Governor Hobbs signed into law HB 2281 (missing indigenous person; alert system). Known as Emily’s Law, HB 2281 establishes the Missing Indigenous Person Alert System (Turquoise Alert) to address the crisis of missing Indigenous persons, particularly women and children. This law works to ensure that Indigenous persons receive help from law enforcement and the public as quickly as possible should they go missing.

The bill is especially critical following the tragic case of 14-year-old Ms. Emily Pike, who is memorialized in the name of this legislation. Introduced on January 21, 2025, by Rep. Teresa Martinez (R) with co-sponsors Rep. Brian Garcia (D), Rep. Mae Peshlakai (D), and Rep. Myron Tsosie (D), the bill passed unanimously through the House (59–0) and Senate (28–0) with minor amendments, demonstrating broad bipartisan support.

Governor Katie Hobbs signed the bill into law Tuesday, May 13, 2025. The legislation amends Arizona statutes to create a quick-response alert system under the Department of Public Safety, aiming to ensure timely action for missing Indigenous individuals.

In a May 13^th meeting of the two governing bodies, CRIT’s Tribal Council  and The Parker Town Council discussed challenges facing the Joint Venture Sewer project.

More than $20 million is needed to build a new sewer plant, as the existing one is near capacity.

The Joint Venture is a separate and distinct entity operated by both CRIT and the Town of Parker for nearly 50 years. When the plant’s problems became evident, The Town of Parker issued a statement without input from CRIT.

Both sides are working to secure funding for a new system which would take, in the first phase, about 18 months to build.

CRIT also wants some assurances about the future of its Head Start facility which is under construction. While crews are on site, CRIT need Parker’s approval to extend a sewer line which would NOT be connected to the Joint Venture until sewer issues are resolved. (more…)

Tiny Cactus Daycare, located at 143 W. Riverside Dr Parker, recently held its Grand Opening for children ages 1 to 5 years old.

Tiny Cactus Daycare features bright, engaging classrooms, an outdoor play area, and age-appropriate learning materials to support early childhood development.

The daycare is staffed by trained professionals with a focus on safety, creativity, and social development.

Tiny Cactus Daycare offers flexible scheduling options, including full-time and part-time care.

For more information, visit 143 W. Riverside Dr Parker, Arizona or call (928) 575-1095. Follow Tiny Cactus Daycare on Facebook @TinyCactusDayCare or Instagram @tinycactusdaycare for updates and parenting tips!
https://tinycactusdaycare.com

On May 3, 2025, Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) youth including Junior Miss CRIT along with Little Miss CRIT attended a solemn and impactful event at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix to honor Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). The gathering brought together tribal leaders, activists, and community members to raise awareness about the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous women and girls.

The event featured speeches from tribal representatives, survivors, and advocates, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change, improved law enforcement response, and greater public awareness. CRIT’s royalty participated in prayers, a memorial walk, and a ceremonial display of red dresses—symbolizing the countless missing Indigenous women whose cases remain unresolved.

The MMIW movement has gained significant momentum in recent years, with Arizona joining other states in declaring May 5 as a day of awareness. CRIT’s presence at the Capitol underscored the tribe’s commitment to advocacy and community leadership in addressing this critical issue.

As the event concluded, participants called for continued collaboration between tribal nations and state officials to implement stronger protections for Indigenous women and ensure their stories are never forgotten.

The Elks Lodge partnered with the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) and CRIT Education Department to host Elks Youth Day on May 1^st. It’s a celebration of education, leadership, and cultural pride. The event brought together students, educators, and community leaders.

The festivities included interactive workshops on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), traditional tribal arts, and career development. Elks Lodge members provided scholarships and awards to outstanding students, reinforcing their commitment to youth empowerment.

Members of the Tribal Council and Chairwoman Amelia Flores thanked the students for their hard work and dedication.

The CRIT Head Start dance was alive with rhythm and excitement as young dancers from the CRIT Head Start program took to the dance floor on April 25th.

The CRIT Head Start program focuses on fostering creativity and physical activity in young learners, incorporating dance as a way to build confidence, coordination and teamwork. The School dance included a photo booth as well a pizza made by the CRIT Head Start Staff.

“It’s amazing to see how much these kids have grown,” said CRIT Head Start Director Caroline Alcaida. “Dance isn’t just about movement it’s about expression, and tonight they truly shined.”

Parents praised the event for giving their children a chance to showcase their skills in a supportive environment. Blake School, known for its community engagement, provided the perfect venue for the celebration.

CRIT Head start would like to thank everyone who helped set up and volunteered their time for the event.