May 13, 2025 5:57 am
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
May 13, 2025 5:57 am
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) will commemorate and celebrate the 3rd annual Water Rights Day April 5th 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.
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 19th 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 19th from 8am to 4pm.
CRIT Royalty hosted an Elder Bing event on March 13th. The group wanted to be more engaged with their tribal elders and decided to hold the event during spring break. Winners were able to choose from a collection of prizes donated by CRIT Royalty and the Royalty Board Members.
CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores, Secretary Josephine Tahbo and Councilwoman Vanessa Welch attended the event.
CRIT Royalty thanks the CRIT Mo-Chem-Ho-Na senior center and everybody who was able to attend.
CRIT Royalty would also like to remind CRIT members about the upcoming Mega Throw which will be held at the Ahakhav Tribal Preserve (25401 Rodeo Dr, Parker, AZ 85344) as well as their upcoming 50/50 raffle, both of which will take place March 22nd to March 23rd.
In a powerful act of remembrance and solidarity, the Hualapai Tribe on April 5th joined the Colorado River Indian Tribes to commemorate the Trail of Tears, a dark chapter in Native American history marked by forced removals, suffering, and resilience. The event, held on the CRIT reservation near Ehrenberg, Arizona, honored the thousands of Indigenous people who endured displacement and hardship during the 19th century.
While the Trail of Tears is most commonly associated with the forced relocation of the Cherokee and other Southeastern tribes it the early 1800’s, its legacy resonates with many Native American communities, including those in the Southwest. The Hualapai, whose ancestral lands span the Grand Canyon region, have faced their own struggles with displacement and federal policies aimed at assimilation.
By participating in the commemoration, the Hualapai and CRIT Tribe’s acknowledged the intergenerational trauma caused by forced removals while celebrating the strength and perseverance of Indigenous peoples.
The collaboration between the Hualapai and CRIT tribe’s highlights the growing movement among Native nations to unite in remembrance and advocacy. CRIT, a coalition of Mohave, Chemehuevi, Hopi, and Navajo people, has also experienced the impacts of colonization and water rights disputes, making the commemoration deeply significant.
Tribal leaders emphasized the importance of preserving history and educating future generations. The commemoration also served as a call to action, addressing ongoing challenges such as land rights, water rights, and cultural preservation. By honoring the past, the Hualapai and CRIT Tribes reaffirm their commitment to protecting tribal sovereignty and fostering unity among Indigenous nations.
CRIT Tribal Council Members Tommy Drennan & Anisa Patch attended the April 5th commemoration. Hualapai Tribal Council Members who attended include Chairman Duane Clarke, Council Member Robert Bravo Jr, and Council Member Earlene Havatone.
Frank Mapatis did the opening blessing. (more…)
The Colorado River Indian Tribes Mo-Chem-Ho-Na Senior Center recently held an Easter luncheon, bringing together elders for an afternoon of delicious food, laughter, and Easter spirit.
The Center was decorated with colorful Easter themed centerpieces and spring décor as attendees were treated to a traditional Easter meal, including roast beef and carrot cake. Program Director Jimi Mae White thanked the staff and volunteers who worked to make the event a success. In addition to the meal, the celebration included Easter egg coloring and an Easter egg hunt.
Many of the elders thanked organizers for the chance to get together and celebrate ahead of the holiday.
More than 500 people attended the third annual The Colorado River Indian Tribes Water Rights Day at Manataba Park Saturday April 5th. The event included traditional performances and a water ceremony in which Colorado River water was placed into special containers representing the Mohave, Chemehuevi, Hopi and Navajo Tribes as well as a container representing CRIT. Small vials of river water were also handed out.
The day also featured a BBQ, bounce house inflatables, music, raffles, contests, and a performance from the Le Pera school band. (more…)
