October 15, 2025 1:31 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
October 15, 2025 1:31 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
The Colorado River Indian Tribes is receiving a $1.1 million investment from the Bureau of Reclamation to assess the Colorado River Indian Irrigation Project. The funding will help CRIT review existing infrastructure and identify necessary maintenance. It will also be used to identify potential opportunities to install new equipment and utilize updated technology.
“Irrigation systems on CRIT land need to be studied so that we can make the most efficient use of our water,” said CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores.
“This is the first step in a process to modernize an irrigation system that is essential for agriculture on CRIT lands,” said CRIT Councilmember Tommy Drennan.
“We appreciate the Colorado River Indian Tribe’s collaboration for many years on implementing its decreed water rights and the Water Resiliency Act,” said Acting Commissioner David Palumbo. “We look forward to utilizing this funding to further this partnership.” (more…)
CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores and Councilman Tommy Drennan attended the 45th Annual Colorado Law Conference on Natural Resources in Boulder, Colorado June 5th and 6th.
“It was an honor to attend this important gathering which brought together leaders, legal experts, and diverse stakeholders from across the country to address today’s most pressing issues in natural resource law and policy,” said Chairwoman Flores.
While at the conference CRIT Councilman Drennan and Chairwoman Flores met with Senior Department of Interior and Bureau of Reclamation officials to further the goals of the tribes, including finalizing a $1million grant to identify repairs needed on CRIT’s irrigation project.
CRIT’s 15th Annual Earth Day Celebration May 31 not only featured raffles, music, food, and information booths, it also provided Tribal Members the opportunity to learn about and weigh in on personhood status under Tribal Law for the Colorado River.
The event took place at the Ahakhav Preserve and ran from 8am to 11am.
CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores and Councilman Tommy Drennan were on site to provide information and answer questions about the personhood status issue under consideration by the CRIT Tribal Council.
Personhood status would mean that the Colorado River, along with its spiritual and cultural connection to CRIT, has the right to be protected under Tribal Law. It would acknowledge what members already know and believe, that the River is alive, and it is a part of every Tribal Member. It would direct current and future Tribal Councils to account for the needs of the River in decision-making as well as giving CRIT legal means to address the damage climate change is causing to the Colorado River. It would state that anyone doing business with CRIT will be required to address the needs of the Colorado River. (more…)
PARKER, AZ – May 23, 2025 – With a stadium full of proud families, friends, and community members, Parker High School honored the Class of 2025 with an unforgettable commencement ceremony at Joe Bush Stadium.
The evening began with the PHS Band performing “Pomp and Circumstance.” The PHS Choir followed with a stirring performance of the National Anthem.
The program included heartfelt speeches by Senior Class Officer Jacob Bailey, Salutatorian David Daly, and Valedictorian Maria Loudbear. Their words reflected on the challenges, growth, and milestones of the past four years, while also looking ahead with hope and determination. The ceremony also featured moving musical selections from Wicked, arranged by Jay Bocook and performed by the PHS Choir and Band.
(more…)
David Corona started his career with the Colorado River Indian Tribes on December 2, 2004 as an EMT/Firefighter with the CRIT Fire Department.
Demonstrating exceptional commitment, skill and leadership, Mr. Corona was promoted to Captain in February of 2006, a role he still holds today.
Captain Corona has dedicated all his years of service with CRIT to the Fire Department. (more…)
Terrilynn “Kitty” Little started her career with the Colorado River Indian Tribes on May 22, 1985 as a Dispatcher Matron with the Law & Order Department. In 1986, she transferred to CRIT Auto and became the Parts Manager.
In 1989, Ms. Little transferred to the CRIT Fire Department and became the Assistant Fire Chief. Her commitment and expertise led her to be appointed in 2000 as the CRIT Fire Chief. Chief Little still holds this position today. (more…)
On behalf of CRIT we would like to congratulate Yolanda Gomez for 40 years of service and dedication.
Yolanda started her career with the Colorado River Indian Tribes on August 19, 1985 as Secretary with CRIT Farms.
In May of 1991, Yolanda transferred to Accounting as Enterprise Bookkeeper, and in 2008, she received a promotion to Senior Staff Accountant. Because of her expertise and dedication, “Yoli” as she is affectionately called, has also been appointed Acting Controller during times of need.
The Tribal Council and Human Resources Department thanks you for 40+ years of continued service to the Colorado River Indian Tribes.
COLORADO RIVER INDIAN TRIBES
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
12302 KENNEDY DRIVE
PARKER, ARIZONA 85344
TELEPHONE (928) 669-6577
FAX (928) 669-8881
August 22, 2025
Notice to the Public:
The Colorado River Indian Tribes Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) has received information that Mosquito Arbovirus Surveillance was conducted on the Colorado River Indian Reservation on August 19“’ & 20“’, 2025. This surveillance was conducted by the Parker Indian Health Service Office of Environment Health and Engineering (IHS;OEH&E) in partnership with the CRIT Environmental Protection Office (EPO).
There were mosquito pools that were tested for the presence of the West Nile Virus. One sample tested Positive for the presence of the West Nile virus collected at the Poston, Arizona – 50 Homes site. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid mosquito bites by taking precautionary measures to protect you and your family from dusk to dawn.
● Use an insect repellent and reapply as directed.
● Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, covering arms and legs.
● Treat clothing and gear with repellant.
● Take steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors, drain standing water
in flower pots, bird baths, or old tires.
● Keep doors and windows shut.
Eighty percent (80%) of people infected with WNV will not show any symptoms but we are asking the public to report any symptoms that you may be experiencing after a mosquito bite that you feel could be due to the West Nile virus. Symptoms can be flu-like and can include: a fever, a headache, body aches, diarrhea, a rash, nausea and vomiting and can be mild or severe, and may last a few days to a few weeks. However, in rare cases, severe illness can occur; that might include brain infections such as meningitis or encephalitis, paralysis or even death. There is no vaccine for the WNV in the United States, and there are no specific treatments.
The 50 Homes area was treated in the early morning hours of Friday, August 22, 2025, by CRIT EPO, The Parker IHS OEH&E and CRIT EPO will continue to monitor the area as well as the surrounding areas for West Nile virus activity to reduce the mosquito population.
● If you want to report an environmental issue such as standing water, please call the CRIT Environmental Office at 928-662-4336.
For any symptoms that you may be experiencing, please contact your primary care physician or visit the Emergency Department or call the Parker Indian Health Services Public Health Nursing at 928- 669-213
● For more information on the West Nile virus, please visit this link.
You can also contact the Department of Health and Social Services at 928-669-6577, for more information
Happy Birthday to our very own Ariana Romero! She has been flourishing in the Media Department of CRIT going to all the fun events in the community, writing articles, and becoming quite the photographer! Ariana has been a great proactive reporter providing insightful ideas on what the next story should be and how we can best showcase the wonderful CRIT Community. We are lucky to have her on our team and we wish her a wonderful birthday.
Ramirez Flores has been serving as a Game Warden for the past four months, bringing a passion for the outdoors and a background in biology that inspired his career with Fish and Game. Growing up, he spent much of his time fishing alongside his father, which gave him an early appreciation for nature. His typical day includes patrolling the reservation, making sure campers and hunters have the proper permits, and helping to keep the reservation safe and clean. One of his most memorable moments on the job was responding to a call about baby falcons in need of care.
Flores and his team transported the birds to a rehabilitation facility, and seeing them survive and thrive was a rewarding experience. For Flores, being a Game Warden is more than working with animals, it’s about protecting the land and ensuring the community can enjoy it responsibly. His advice to anyone interested in joining the field is simple, follow policy. He believes it is the key to keeping both the community and the environment safe. Flores describes the work as exciting and fun, and he is proud to be part of such a strong team. As he heads to the academy alongside his fellow wardens, the community wishes him the best of luck on his journey. Also on the Fish and Game team is Sergeant Christian Handyside, who has been with the department going on one year. (more…)
