June 12, 2025 8:13 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
June 12, 2025 8:13 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
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. 
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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.
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 13th 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.
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
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.
