The Promotion Ceremony for the Class of 2025 was filled with laughter, heartfelt speeches, and proud moments for students, families, and staff.

The ceremony kicked off with a grand processional, led by the graduating Class of 2025 themselves. Taye Welsh and Ivan Villegas served as bilingual Masters of Ceremonies, effortlessly guiding the event in both English and Spanish, setting a warm and inclusive tone for the night.

The Pledge of Allegiance was followed by multilingual greetings—Christopher Hurtado delivered a thoughtful message in English, Ilse Sanchez shared warm words in Spanish, and Malarie Leivas honored the local heritage by speaking in Mohave.

Alumni Award recipient Sophia Soto was recognized for her continued achievements beyond the classroom. A touching moment came when the Valedictorian & Salutatorian Awards were presented by principal Brian Wedemeyer, honoring students Russell Smith and Artemio Castillo Jr. for their academic excellence.

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On May 24, 2025, the Parker High School Gymnasium was bursting with excitement, cheers, and proud smiles as some very young scholars reached a big milestone—their official promotion from Head Start to kindergarten.

The gym was filled with families, friends, and loved ones, all gathered to celebrate the Class of 2025. Dressed in bright red caps and gowns, our adorable graduates lit up the stage with joy and confidence, ready to take their first big step into the world of elementary school.

Director Caroline Alcaida gave a warm welcome to kick off the festivities, setting the tone for a celebration full of heart and hope. With Monica C. Rosnagle as the lively emcee, the program flowed beautifully—from sweet songs like “We’re Off to Kindergarten!” performed by the students, to the beaming moment they each received their diplomas from their dedicated teachers and assistants.

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Drought conditions, climate change, and concerns about CRIT’s water rights bring into focus the importance of recognizing Earth Day. CRIT’s 15^th annual Earth Day celebration takes place May 31^st 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

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs was joined by Tribal leaders, including CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores, the MMIP Task Force, representatives from the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and the family of Emily Pike for a ceremonial bill signing for HB 2281 (“Emily’s Law”).

This law codifies a new Turquoise Alert which helps law enforcement respond more quickly when Indigenous persons are reported missing.

The Law also honors the memory of slain San Carlos Apache teen Emily Pike, whose body was found Feb. 14 more than 100 miles from a group home she left in Mesa, Arizona, in late January.

After the signing ceremony Charwoman Flores said, “It’s very important to Tribal Nations, especially in Arizona. The Governor signing this bill gives law enforcement a quicker response to find missing and murdered individuals.”

The tragedy of Pike’s death was felt by Tribal communities including CRIT.

During CRIT’s Mega Throw event on March 22nd, a candlelight vigil was held on site to honor Emily Pike. On May 3rd CRIT youth including Junior Miss CRIT along with Little Miss CRIT attended an event at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix to honor Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). Additionally, CRIT Tribal Member Tonia Stone provided her survivor story at the event.

On this Memorial Day, the solemn notes of tribute echoed once again across the sacred grounds where service members, their families, and the wider community gathered to remember and reflect.

Delivering the keynote address was Herman “T.J.” Laffoon, a former CRIT Council member, veteran, and representative of the American Legion. His words were both reverent and urgent—calling on all citizens not only to remember the fallen but to carry forward their legacy through action.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores; U.S. Army veteran Edward Yava Sr., a Native American service member and member of the 73rd Airborne, who stands as a living symbol of service and sacrifice; as well as tribal leaders, local officials, and community members gathered in solidarity to honor those who gave their lives in service.

The ceremony paid special tribute to Pvt. Lori Ann Piestewa, of Hopi descent, who was not only the first woman in the U.S. military to lose her life in the Iraq War, but also the first Native American woman to die in combat while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Her father, Terry Piestewa, a Vietnam veteran, once found these memorials too painful to attend. But with time, they became a source of strength—not just for him, but for her children, and for all who remember her legacy. (more…)

This meaningful event celebrated the dedication and accomplishments of CRIT students as they prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives. On May 19, 2025, The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) Education Department proudly hosted the 2025 Stole Ceremony at Parker High School’s Alumni Hall, recognizing the achievements of 45 graduating tribal members.

Councilwoman Anisa Patch, Councilwoman Raeanne Patch, and Councilwoman Tracey Quillen awarded each graduate a customized stole that proudly displayed the CRIT Seals. As the councilwomen presented the stoles, they shared their words of encouragement, pride and congratulations with the graduates.

The event was filled with moments of laughter, joy and unity as families and friends gathered to celebrate the graduates’ achievement.

This ceremony marked a proud moment for the CRIT community, emphasizing the value of education and the the importance of honoring tradition. The Colorado River Indian Tribes extends its heartfelt congratulations to all 2025 graduates and their families.