility to the River.
If a resolution is passed conferring personhood status on the Colorado River, the Council would direct the Attorney General and its’ team to develop amendments to the water code that will be shared with membership in the coming weeks.
The Tribal Council is seeking input from CRIT Tribal Members.
Email coloradoriverpersonhood@crit-nsn.gov
