News Congratulations to Audriana Mitchell 2019-2020 Miss Indian Arizona Photo courtesy of Miss Indian Arizona Association CRIT Royalty 2019-2020, L-R, Marilyn Lomayesva, Junior Miss; Nokomis Stone, Miss CRIT; Winter Harper, Little Miss Photo courtesy of CRIT Royalty Pageant CRIT Chairman Dennis Patch comments on the System Conservation Agreement with the State of Arizona August 16, 2019 August 7, 2019 (PHOENIX) The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) has been recognized by the Central Arizona Project for signing the System Conservation Agreement with the State of Arizona and its crucial role in drought relief. This took place during the August first Central Arizona Water Conservation District (CAP) regular meeting in Phoenix. NOTICE TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES OF POTENTIAL
LEGISLATION AUTHORIZING THE COLORADO RIVER INDIAN TRIBES TO MARKET ITS
COLORADO RIVER WATER ENTITLEMENT AND RELATED AGREEMENTS AND NOTICE OF
PUBLIC MEETINGS The Director of the Department will accept written public comments regarding the potential legislation and agreements. Such comments must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 8, 2021. Written comments can be mailed, hand-delivered or sent via email or fax. If mailed, written comments must be postmarked no later than Friday, January 8, 2021. Please send comments to:
Arizona Department of Water Resources
For Immediate Release Colorado River Indian Tribes
Elect Tribal Leaders (PARKER, AZ.) Voters of the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) have elected Amelia Flores as Tribal Chairwoman and five members to the Tribal Council. The vote was held December 5th. The results are unofficial until the vote is certified Monday, December 7th. In addition to the Chairman’s post, there were four open seats to serve four year terms on the Tribal Council and a single open seat to serve a two year term. Tribal members cast ballots via the mail and in
person, in an election process that carefully followed health and safety
protocols. Amelia Flores was elected Chair from a field of
five candidates. Each received the following number of votes according
to the unofficial tally.
Richard Evans 56 Johnson “JD” Fisher, Jaymee Moore, Tommy
Drennan, and Robert “Bobby” Page were elected to fill four open seats
for four-year terms on the Tribal Council from a field of 17 candidates.
Each received the following number of votes according to the unofficial
tally.
Timothy Mariscal 74 Josephine Tahbo was elected to fill a two-year
term on the Tribal Council from a field of five candidates. Each
received the following number of votes according to the unofficial
tally. Jermaine “Boyda” Fisher 247 The Tribal Council will hold a special
meeting on Monday December 7th at 9:00 am to make the
vote official.
The recent spike in
COVID-19 cases has made it necessary for the Colorado River Indian
Tribes to cancel both the 2021 BlueWater Resort Pre-Fun Run, scheduled
for January 8th through the 10th, and the Parker 425, which was
scheduled for January 13th through the 16th. CRIT has notified racing organizers of its decision. The influx of thousands of
racing spectators would drastically increase the number of COVID-19
cases on the CRIT Reservation when the pandemic is already reaching
alarming numbers. As the races are held on Tribal land, CRIT can cancel such events under Tribal sovereignty. Indian Health Services has reported 141 new
cases between December 1st and the 27th. The statistics are expected to
escalate as recent reports continue to come in. Overall, La Paz County has
reported 473 cases between December 1st and December 29th, from 874
cases to 1347 cases. This includes a handful of delayed cases reported
from November. On December 24th, CRIT re-instated the
previously approved “Stay at Home Order,” also known as resolution
54-20. That order will remain in effect until at least January 31st. Provisions of the Stay at Home order Include:
Chairman Dennis Patch stated, “We must take
this pandemic seriously and place the health of our Tribal members front
and center. It would be reckless and irresponsible to permit these races
to occur when COVID-19 continues to pose such an immense threat. Through
common sense and cooperation, we can all turn the tide of this most
recent surge. These races have been a thrilling source of recreation in
the past, and we hope for their return in the future once the pandemic
has passed. Thanks to everyone for their cooperation and understanding.”
The Tribal Council has approved a $150
Thanksgiving food stimulus payment to be sent to all tribal members who
are the age of 18 and over as of November 1, 2020. They are being
processed and will be in the mail soon. This payment does not replace the normal
distribution checks coming out soon. If you have changed your address or
moved, please ensure your mailing address is updated with the Enrollment
Office to receive both checks. We understand that Thanksgiving is time for
families to come together but ask that you use caution during this
holiday time as Covid numbers start to rise again. Continue to be smart
in your visits and use social distancing. Wear your mask and wash your
hands. If you don’t need to
be out anywhere, continue to stay at home.
Stay Safe everyone
and have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!
Telephone (928) 669-6577
• Fax (928) 669-8881
12302 Kennedy Drive •
Colorado River Indian Reservation •Parker, Arizona 85344
The T
Federal Grant Award to Local Tribe Helps Measure Water Deliveries (PARKER, AZ.) Today, the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) announced they will receive a $250,000 federal grant from the Department of the Interior. This award was made possible only after the tribe, Arizona Senator Martha McSally, and Rep. Raul Grijalva championed a fix to federal law permit tribes to accept WaterSMART grants and protect their tribal water rights for future development. Previously tribes were required to relinquish the conserved part of their water rights when accepting federal funding. Venomous Snake Training & Handling Course July 15, 2019 The Fish and Game Department is has posted a course on venomous snakes. For more information follow the link above. Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) 2019 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/crit-eopcoop-planning-and-water-main-after-action-review-tickets-63292350123 If you have any questions please contact Tina Evans at TinaM.Evans@crit-nsn.gov or call (928) 575-1635. PRESS RELEASE
CRIT HOMELAND SECURITY OFFICE
The CRIT Multi-Hazard Mitigation DRAFT Plan Flyer to the Public CRIT Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update December 2018 Region IX Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plan Review Tool Secretary of the Interior designated Poston Elementary School, Unit 1; Colorado River Relocation, a National Historic Landmark October 17, 2012
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced the
designation of new National Historic Landmarks in sixteen different states,
including a site associated with the internment of Japanese American citizens
during World War II as well as the site of a
government-sponsored “greenbelt” community built during the Great Depression.
Genesis Solar Energy Project
March 19, 2012 Updated April 5, 2012 The Genesis Solar Energy Project site is located approximately 30 miles west of the Colorado River Indian Reservation adjacent to Dry Ford Lake, an ancient lake bed that was used by tribes in the area and within CRIT's tradtional ancestral homeland. Approximately 1,700 acres in this area will be bulldozed and graded, covered with mirrors, troughs, towers, and turbines are planned for the site. Topock Compressor Station Ground Water Remediation Project March 19, 2012 On April 14, 2011, the Tribal Council for the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) provided the following statement of its position regarding the Topock Compressor Station Ground Water Remediation Project: CRIT Position on Arizona Medicaid Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver January 24, 2012 Position of the Colorado River Indian Tribes in Regard to the Issuance of a Waiver of Changes Affecting American Indians as a Result of the Approval of the Arizona Medicaid Demonstration Project Waiver March 14, 2012 Wildfire Consumes 96 Acres June 10, 2010 CRIT evicts Blythe Boat Club May 27, 2011 On Tuesday, May 17, 2011 the Club after negotiations with the long-standing tenant broke down; forcing the Tribes on May 25th to remove the club, which was operating without a valid lease, from Tribal lands. CRIT Police Department Announces Holiday DUI Checkpoint May 26, 2011 Parker, AZ---
The Colorado River Indian Tribes Police Department will be out in Colorado River Indian Tribes Police Department would like
wish everyone a happy CONTACT: The Office of Communications and Public Relations,
Construction of New CRIT JDC Facility to Commence Soon March 2, 2011 In
September 2009, the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) was awarded a Federal
grant under the If you are a Native American who was denied a farm loan or loan servicing by the USDA, you could be eligible to receive benefits from a Class Action Settlement February 9, 2011 Click here for more information CRIT Law Enforcement Cadet Graduates Top In Class November 02, 2010 Obituary - Clifton Michael Welsh September 15, 2010 Open letter to the Residents of Water Wheel Resort August 20, 2010 Statement Regarding the Impoundment of a Trailer from Lot 20 of the Twin Palms/Wind River Subdivision July 23, 2010 Westbank Homeowners Association July 21, 2010
9th Annual Colorado River Indian Tribes Fall Gathering November 21, 2009
Parker Annual All-Indian Rodeo November 5, 2009
A message from Chairman Enas on the recent Water Wheel legal decision October 14, 2009
CRIT Scores Significant Legal Victory in Water Wheel Case September 28, 2009 U.S. District Court Upholds Decision Against Water Wheel, Inc., Including Multi-Million
CRIT works to address fires affecting area August 26, 2009 Offer reward for information on hay fires, other incidents causing damages
New Walmart center opens doors August 26, 2009 Store will create revenue, jobs, shopping opportunities for area
CRIT, County form partnership to fight drugs August 26, 2009 New agreement centered around drug trafficking and other related offenses
Council focused on budget and accountability June 11, 2009 The CRIT Tribal Council has taken a proactive approach in the administration and
Beloved elder Tom Claw passes away June 11, 2009 Former Navajo Code Talker, 87, was one of Tribes most respected figures
New name picked for Wal-Mart center April 10, 2009 River Peoples Plaza selected to be name for under-construction project.
Laffoon Rejoins Tribal Council After Special Election Victory February 24, 2009 Herman TJ Laffoon has reclaimed a seat on the CRIT Tribal Council by winning a special
New CRIT Tribal Council assumes duties February 3, 2009 Scott voted new Tribal Secretary and Welsh assumes Tribal Treasurer spot.
Special election scheduled to fill last seat February 3, 2009 Eight candidates have been verified for the ballot to fill a vacant seat on the CRIT Tribal
Information on CRIT vs. NIGC Ruling
CRIT Elects New Chairman, Vice Chairman, Four Councilmembers December 22, 2008 Eldred Enas was elected as the new Chairman of the Colorado River Indian Tribes
CRIT Tribal Council Passes Domestic & Family Violence Code December 15, 2008 Changes to take effect on February 1, 2009.
Tribal Council elections to be held Dec. 6 October 20, 2008
Four Council seats up for public vote; candidate petitions due by Nov. 2 Wal-Mart breaks ground on center October 17, 2008
Construction beginning with estimated timeline of one year; opening late '09 Vacancies open on CRIT Boards, Committees, and Commissions October 13, 2008
Per action of the Tribal Council, April 12, 2008, advertisement is to begin each October
Notice for Public Comments on Proposed Domestic and Family Violence Code
A Public Hearing will be held on Monday November 10, 2007, 10 a.m in Council Chambers for public feedback U.S. Department of Justice confirms CRIT's reservation boundary in California; West Bank Homeowners Association members and other property leasees must have leases and must pay rent June 19, 2008
The U.S. Department of Justice has once again confirmed the Federal Government's long-standing
Trial Court Finds In Favor of CRIT in Water Wheel Case; Orders Eviction, Damages of Nearly $2 Million For Lease Violation Along Colorado River June 17, 2008
The Colorado River Indian Tribes’ Trial Court last week ordered that Water Wheel Camp
CALL FOR DESIGN ENTRIES
CRIT Library/Archives are seeking a design to be used as the logo for the CRIT Library/Archives
CRIT member dies in action in Afghanistan
CRIT lost one of its young people in May as a tribal member serving in Afghanistan
was killed in action. Pfc. Ara Tyler Deysie, 18, died on May 9 in a grenade attack in
Afghanistan’s Paktia province. A member of the Army’s 101st Airborne Division, he
was one of several soldiers who lost their lives from the 101st that week in Afghanistan.
CRIT allocates more than $43K to projects
CRIT has allocated more than $43,000 from its Tribal gaming contribution to community
CRIT denounces California land-grab effort
A group of non-Tribal members leasing land from CRIT have formed a group with
Wal-Mart signs lease, sends first payment to CRIT
Wal-Mart has signed a lease with CRIT to build its new store in Parker, and has sent the first lease payment to the Tribes. The signing was a final step in the long process to bring the store to the community and to begin to develop a new shopping center across from the Safeway Center on Highway 95.
Free tax preparation offered for members
Tax help could lead to reductions in amount of tax owed, tax refunds
Planning nears completion for new Wal-Mart
Construction of new shopping center in Parker could begin in mid-2008 CRIT member celebrates World Series victory
Ellsbury’s insertion into lineup helps Red Sox turn tide, win championship.
BlueWater remodeling drawing to a close
Most construction will be finished in December with many improvements.
Fall Gathering November 17th 2007
It's time once again for the Colorado River Indian Tribes Annual Fall Gathering. All the tribes will come together to dance, meet new friends and share traditions, culture and just have fun.
Statement from CRIT Chairman Daniel Eddy Jr. on the Failure of Proposed Recall Effort
I was gratified, but not surprised, to learn that a sweeping recall effort against the entire Tribal Council had died for apparent lack of interest and support...
Tribes pitch in to help Salome, Quartzsite, build new facilities
Revenue from the BlueWater Resort and Casino is not just helping the Colorado River Indian Tribes, it is also strengthening and improving other neighboring communities.
Tribes move to evict mobile home park manager after years of unpaid rend, residents to be unaffected
The Colorado River Indian Tribes have moved to evict the manager and lease holder of the Water Wheel Camp Recreation Area, a mobile home park on tribal land in California.
CRIT Names Armstrong New Chief of Police
First Goal: More Officers, Proactive Policing
CRIT Tribal Secretary Defends Gaming Victory Before Senate Committee
Comparing the idea to using an elephant gun to hunt a flea, CRIT Tribal Secretary Valerie Welsh-Tahbo recently joined tribal leaders from around the nation in testimony before Congress to speak out against draft legislation that would increase federal oversight of Indian Casinos and infringe on tribal sovereignty.
Native American Indian Days coming in October
The Native American Indian Days Celebration Committee has announced the theme of “Rediscovering Traditions, Preservation on our Reservation” for the 35th annual celebration scheduled October 1-6, 2007.
BlueWater Celebrates 8th Anniversary
Invites public to join June celebration, including culture, gaming and music.
Education Department works to start Tribal school
Would begin with Kindergarten and 1st Grade; eventually will add more levels
CRIT Tourism Office has Moved
Enas wins Vice Chairmanship and new faces join Tribal Council
Vice Chairman, Council seats to be decided
Three run for Vice Chairman, 16 for three council seats in December 2 vote
CRIT's legal win in gaming case upheld by court
Appeals court reaffirms sovereignty over inappropriate federal regulation
Tribal Council elections to be held Dec. 2
Four Council seats up for public vote; candidate petitions due by Nov. 2
BIA neglect causing crisis in juvenile detention for tribes throughout Arizona
There is a crisis in Indian Country, but amazingly, no one with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) seems to care.
Colorado River Indian Tribes Education Department and Parker Unified School District
Parker Native Students Get Shakespeare Opportunity
Drug testing of employees about to begin...
Tribal Council already tested; other offices will follow in coming weeks.
CRIT Athletes Strike Gold at North American Indigenous Games
Fifteen CRIT girls and girls from two other tribes played for Team AZ in this year’s North American Indigenous Games 2006 in Denver, Colorado. Photo gallery also included.
Tribal tax code generating needed revenue...
CRIT juvenile justice efforts receive $1.6 million boost in first year alone.
New facility to help with health...
CRIT members are about to have a significant new resource available to them to improve their overall health and fight diabetes and other diseases.
Businesses disrespect our people...
Recently, California State Assemblyman Bill Maze and Mayor Sam Heeringa of Parker raised questions about CRIT's status in California. However, those questions are easily addressed.
Tribal efforts to fight meth use continue...
CRIT's efforts to curb meth use on the reservation have received a couple of significant boosts.
La Paz Regional Hospital Gets $50,000 From CRIT
The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) presented the La Paz Regional Hospital with a $50,000 check from funds generated by the BlueWater Resort & Casino.
Senator Kyl to Host Service Academies Conference 2006
All Arizona students, parents and faculty are welcome to attend. Admissions officers will describe the unique academic, career and military opportunities of the service academies. Congressional staff will explain the required Congressional application and nomination process.
Senator Kyl visits CRIT, meets with council...
U.S. Senator Jon Kyl visited the CRIT reservation in late December and met with the Tribal Council about important issues facing CRIT members.
CRIT gets grant for produce cooler...
On December 20, the federal Department of Commerce awarded the EDA Public Works Grant to the Colorado River Indian Tribes.
2005: It was a very good year...
From economic development to legal issues to the return of lands taken 90 years ago, 2005 was a year of victories for CRIT and its people. It was a year that will be remembered by many Tribal members as one where new opportunities surfaced for the Tribes, and a year when many long-time battles were resolved in CRIT's favor.
Site plan considered for Wal-Mart center...
The CRIT Tribal Council will soon be considering a preliminary site plan for the new Wal-Mart Shopping Center being built across from the Safeway Plaza in Parker. The project would provide new convenience for Tribal members and millions in new tax revenue for critical Tribal services.
CRIT Demands Retraction of Misstatements by Johnson Thompson LLP
An “Indian” law firm with offices in Nebraska and Montana has sent out a newsletter which completely misstates the holding in CRIT v. NIGC and incorrectly states that CRIT has refused to provide financial documents to the NIGC. Click here to review the CRIT response to the offending newsletter. (PDF Format)
CRIT Response to Senator John McCain
As the Chairman of the Tribal Council of the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT), I am writing in the hope of clarifying some of the points and statements made during the September 21, 2005 oversight hearing of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee on the regulation of Indian gaming. To that end, we would ask that this letter be made part of the official record of that hearing. Read More
Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano's Letter to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (PDF Format)
Colorado River Indian Tribes respond to Gaming Magazine's Article
I write in response to your September 23 article on Senator McCain's reaction to the federal court's ruling on the authority of the National Indian Gaming Commission. As the plaintiff in this case, we want to thank you for covering the issue but need to set the record straight on several factual errors that unfortunately appeared in the article. Read More
Fall Gathering coming in November
Native American Days Celebration Coming September 29th through October 1st
Federal Judge Rules National Indian Gaming Commission Exceeded Its Authority, Improperly Regulated Tribes
It's been a good month for the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT). In early August President Bush signed a bill passed by Congress to right a historic injustice and return over 15,000 acres near Interstate 10 to CRIT. And just last week a federal judge sided with CRIT in ruling that the federal National Indian Gaming Commission overstepped its statutory authority in imposing standards on Class III gaming activities conducted by tribes. Read More
It's Official — La Paz Lands Returned to CRIT
A struggle that has lasted for almost a century is now over. The La Paz Lands, a massive tract of land off Interstate 10 south of the current reservation, has been restored to the Tribes thanks to a measure passed by the United States Congress and signed a few days ago by President Bush. Read More
CRIT Tribal member excels in College World Series; drafted by Boston Red Sox
CRIT Tribal member Jacoby McCabe Ellsbury and his Oregon State University team won the Super Regional of the College World Series against the University of Southern California, and have advanced to the NCAA World Series in Omaha, Nebraska from June 17-27. Read More
Blythe OKs California casino deal...
On May 10th, the Blythe City Council approved a Municipal Services Agreement (MSA) with CRIT on a new gaming facility in the California community. Read More
Fire restrictions likely to continue...
CRIT has been forced to close significant portions of the reservation to the general public because of fire danger, and fire officials expect the closures to last throughout the summer. Read More
CRIT Closes Portions of Reservation Because of Fire Danger
Media Asked To Assist Regarding Notice of Closures Including Large Portions of Land Along Colorado River; Fires Already Taking Their Toll on CRIT Lands, Access To Blue Water Resort & Casino, Related Activities Not Affected Read More
Final votes may come soon on La Paz Lands
After years of work, final votes may be near in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate on the return of the 16,000-acre La Paz Lands to CRIT. A delegation from CRIT including Tribal Councilmembers Sylvia Homer, Ray Aspa and Valerie Welsh-Tahbo travelled to Washington in late February to meet with key congressional staff members and Congressmen. Read More
CRIT Launches Comprehensive Tribal Web Site
The Colorado River Indian Tribes have launched a comprehensive web site to provide information to Tribal members, tourists and those interested in doing business with the Tribes. It is the latest in a string of tribal initiatives to improve communications as well as the life of members. Read More
Tribal Election results favor incumbents, former councilman...
The only change in the Tribal Council after the December 4th elections is the return of a familiar face. Fernando “Bo” Flores, a former Tribal Council member, was returned to the council by voters after a two-year absence. Read More
City of Blythe Approves MOU with CRIT for negotiations on new gaming facility...
The City of Blythe, California in late November voted to approve a Memorandum of Understanding with the Colorado River Indian Tribes to negotiate an agreement to construct a new gaming facility in or near the community. Read More |
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