November 10, 2025 7:06 am
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
November 10, 2025 7:06 am
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
These lessons can save lives. On June 24, 2025, a CPR certification class was hosted by the CRIT Education Development & Training (ED&T) Department.
The training took place at the CRIT Fire Department and was led by Assistant Fire Chief Robert Esquerra and Captain David Corona.
The students—participants in the ED&T Summer Youth Program—started off watching and instructional CPR video, then practiced hands-on chest compressions and rescue techniques using CPR manikins.
Students such as Leo Scott Jr. and Renzo Tahbo gave it their all, practicing compressions with focus and determination. Meanwhile, Kayle Drennan carefully listened for signs of life, showing just how seriously these students took the training.
The CRIT Education Department honored students who achieved Honor Roll and Principals Honor Roll throughout the 2024-2025 academic year at its 42nd annual Education Awards Banquet at the Blue Water Resort & Casino Showroom.
The event recognized academic excellence among CRIT students from Kindergarten through 12th grade, as well as college students and adult learners completing certificates courses.
The Showroom was decorated with balloon arches, fresh floral centerpieces, and twinkling lights.
Guests were treated to a dinner catered by Emerson’s Frybread. Students competed for raffle prizes. Each honored student received a personalized plaque and a Walmart gift card in recognition of their hard work and dedication.
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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.
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On August 25, 2025, Senior DOI officials including, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Water and Science, Scott Cameron, and Acting Commissioner of Reclamation David Palumbo, made a significant visit the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) Reservation. He was welcomed by Chairwoman Amelia Flores, Tribal Secretary Josephine Tahbo, Treasurer Anisa Patch, and Council members Bill Beeson, Tommy Drennan, Raeanne Patch, and Tracey Quillen.
Cameron and Palumbo were guided through the reservation by Realty Director Herman Laffoon and Water Resource Director Dillon Esquerra. The tour highlighted the importance of CRIT’s lands and waters, beginning at Headgate Rock Dam and extending across the valley’s farmlands and irrigation canals. Along the way, they were shown the green, thriving fields sustained by the Colorado River, offering a firsthand look at the deep connection between the river and the Tribe’s lifeways.
The visit reinforces the critical role CRIT plays in the stewardship of the Colorado River. By showcasing the Tribe’s sustainable use of the river, CRIT emphasized the importance of protecting this vital resource, building trust, and strengthening government-to-government relationships. The tour also provided a space to discuss CRIT’s rights, responsibilities, and ongoing efforts to conserve, restore, and manage the river system for future generations.
Councilman Tommy Drennan shared that CRIT’s presence in conversations about water is vital and that highlighting these efforts ensures the Tribe remains a central part of shaping the river’s future. “I hope the presence of CRIT is always a part of the solution,” said Drennan. (more…)
The Ten Tribes Partnership (TTP) is seeking a lead contractor. This contractor position is supported by the Colorado River Sustainability Campaign, a fiscally sponsored project of the New Venture Fund.
The TTP was formed in 1992 and is a coalition of ten federally recognized Upper and Lower Basin Tribes that hold water rights in the Colorado River Basin. The member Tribes are: Chemehuevi Indian Tribe, Cocopah Indian Tribe, Colorado River Indian Tribes, Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, Jicarilla Apache Nation, Navajo Nation, Quechan Indian Tribe, Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Indian Tribe, and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.
The goal of the TTP is to increase the influence of Tribes in Colorado River management and provide support for the protection and use of Tribal water resources. The Colorado River Basin is suffering from extended drought, and the impact of climate change is palpable. TTP is committed to developing a new management framework that uplifts tribal priorities ahead of the 2026 expiration of the 2007 Interim Guidelines. TTP has determined this to be a critical time to hire a Lead Contractor to coordinate its efforts.
Since May 2024, Bryan Enas has been managing the CRIT Food Distribution Program. With nearly 20 years of experience working in warehouses and grocery stores, Bryan has learned the
ins and outs of produce and supervision. Those skills now help him run a program that makes a big difference for families in our community.
The Food Distribution Program is here to support individuals and families who may be lowincome, on social security, students, or just going through a tough time. This program is
available for both tribal and non-tribal members who live on the CRIT Reservation (this also extends to those who live off reservation within a 25 mile radius but you must have at least 1
person in your household who is a CRIT Tribal Member). Everything is confidential, and the goal is to make healthy food more accessible for everyone.
The program offers a variety of items each month such as, fresh fruits and vegetables, pantry staples, meats, dairy, grains, and more. Families can come by and pick up a pre-packed box, or
if transportation is an issue, deliveries can be arranged. For Bryan, this work is personal. “My home is here, my family is here and it’s a blessing to come back and be able to help the community,” he said. Looking ahead, he hopes to add a greenhouse to keep fresh produce growing year-round. If you think you or someone you know might qualify, the program is worth checking out. Applications are simple, and staff are always happy to help walk you through the process.
The CRIT Food Distribution Program is more than just food—it’s about making sure our families are supported, cared for, and never left behind. We highly encourage you to take advantage of this program – follow the link below to download the application to see if you qualify.
CRIT FDP APPLICATION & REQUIREMENTS PDF FY.24-25 (1)
CRIT Food Distribution Program is located at:
13951 2nd Avenue & Mohave Road, Parker, AZ
Phone: (928) 575-1191
Article written by CRIT Media Reporter Ariana Romero
Photography by CRIT Media Tech Naythen T. Lowe
