August 19, 2026 8:16 am
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
August 19, 2026 8:16 am
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ

(August 4th 3:30pm)

Notice to BIA Electric Customers:

All power has been restored in the affected Big River area. If you are still having power issues, please call CRIT Dispatch at 928-669-1299, or if you have an emergency call 911.

For power outage updates, call B.I.A. Electric Monday through Friday from 8AM – 5PM at (928) 669-7173.

Thank you for  your patience and cooperation. BE SAFE!

On July 12th, the West Cocopah Reservation, based in Somerton, Arizona, held their Tribal Council Elections. The Inaugural ceremony to install all five elected officials was held on July 26th.

Cocopah Tribal Officials for 2024 – 2026

  • Sherry Cordova– Chairwoman
  • Neil White Vice– Chairman
  • Wynnie Ortega– Council Member
  • Florence M. Fitch– Council Member
  • Jennifer Townsend– Council Member

The curriculum department at Parker High School, along with department head Amy Conway and instructional specialist Jennifer Baker, recently held a new teacher’s induction at Parker High School.

This new teacher induction helps the teachers grasp a broad idea of what it will be like to enter into a new place with different cultures and ideals, and it will teach them about the community. This training includes procedures for learning how to be professional in and out of the classroom and best practices for teaching your classroom how to run efficiently. It also exposes them to diverse cultures within our community.

Dear Vice President Harris,

As your pledged delegate, I write to ask that you select United States Senator Mark Kelly as your running mate.

Sen. Kelly knows how to talk to Indian country.  He has been here, he understands our issues, and he will be an asset to your ticket. In Arizona, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan, Native American voters are a key swing state voting bloc. Adding him to your ticket will help in November and advance our shared vision of an America that lives up to its treaty and trust responsibilities.

I look forward to continuing our work together on tribal sovereignty, economic development in Indian country, and I hope you will consider this recommendation in the coming weeks.  Thank you and best of luck in November!

 

Sincerely,

Amelia Flores
Chairwoman,
Colorado River Indian Tribes

Cheryl McCabe started her career with the Colorado River Indian Tribes on May 17,1994 as a Consultant for CRIT Education.

In 2004, she began her career with CRIT Head Start as the ERSEA Manager/ Family Service Advocate. Cheryl has held many titles at Head Start including ERSEA Data Manager, Family & Community Partnership Specialist, and ERSEA/Data Specialist. In 2014, she was promoted to ERSEA Coordinator, a title she still holds today.

The Tribal Council and Human Resources Department thanked Cheryl for 30 years of continued service to the Colorado River Indian Tribes. Chairwoman Amelia Flores also expressed her appreciation to Cheryl for her dedicated service to CRIT’s Head Start children and to the program.

The Patrick Fire is estimated at 70 acres and about 50% contained. Forward progress has been stopped on the blaze that broke out yesterday near 15th Avenue and Patrick Road on the CRIT reservation.

While the flames came close to a tribal member’s home, crews were able to secure the fire’s edge and save the home. No structures have been lost and no one has been injured.

CRIT Fire was first on scene when the flames broke out late morning on July 19th. They were soon joined by firefighters from CRIT Wildland Fire and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Despite heavy winds, crews were able to establish a fire break using hand tools. Even though the fire pushed towards the Colorado River’s edge, it did not jump across to the California side.

Additional units fighting the fire include Buckskin Fire, Parker Fire, and Arizona Fish and Wildlife.

Today (July 20th) crews are continuing to secure the fire at its north edge as well as at the edge of the Colorado River.