The San Luis Rey Indian Water Authority (“SLRIWA”) visited the Colorado River Indian Tribes and met with CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores and the CRIT Tribal Council to discuss strengthening tribal sovereignty and protecting tribal water rights on March 21^st.

The SLRIWA is the oldest Indian water authority in the United States. It was created by the La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians, Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pauma Band of Luiseno Indians, Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians, and San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians.
Those who visited CRIT include:

– President Bo Mazzetti (Chairman of the Rincon Band)
– Board Member Tuukut Sass (Rincon Band)
– Board Member Band Venessa Brown (Pauma Band)
– Vice President Geneva Lofton (La Jolla Band)
– Board Member Reuben Rodriquez (La Jolla Band)
– Board Member Connor Magee (Pala Band)
– Board Alternate Brandon Johnson (Vice Chairman of the Pala Band)
– La Vonne Peck, SLRIWA Consultant
– Stephanie Zehren, SLRIWA Counsel
– Jerimy Billy, Chief Executive Officer (more…)

The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) Mega Throw Event lived up to its reputation as a vibrant and culturally rich gathering that brings together members of the CRIT community and visitors from across the region.

Held annually at the Ahakhav Tribal Preserve this event on March 22 was a celebration of tradition and unity, showcasing the enduring spirit of the Mojave, Chemehuevi, Hopi, and Navajo peoples.

Attendees enjoyed traditional dances, Bird songs and storytelling, as well as browse artisan booths featuring handmade jewelry, pottery, and other crafts. Food vendors offered a taste of Indigenous cuisine, from fry bread and other traditional cuisine. (more…)

The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) will commemorate and celebrate the 3^rd annual Water Rights Day April 5^th 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. (more…)

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Gaming (“ADG”) is issuing this Consumer Protection Alert to inform Arizonans of a concerning nationwide trend that has now reached Arizona. Fraudulent operators are falsely claiming that legitimate Arizona casinos have launched online gaming platforms. These illegal online casino platforms are presenting themselves as legitimate platforms by offering illegitimate or illegal gaming services. Online casinos (often referred to as “igaming”) are not legal in Arizona. Any claims otherwise should be treated as highly suspicious. These scams not only put players at financial risk but also undermine the integrity of Arizona’s regulated gaming industry.

ADG has received multiple reports of fraudulent online casinos targeting Arizonans, as well as complaints from patrons who have been misled. These scams are being widely disseminated through social media advertisements directing consumers to download apps and visit websites, and are enticing unsuspecting consumers to spend money on illegitimate games.

The Arizona Department of Gaming urges residents to verify the legitimacy of any online gaming platform before engaging in play. Many of these operations are not legal or regulated, leaving users vulnerable to fraud, identity theft, and other serious risks. Due to their unregulated nature, ADG is unable to resolve complaints and disputes arising from unregulated and illegal gaming sites, leaving victims with little to no chance of recovering lost funds. It is important to remember that just because you can download the app, visit the website, and play the games, it does not mean it is a legitimate and legal gaming platform.

In light of these developments, the Department encourages both Arizona residents and visitors to visit our website to find a list of all regulated casinos and licensed event wagering and fantasy sports operators legally taking bets in Arizona. The list can be found on the Department’s website at gaming.az.gov. Legal, regulated operations provide important consumer protections not found in the illegal market, helping ensure a safer experience for participants.

In case you missed it, in late January, the Department released a public service announcement highlighting tips for safe and responsible online gaming. View the press release here: Media Room.

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It is with heavy hearts that the Colorado River Indian Tribes mourns the loss of Emily Pike, whose life was taken from the world by an act of senseless violence.

Emily was a cherished member of the San Carlos Apache Indian Tribe.

The Colorado River Indian Tribes would like to extend its deepest condolences to her family and loved ones during this difficult time. May her memory be a blessing, and may she rest in peace.
Emily Pike’s death sparks a call for justice as the community gathers at her murial painted on a water tank just off of U.S. Route 70 near a Bashas’ grocery store in Peridot Arizona, The murial was painted by San Carlos Apache artist Myron Starr. Other artists who joined Starr for the project were Carrie Sage Curley and Samuel Bendle, who are both San Carlos Apache, and AJ Larson, Felicia Garcia and Erica Raymond.

Hundreds of red handprints went up onto the memorial dedicated in honor of Emily Pike and her tragic passing.

Emily’s death has also ignited an outcry on social media, with many using hashtags like #JusticeforEmilyPike, #NoMoreMMIW and #SayHerName, to bring more visibility to her case and missing and murdered Indigenous people.

Councilman Tommy Drennan attended a candle light vigil on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, Saturday, March 15, 2025, delivering remarks from Chairwoman Flores and expressing condolences, support and a prayer for hope from the Colorado River Indian Tribes.

Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week will feature a unique rendering of the Colorado River which will be painted Wednesday March 19^th at the CRIT reservation next to the BlueWater Resort and Casino.

The art fair takes place March 20-23 in Scottsdale and will feature works of art from some 100 galleries worldwide.

The artist will donate 50% of the sale of that painting to CRIT.

Artist Ben Miller will create this work using thousands of singular casts with a fly rod.  Miller calls this process ‘Fly Cast Painting’ and terms the various shaped materials on the end of the rod ‘Fly Brushes’. He is inviting members of CRIT to watch him as he creates this painting on March 19^th from 8am to 4pm.

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