January 18, 2025 3:44 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
January 18, 2025 3:44 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores was reelected in Tribal Council Elections held December 7th. She received 337 votes.
Councilwoman Vanessa Welch was reelected with 410 votes. Also elected to the Tribal Council were Tracey Quillen (460 votes), Tommy Drennan (316 votes), and Raeanne Patch (262 votes).
There were four candidates for Chair and 21 for Tribal Council. All vote totals are below.
Chairperson Results
Johnson “JD” Fisher- 288
Keith Moses- 136
Richard Armstrong- 153
Amelia Flores-337 (more…)
(LAS VEGAS) Water conservation and preservation have taken a giant leap forward for the Colorado River and the Colorado River Indian Tribes. CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores has signed an historic Letter of Intent with the Bureau of Reclamation in which the BOR has agreed to fund a $5 million study of a re-regulating reservoir on the CRIT Reservation. This reservoir could save as much as 35,000 acre-feet of water a year at a time when severe drought conditions persist, and when water is currently being lost due to inefficiencies in Bureau of Indian Affairs operated irrigation systems.
The reservoir would help CRIT make better use of water the Supreme Court allocated to the Tribes and enable CRIT to put more than 5,000 acres of additional land in production.
Chairwoman Flores said, “I learned from my ancestors that our creator, Matavilya and his son provided the Colorado River for the Mohave and other indigenous peoples who live along its banks. Matavilya also entrusted all of us with the sacred responsibility to care for and sustain the river and the environment that gives us life.”
The Study will also evaluate creating an associated wetland. To that end CRIT has partnered with the National Audubon Society and the Walton Family Foundation to protect CRIT’s water resources in a way that also protects its lands, fish, wildlife, birds, and ultimately its people. Chairwoman Flores added, “I am thankful for their constructive engagement and welcome them as partners in this project.” (more…)
From stunning cultural displays to family fun, hundreds attended the 50th Anniversary of the Colorado River Indian Tribes Native Fair and Expo.
Day one on November 20th started with a noon grand opening and free BBQ. It ended with the CRIT Royalty Pageant and the Miss CRIT Pageants. Pictured below are Allie Ray-Lynne Fisher who was crowned Little Miss CRIT. Trevani Rhiane Esquerra who was crowned Miss CRIT and Zian Enela Nash was crowned Junior Miss CRIT.
Day two on November 21st included the Children’s Regalia Showcase on the main stage.
CRIT Education recently held its annual CRIT Royalty Dance for the outgoing and incoming Little Miss, JR Miss & Miss CRIT contestants. CRIT Royalty started off the morning dancing for Le Pera Elementary. Opening remarks by outgoing Miss CRIT Jayde Booth included the importance of language, language preservation as well as Native American dance history. Outgoing Junior Miss CRIT Lily Deanne Dick and outgoing Little Miss CRIT Eimyah Ameelyenah wished contestants good luck on their journey for the title. The Mohave Bird Singers provided traditional bird songs.
The CRIT Senior Center held its annual Elders Halloween Party October 31st at the Mo-Ch-Ho-Na Center. The elders enjoyed several games including a cake walk and costume contest. Lunch was also served.
Loretta Lee, Benefits Coordinator and Contact Representative of the Parker Indian Health Center, was on site to provide information on Medicare, changes to purchased referred care, and Arizona Medicaid. Anyone with questions on the presentation can contact Loretta Lee at (928)-669-2137 .
Tribal Council members in attendance included Chairwoman Amelia Flores, Councilwoman Vanessa Welch, Councilwoman Jaymee Moore and Councilman J.D. Fisher.
Senior Center Program Director Jimi Mae Jackson wishes to thank everyone who attended.
CRIT Library recently hosted a read along for the students of CRIT Head-Start with Smokey Bear. The day started off with a short story, “It’s Fall” by Rene Kurilla. Smokey Bear read “Smokey’s story time”. The book touches on camping safety and fire safety and prevention. CRIT Fire was on site to give the kids a tour of their fire engine and other equipment used to help put out fires and save lives.
The Human Bean coffee shop is now open just off Airport Road & Riverside Drive in the River People’s Plaza, next to the Walmart Supercenter.
The aroma of fresh ground coffee fills the air as patrons line up for espresso, coffee, tea, smoothies, kid-friendly beverages, or any number of specialty drinks.
The Grand Opening Ceremony will be held on October 2nd at 10 am.
The Department of Health and Social Services along with the CRIT Senior Center recently held a holiday drive through light show for CRIT elders and the community. The event showed off lights and decorations in the area and included treat bags and gifts for the elders and family members.
Tribal Councilwoman Vanessa Welch and CRIT Royalty helped hand out backpacks. Councilwoman Anisa Patch handed out blankets and cookies to the elders who participated in the drive through event. Councilwoman Jaymee Moore also assisted.
Program director Jimi Mae Jackson would like to thank everyone who came out to help including CRIT Royalty, CRIT Wildland and crew, CRIT Senior Center Staff, Councilwoman Welch, Councilwoman Moore, Councilwoman Patch, Chairwoman Amelia Flores, The Parker Boys Youth Bird Singing Group, River Tribes United Dance Group, CRIT Media, Debbie Pettigrew, Bluewater Cinemas, Nazarene Church for their Christmas carolers, CRIT PD , CRIT Fish and Game , and the many parents and community members who made the event possible.
The Colorado River Indian Tribes mourns the passing of former President Jimmy Carter who made significant contributions to the sovereignty of indigenous peoples during his presidency. Mr. Carter signed the American Indian Religious Freedom Act and Indian Child Welfare Act. He also created 39 national parks providing federal protection for millions of acres of land.
As a humanitarian, he understood the need to protect and preserve indigenous cultures and sovereignty. As a farmer, Mr. Carter understood the need to protect and preserve our environment. As a leader he had the courage to pursue both goals.
We want to acknowledge everyone’s hard work with making the PIRA Play Day a success on November 30, 2024, and if we have missed anyone in this thank you, please accept our sincere gratitude.
Ace Hardware, Ahakhav Tribal Preserve, Bingham Equipment, CRIT Farms, CRIT Fire, CRIT HeadStart, CRIT Pow Wow Committee, Early Bird Coffee Shop, Keyah Farms, LaPiazza Pizza, Parker FFA, River Septic, Torres Farms, USA Gas, Safeway and Walmart.
Angie Naranjo, Anthony Rothacher, Beverly Hill, Bruno Carmona, Chris Hill, Erica Daniels, Fabian Castro, Fernando Lugo, Flora Geionety, Giovani Marmoleo, Joe Martinez, John Nelson, Nick Alcaida, Rae Daniels, and Samantha Humeumptewa.
The members of the Parker Indian Rodeo Association: Jimmy Alcaida, Micah Gonzales, Calvin Ray, Belinda Ray, Becky Haley, Bonnie Welty, Eben Pangan, Emmanuel Munoz, Justin (Red) Carmona, Kristian Nopah, Pam Hanson, and Todd Haley.
Lastly, the parents that brought their kids to the event. PIRA would not have had such a success without the kids! THANK YOU!
