July 19, 2025 11:25 am
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
July 19, 2025 11:25 am
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
The CRIT Head Start dance was alive with rhythm and excitement as young dancers from the CRIT Head Start program took to the dance floor on April 25th.
The CRIT Head Start program focuses on fostering creativity and physical activity in young learners, incorporating dance as a way to build confidence, coordination and teamwork. The School dance included a photo booth as well a pizza made by the CRIT Head Start Staff.
“It’s amazing to see how much these kids have grown,” said CRIT Head Start Director Caroline Alcaida. “Dance isn’t just about movement it’s about expression, and tonight they truly shined.”
Parents praised the event for giving their children a chance to showcase their skills in a supportive environment. Blake School, known for its community engagement, provided the perfect venue for the celebration.
CRIT Head start would like to thank everyone who helped set up and volunteered their time for the event.
The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) celebrated with their elders in style at the annual Easter Elders Luncheon, held in the Bluewater Resort & Casino’s showroom. The event brought together tribal elders, leaders, and community members.
The luncheon served as an opportunity to honor the elders’ lifelong contributions to preserving CRIT’s culture, traditions, and values. Tribal leaders took time to express their deep appreciation, reminding everyone of the elders’ vital role in guiding the community forward.
This year’s gathering also featured special activities, CRIT Royalty, a prayer blessing, and gifts.
The Easter Elders Luncheon is an annual tradition, reinforcing the bonds between generations. CRIT extends its deepest thanks to all who helped organize, volunteer, and support this special day. The Parker Church of the Nazarene church choir sang at the event.
Departments in attendance included CRIT Behavioral Health, CRIT Food Distribution, Parker Walk in Clinic, CRIT Special Diabetes Program, Indian Health Services, and CRIT Human Resources.
Council members in attendance included Chairwoman Amelia Flores, Council Members Vanessa Welch, Anisa Patch, Raeanne Patch, and Tommy Drennan.
Luther Lee, Tribal Engagement Director for U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), visited the Colorado River Indian Tribes April 17th to discuss key issues affecting tribal communities, such as water rights, as well as its history, its culture, and ongoing engagement.
Lee’s visit was intended to underscore Senator Kelly’s commitment to strengthening government-to-government relationships with tribal nations. Lee met with tribal leaders to hear concerns about Colorado River water allocations, infrastructure needs including Joint Venture, and opportunities for sustainable growth.
The Colorado River Indian Tribes Human Resources Department held the annual Administrative Professionals’ Day in the Bluewater Casino in the Showroom on April 23rd.
Administrative Professionals’ Day recognizes the hardworking individuals who keep businesses running smoothly. The Colorado River Indian Tribes administrative professionals play a vital role in ensuring efficiency, organization, and seamless operations across all departments.
As CRIT continues to grow, the role of administrative professionals remains crucial.
The event included prize giveaways, bingo and a photo booth.
On a more somber note, there was a moment of silence to honor one of CRIT’s administrative professionals and beloved friend.
Several members of the Tribal Council offered some words of encouragement and thanks.
The community came together for a day of fun and fundraising at Crit Royalty’s Easter Cake Walk event held at Manataba Park on April 18th. Families, friends, and supporters enjoyed music, games, and treats while raising money for a great cause.
The highlight of the event was the cake walk where contestants competed for a chance to win homemade cakes and desserts donated by the CRIT Royalty Committee and local bakers.
To learn more about Crit Royalty’s mission and upcoming events, visit their social media page @CRITroyalty on Facebook.
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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.
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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 Wednesday, May 22, 2025, Parker Alternative School held its graduation ceremony for the class of 2025. The commencement took place at the Parker Learning Center, located at the Arizona Western College.
The ceremony began with a welcome from Center Director Lesley Brown who greeted family and friends gathered to celebrate the 22 students receiving their diplomas. Joining Ms. Brown were the Instructional Support staff members Elijah Fisher and Heaven Humphrey.
Speakers at the event included Danika Esquerra, who delivered the senior speech. Mr. Fisher, presented the Academic Excellence Award, which is based on high motivation, integrity, intellectual depth, leadership qualities and exceptional judgment. The recipients of this award were Ralph Miller Jr., Christopher Welch and Danai Ameelyenah. The award for Academic Achievement was presented by Ms. Humphrey. This award recognized students for their outstanding educational growth, improvement, commitment, and intellectuel development. The recipients of this award were Leora Jimenez and Keaton Dunlap. Ms. Brown then presented this year’s Citizenship Award, given to one student who exhibits exceptional behavior, is ready to help others, and treats everyone with respect. This year’s recipient was Sofia Rodriguez.
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