April 2, 2026 11:34 am
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
April 2, 2026 11:34 am
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
Notice to Contractors: The Colorado River Indian Tribes has issued Addendum 1 for the CPUC Broadband Deployment Phase I Request for Proposals for the construction of outside plant fiber optic infrastructure. This addendum includes answers to questions discussed during the March 17 pre-bid meeting, along with revisions to the construction specifications. Proposers are required to acknowledge receipt of Addendum 1 in the cover letter of their proposal.
Click the link for details
The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) is requesting proposals from qualified contractors for the renovation of a building located at 1405 S. Joshua Ave. in Parker, Arizona, which will serve as the future CRIT Broadband Operations Facility. The project will convert the existing structure into a secure, fully functional center to support CRIT’s expanding broadband network.
A pre-proposal site visit will take place on March 18, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the project location. Proposals are due by April 7, 2026 at 2:00 PM (Arizona Time).
Follow the link below for details.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL-Broadband building (002)
According to the Arizona Capitol Times, city officials across Arizona are warning that a proposed tax freeze could put future water infrastructure projects at risk. Local leaders say limiting revenue could reduce their ability to fund essential projects like water treatment, storage, and delivery systems.
As Arizona faces increasing pressure from Colorado River shortages, investment in infrastructure is becoming more critical. Officials argue that without reliable funding, communities may struggle to prepare for long-term water challenges.
For CRIT, water infrastructure funding is directly tied to how water is managed and delivered. Decisions that limit investment could impact the reliability and sustainability of water systems across the region.
According to AZPM News, ongoing Colorado River negotiations remain stalled, raising concerns about potential cuts to the Central Arizona Project (CAP). CAP supplies Colorado River water to central and southern Arizona, and reductions could affect cities, agriculture, and economic development.
With no agreement in place, federal intervention is becoming more likely as officials work to establish post-2026 operating rules. The uncertainty continues to create concern across Arizona as water users prepare for possible shortages.
For CRIT, CAP reductions reflect broader challenges in how Colorado River water is allocated, making these negotiations critical for understanding future impacts to Tribal water rights and regional water access.
According to the Arizona Republic, Tribal leaders are calling for greater input and influence in federal drought planning for the Colorado River. Tribes argue that as sovereign nations with significant water rights, they must have a stronger role in shaping decisions about how water shortages are managed.
The push comes as federal agencies work to develop new guidelines for the river, with Tribal Nations seeking a more active seat at the table. Leaders emphasize that their rights and interests must be fully considered in future plans.
For CRIT, this is especially important because it highlights the need for Tribal representation in decisions that directly affect water rights, allocation, and long-term management of the Colorado River.
According to the Lake Havasu News Herald, Arizona is approaching a critical moment in its water future as Colorado River supplies continue to decline and demand increases. Officials warn that the state must prepare for long-term shortages and make difficult decisions about water use.
The report highlights growing concern about how Arizona will balance population growth, agriculture, and limited water resources. Planning efforts are becoming more urgent as conditions worsen across the basin. (more…)
According to AZPM PBS, potential Colorado River cuts could significantly impact Tucson’s water supply, even though the city has built a more diversified system that includes groundwater and stored Colorado River water. Officials say Tucson is better prepared than some areas, but continued reductions would still require careful management and conservation efforts.
The report highlights how different regions across Arizona will experience the effects of Colorado River shortages in different ways, depending on their water sources and infrastructure. Even with preparation, long-term cuts could still place pressure on supplies.
For CRIT, this shows how deeply communities across Arizona rely on the Colorado River and how future reductions could reshape water use and planning throughout the state.
According to AZPM PBS, negotiations over the Colorado River have stalled, and significant cuts to the Central Arizona Project (CAP) are becoming more likely. CAP delivers Colorado River water to central and southern Arizona, and reductions could impact cities, agriculture, and industries.
With no agreement in place, federal officials may step in to determine how shortages are handled moving forward. The situation reflects ongoing disagreements between basin states over how to share limited water supplies.
For CRIT, CAP reductions are important because they are tied directly to how Colorado River water is allocated and managed, which can influence broader decisions affecting Tribal water rights.
According to the Office of the Arizona Governor, Governor Katie Hobbs has appointed new experts to the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority to help guide Arizona through ongoing water challenges. The authority plays a key role in funding water projects and supporting long-term supply strategies.
The appointments come at a critical time as Arizona faces increasing pressure from Colorado River shortages and the need for infrastructure investment. Officials say strengthening leadership will help improve planning and response efforts.
For CRIT, water infrastructure decisions are closely tied to how water is stored, delivered, and managed, making these leadership roles important for shaping future water policy across the state.
According to Fox 10 Phoenix, record spring heat is already impacting water conditions across the West, accelerating snowmelt and reducing the amount of water that reaches rivers like the Colorado River. Early melting can lead to less efficient water storage and increased evaporation.
Experts warn that these conditions could worsen water shortages as less runoff reaches key reservoirs. The changing climate is making water supply more unpredictable and harder to manage.
For CRIT, reduced runoff into the Colorado River system directly affects water availability and reinforces the need for careful management and protection of water resources.
According to CBS 5 Arizona’s Family, Governor Hobbs is seeking support from national business leaders in Washington, D.C. as Colorado River cuts become more likely. The effort aims to strengthen Arizona’s position in negotiations and highlight the economic risks tied to water shortages.
State leaders are working to build broader coalitions as water issues increasingly intersect with economic and political concerns. The approach reflects how water negotiations now involve multiple sectors beyond government.
For CRIT, expanding influence in water discussions can shape how decisions are made about Colorado River allocations, which ultimately affect Tribal communities and water rights.
According to KUNC Northern Colorado Public Radio, Colorado River negotiations are continuing with a focus on short-term or “stopgap” measures as conditions worsen. With long-term agreements still unresolved, officials are considering temporary solutions to manage shortages.
The report notes that declining snowpack and worsening hydrology are increasing urgency, making it more difficult for states to reach consensus. Short-term actions may be necessary while broader negotiations continue.
For CRIT, stopgap measures could directly influence how water is managed in the near term, affecting river operations and allocation decisions that impact Tribal water access.
According to The Conversation, Colorado River negotiations have stalled due to ongoing disagreements between Upper and Lower Basin states over how to share water shortages. Experts say future progress may depend on compromise and a clearer framework for dividing reductions.
The article explains that differences in water use, legal interpretations, and priorities have made it difficult to reach agreement. However, there is still potential for negotiations to resume and produce a workable solution.
For CRIT, understanding why negotiations stall is important because these discussions shape the policies and agreements that determine how water is shared across the basin, including Tribal water rights.
According to Newsweek, Lake Powell is facing worsening conditions as heat waves and low snowpack reduce expected water levels. Forecasts show that inflows into the reservoir may be lower than anticipated, adding pressure to an already strained system.
Lower water levels could impact hydropower production and reduce the system’s ability to store and release water efficiently. Officials are closely monitoring conditions as the situation develops.
For CRIT, Lake Powell is a key part of the Colorado River system, and declining levels can influence how water is managed downstream, affecting availability and long-term planning.
Sources
By Ariana Romero
CRIT Media Reporter
According to ASU News, recent snow surveys conducted by Arizona State University and the Salt River Project show that much of Arizona’s headwater snowpack has melted within just a few weeks. Warmer temperatures caused snow to melt earlier than expected, reducing the amount of water that can slowly feed rivers over time.
This rapid melt limits how much water reaches streams and reservoirs later in the season, making water supplies less reliable. Snowpack typically acts as a natural storage system, and when it disappears too quickly, more water is lost to evaporation or runoff that cannot be captured.
For CRIT, reduced and fast-melting snowpack directly impacts the Colorado River system, affecting how much water ultimately flows downstream and influencing long-term water availability.
According to Fox 10 Phoenix, Arizona is considering a potential agreement to purchase water from California as Colorado River tensions continue. State officials are exploring alternative ways to secure water supplies as negotiations over river allocations remain uncertain.
The idea reflects growing pressure on Arizona to find additional water sources as shortages become more likely. Any agreement would depend on legal, financial, and logistical factors, but it highlights how states are looking beyond traditional allocations.
For CRIT, interstate water deals could influence how Colorado River water is shared and managed, making it important to monitor how these agreements may affect overall allocation and Tribal water interests.
According to Courthouse News Service, a large agricultural company is seeking to pause a public nuisance lawsuit related to groundwater use in Arizona. The case centers on concerns that excessive groundwater pumping may be harming nearby communities and water supplies.
The lawsuit reflects ongoing tensions over groundwater regulation in Arizona, particularly in areas without strong oversight. Water use by large-scale agriculture continues to be a major issue as demand increases and supplies become more limited.
For CRIT, groundwater disputes are closely tied to the broader conversation about water management and protection, especially as pressure on Colorado River supplies pushes greater reliance on groundwater sources.
According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Lake Powell is heading toward potentially record-low levels as Colorado River states remain deadlocked in negotiations. Experts warn that declining inflows and ongoing drought conditions are pushing the reservoir closer to critical thresholds.
Low water levels at Lake Powell can impact hydropower generation and reduce the system’s ability to manage water deliveries across the basin. The lack of agreement between states is increasing uncertainty about how the situation will be addressed.
For CRIT, Lake Powell is a key part of the Colorado River system, and declining levels can affect how water is released downstream, influencing water availability and management decisions that impact Tribal communities.
According to CBS News, Denver Water has implemented mandatory restrictions limiting outdoor watering to just two days per week due to ongoing drought conditions. Officials say the restrictions are necessary to conserve water as supplies remain below normal.
Water providers across the West are taking similar steps as drought and low snowpack continue to strain resources. Conservation measures are becoming more common as utilities try to manage limited supplies.
For CRIT, increasing restrictions across the basin show how widespread water shortages have become, reinforcing the importance of careful management and protection of Colorado River water resources.
Sources
Ariana Romero
CRIT Media Reporter
According to the Arizona Capitol Times, cracks are beginning to show in Arizona’s previously unified position on Colorado River negotiations. Disagreements are emerging between state leaders and local communities over how water should be managed and protected as shortages worsen.
Some regions, particularly rural areas, are pushing back against policies they believe prioritize urban growth over local water security. These divisions highlight the increasing pressure Arizona faces as it works to defend its share of Colorado River water.
For CRIT, internal disagreements within Arizona matter because they can influence how the state approaches negotiations and allocation decisions, which ultimately affect Tribal water rights and the broader river system.
According to the Office of the Arizona Governor, Governor Katie Hobbs is expanding Arizona’s efforts to protect its Colorado River water by engaging national business leaders. The goal is to build broader support and strengthen Arizona’s position in ongoing negotiations over future river operations.
State officials are working to highlight the economic importance of Colorado River water and the potential impacts of shortages on industries and communities. This approach reflects how water issues are increasingly tied to economic and political strategy.
For CRIT, these efforts show how states are mobilizing additional influence in negotiations, which can shape how water is allocated and how Tribal interests are considered in future agreements.
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, a recent heat wave is accelerating snowmelt across the Colorado River Basin, raising concerns about reduced spring runoff. Experts warn that early melting can lead to less water reaching major reservoirs like Lake Powell and Lake Mead.
The situation is being described as a “blaring alarm” for the river, as warming temperatures continue to impact how water is stored and delivered. Reduced runoff could worsen already declining reservoir levels.
For CRIT, early snowmelt and reduced runoff directly affect how much water flows through the Colorado River system, influencing future water availability and management decisions. (more…)
According to CBS 5 Arizona’s Family, Yuma officials are preparing for possible Colorado River water cuts as negotiations over future river operations continue. Yuma, a major agricultural hub, depends heavily on Colorado River water, and local leaders say reductions could impact farming, jobs, and the regional economy.
As federal and state officials work toward new post-2026 guidelines, communities like Yuma are closely watching how water shortages will be distributed across the basin. The uncertainty reflects ongoing challenges in reaching agreement among the seven basin states.
For CRIT, impacts to Yuma highlight how reductions in Colorado River water can affect agriculture and economies across the region, reinforcing the importance of protecting water rights and ensuring fair allocation decisions.
According to KJZZ, water conservation efforts in Arizona are becoming increasingly expensive, and officials are exploring whether large corporations could help cover some of the costs. Programs aimed at reducing water use, such as paying farmers or industries to conserve water, require significant funding.
State leaders and water managers are looking at partnerships with businesses to support conservation efforts as Colorado River supplies continue to decline. The goal is to find sustainable ways to reduce water use without placing the entire financial burden on taxpayers.
For CRIT, this reflects a broader shift in how water conservation is being funded and managed. As water becomes more limited, decisions about who pays for conservation efforts will play a key role in shaping long-term water policy.
According to the U.S. Department of the Interior, nearly $889 million is being invested in water infrastructure projects across the western United States. The funding will support efforts to improve water storage, conservation, and system efficiency as drought conditions continue.
The investment is part of a larger federal effort to strengthen water systems and address long-term shortages in the Colorado River Basin and other regions. Projects may include upgrades to canals, reservoirs, and water delivery systems. (more…)
By Ariana Romero CRIT Media
According to CBS 5 Arizona’s Family, Yuma officials are preparing for possible Colorado River water cuts as negotiations over future river operations continue. Yuma, a major agricultural hub, depends heavily on Colorado River water, and local leaders say reductions could impact farming, jobs, and the regional economy.
As federal and state officials work toward new post-2026 guidelines, communities like Yuma are closely watching how water shortages will be distributed across the basin. The uncertainty reflects ongoing challenges in reaching agreement among the seven basin states.
For CRIT, impacts to Yuma highlight how reductions in Colorado River water can affect agriculture and economies across the region, reinforcing the importance of protecting water rights and ensuring fair allocation decisions.
According to KJZZ, water conservation efforts in Arizona are becoming increasingly expensive, and officials are exploring whether large corporations could help cover some of the costs. Programs aimed at reducing water use, such as paying farmers or industries to conserve water, require significant funding.
State leaders and water managers are looking at partnerships with businesses to support conservation efforts as Colorado River supplies continue to decline. The goal is to find sustainable ways to reduce water use without placing the entire financial burden on taxpayers.
For CRIT, this reflects a broader shift in how water conservation is being funded and managed. As water becomes more limited, decisions about who pays for conservation efforts will play a key role in shaping long-term water policy.
According to the Daily Independent, Governor Katie Hobbs is working to involve national business leaders in Arizona’s efforts to address Colorado River water challenges. The state is seeking support from major industries to help advocate for Arizona’s position in ongoing river negotiations.
The move comes as Arizona faces potential reductions in its Colorado River allocation and increasing pressure to secure long-term water supplies. State officials are expanding their approach by bringing in economic stakeholders to strengthen their position.
For CRIT, this shows how water negotiations are expanding beyond government agencies to include business interests. These broader coalitions could influence how water decisions are made and how resources are prioritized across the basin. (more…)
A new federal policy proposal is threatening to Colorado River tribal water rights, and tribal leaders are fighting back. The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) issued a forceful set of comments in response to the Bureau of Reclamation’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) outlining proposed alternatives for post-2026 operations for Lake Powell and Lake Mead.
In its current form, the DEIS includes an analysis of several alternatives for Colorado River operations that would distribute water shortages by cutting water to all users on a pro-rata basis. By doing this, it aims to treat all users the same, regardless of priority date. For CRIT, which holds senior rights in the Lower Colorado River, rights that date back to 1865, and are protected under the Supreme Court decree in Arizona v. California. Such an approach would undermine the very legal foundation that secures the Tribe’s access to water. Making matters worse, the draft also relies on assumptions tied to current consumptive use. This framework risks penalizing CRIT for the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ (BIA) failure to efficiently operate and properly maintain the Colorado River Indian Irrigation Project, which is the primary means for CRIT to use its water.
If this draft is finalized without any changes, and these policies are put into action, some of the alternatives proposed in the report would represent significant policy shift for Colorado River management. Current operating agreements that govern the river expire at the end of 2026, which is the reason for federal officials to develop new guidelines intended to manage rising demand. Currently, there is extreme pressure to find solutions due to worsening drought conditions, declining reservoir levels, and increasing uncertainty across the basin.
In its response, CRIT asserts that several proposed federal approaches conflict with long-established water law and threaten to undermine the Tribe’s senior water rights. CRIT’s comment letter warns that without significant revision, the draft could place federal actions in violation of existing U.S. Supreme Court decrees. In its letter, Tribal Council made very clear to the Secretary of the Interior and Reclamation officials that it will take any actions it deems necessary to protect CRIT’s rights, including litigation before the Supreme Court.
Why Pro-rata should never be considered:
Pro-rata was put into consideration under the previous presidential administration, and continues on in the current government. This was one of several potential alternatives to address the significant shortages in Arizona, which stands to lose at least 27% of its entire water allocation. Under the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) pro-rata concept, they would address water shortages by cutting deliveries evenly among users based on the percentage of water they currently use (or consume), rather than on each user’s legal priority.
Priority Matters: First in Time – First in Right
A water-user’s ‘priority’ is like a place in line, users at the front of the line are usually those who established their right to use water first. They get their water first, and in full, while lower-priority users, who established their water rights later in time, get their full share of water if there is still enough to go around. Only in times of extraordinary shortage, and after all lower-priority users are cut to zero, would ‘first-priority’ users have to take less than they are legally entitled to use. This is a long-established truth about Western U.S. water law: though it can lead to harsh outcomes, first in time = first in right… and all western water-users know this is how water law works.
But under a pro-rata approach, the Priority system would conveniently disappear, and all water users, regardless of when their rights were established, would share reductions during times of shortage. For CRIT, whose water rights are among the most senior in the Lower Basin, a pro-rata system represents a fundamental shift away from long-standing legal principles that have historically governed how Colorado River water is distributed.
Pro-rata has been vehemently opposed by CRIT leaders as a violation of the law and an attack on CRIT tribal sovereignty. On two separate occasions in the past 6 months, leaders from DOI and Reclamation have met with Council. On both of those occasions, Tribal Council has been forceful that pro-rata shortages are illegal.
Due to a hotter and drier climate, reservoirs at Lake Mead and Lake Powell have dropped to historically low elevations, and federal officials warn that existing management strategies have not been sufficient to stabilize the system. The DEIS proposes a range of operational alternatives designed to balance two competing priorities; 1) maintaining water deliveries to users across seven states, and 2) protecting reservoir storage in order to maintain infrastructure integrity.
Federal officials state that new guidelines are needed to provide predictability to water users while adapting to increasingly dry conditions expected in the future. The proposed framework would guide operations for up to 20 years, beginning in October 2026. CRIT argues that portions of the draft plan conflict with established federal law and the Supreme Court Decree governing the Colorado River.
Water Rights and Infrastructure Challenges
CRIT’s response also highlights longstanding infrastructure challenges affecting the Colorado River Indian Irrigation Project (CRIIP). Since its original construction, the irrigation system serving the Reservation has seen little modernization or meaningful improvement to meet 21st-century operational standards. As a result, aging canals leak significant amounts of water into the ground before it ever reaches a field or crops, and the canals operate so inefficiently that enormous amounts of water is allowed to spill off the end of the system, straight back into the Colorado River, without ever being turned out onto a field.
Addressing this problem is no simple undertaking. The irrigation system is federally owned and managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), an agency that has faced decades of declining funding and limited operational capacity. According to CRIT’s response, these systemic challenges have prevented the Tribe from fully utilizing water.
The passage of the Colorado River Indian Tribes Water Resiliency Act of 2022 further strengthens this effort by granting CRIT the authority to store, conserve, and lease its water. Historically, the water has been lost through deteriorating canals can instead be preserved for tribal agriculture, community development, and, if the Tribe chooses, leased to generate revenue that directly benefits CRIT and its members. The Tribe’s adoption of its Water Code and recognition of the Colorado River’s Personhood Status under tribal law further reinforces this framework of sovereignty and stewardship. One of the main goals for CRIT in pursuing these efforts is to expand agricultural operations across the reservation. These efforts will create greater opportunities for Tribal members and ensure long-term prosperity for the community and more importantly, for future generations.
CRIT also forcefully argues that Reclamation must acknowledge the Personhood Status of the Colorado River under tribal law. The Tribe claims that the DEIS must analyze the impacts on the Colorado River from diverting water for use in central Arizona. The water is best left in-stream to benefit and protect its status as a living entity, which provides spiritual, cultural, and religious benefits to tribal members.
Taken together, these developments underscore why CRIT views the current federal proposal as a defining moment. This is why pro-rata should never be considered, because it undermines all the progress CRIT has made to ensure it can use its water rights entirely, and within the long-established, existing legal framework. The Tribe’s response makes clear that decisions affecting the Colorado River cannot move forward without full recognition of tribal rights and authority. CRIT has signaled that it is prepared to defend those rights, and if necessary, take this matter to the United States Supreme Court.
Read the document in its entirety – Comments from the Colorado River Indian Tribes on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement on Post-2026 Operational Guidelines for Lake Powell and Lake Mead. Follow the link below.
BOR_Comments CRIT Draft Environmental Impact Statement on Post 2026 Operational Guidelines and Strategies for La
Chief Irataba stands among the most notable figures in Native American history. Some leaders are remembered for their war strategy and resistance, while others are known for diplomacy and negotiation. Rarely do those qualities come together in one leader. Chief Irataba was one of those rare individuals. Known by the Mohave people as fearless, and described by American settlers as peaceful and fair, Irataba helped shape the future of the Mohave people and the land that would later become the Colorado River Indian Reservation.
Irataba, whose Mohave name was Eecheyara Tav, meaning “bright bird,” was born around 1814 along the Colorado River. Historical accounts describe him as a striking and commanding figure. Standing approximately six feet four inches tall, with a heavy jaw and broad shoulders, he was widely recognized for his intelligence, bravery, and leadership. Despite his powerful physical presence, those who encountered him often described his demeanor as calm and gentle. Historian Arthur Woodward referenced early descriptions of the Mohave leader, writing that Irataba was “a man six feet four inches tall, of very powerful frame, but very gentle and kind in demeanor.”
During the early nineteenth century, Mohave communities thrived along the Colorado River. The river provided fertile floodplains for farming and served as an important route for travel and trade among tribes throughout the region. Irataba rose to prominence during this time and became a war leader of the Kwanami, a group whose name has been interpreted as meaning “fearless.” His leadership earned him a reputation as both a warrior and a respected decision-maker within the community.
Accounts from the period suggest that Irataba’s influence extended beyond his own village. One early description noted that he “seemed to have great influence over neighboring tribes and acted in disputed questions as a kind of supreme judge.” His ability to mediate disputes and maintain relationships among tribes helped establish him as one of the most respected leaders in the Colorado River region.
By the 1850s, the Colorado River began attracting increased attention from American explorers and the United States government as they searched for routes across the Southwest. One of the most notable expeditions during this time was led by Joseph Christmas Ives, who traveled along the river studying its geography and potential as a transportation route.
Historical accounts indicate that Irataba played an important role during these early encounters. Acting as a guide and intermediary, he helped facilitate communication between Mohave communities and American explorers traveling through the region. Newspaper reports from the time also recognized his authority. An article published in the Los Angeles Star in 1861 described Irataba as not only the chief of the Mohave people but someone who possessed more influence in the Colorado River country than any other chief in the district.
In 1864, Chief Irataba traveled to Washington, D.C., where he met with Abraham Lincoln and other federal officials. His visit brought national attention to the Mohave people and the challenges facing tribes along the Colorado River as settlers, miners, and military expeditions entered the region. On March 3, 1865, the Colorado River Indian Reservation was formally established by executive order issued by President Abraham Lincoln along the lower Colorado River. The reservation would eventually become home to the Mohave, Chemehuevi, Hopi, and Navajo peoples and remains the homeland of the Colorado River Indian Tribes today.
Chief Irataba continued to be a respected leader among the Mohave people throughout the later years of his life. He died in May of 1874 at his home along the Colorado River. Some historical accounts referred to him as “the Uncas of his tribe,” a comparison meant to recognize him as one of the last great leaders of the Mohave people during that era.
Today, many Mohave families continue to live in and around Parker, Arizona, within the Colorado River Indian Tribes community. The history of Chief Irataba is not only preserved in historical records but also through the families and descendants who remain connected to the land along the Colorado River. Generations of Mohave people have continued to live, work, and raise their families in the same region their ancestors once called home.
More than a historical figure, Chief Irataba’s legacy lives on through the people of the Colorado River Indian Tribes. His leadership during a time of great change helped shape the future of the Mohave people, and his story continues to be remembered as a symbol of strength, diplomacy, and resilience for generations to come.
Article written by CRIT Media Reporter Ariana Romero
Nineteen years ago, Mega Throw began, and despite temperatures reaching over 105 degrees, Mega Throw XIX returned to Ahakhav Tribal Preserve on the Colorado River Indian Tribes reservation. Hosted by Ase S’maav, the Mohave Bird Singers, the two-day gathering welcomed tribes from near and far, with songs and tradition carrying on through the heat.
Mega Throw XIX continues a tradition that began in 2004 with a small group wanting to learn and sing. What started as a grassroots effort has grown into an ongoing commitment to keeping songs, language, and teachings active. Throughout the weekend, the preserve filled with the sound of bird songs and the movement of dancers as participants and spectators came together, carrying that purpose forward through their presence and participation.
Despite the intense heat, participants remained committed, continuing to sing and dance throughout the weekend. The dedication shown reflected the importance of the gathering, as the circle remained strong and songs carried on without pause.
From the youngest participants to experienced singers, the event highlighted the role of youth in learning through participation. Tiny tots and youth dancers stepped into the circle, some shy and others confident, following the rhythm of the gourd and songs as they learned in real time. Families gathered under shaded canopies, watching, encouraging, and sharing in the experience together.
Singing groups stood shoulder to shoulder, their voices blending as they carried songs that have been maintained over generations. Each performance reflected not only skill, but a responsibility to uphold what has been taught and continue it with care and respect.
The event also created space for connection beyond the dance area. Mega throwers gathered for a potluck, shared meals under the gazebo, and spent time visiting with one another throughout the day. Vendors were also set up throughout the area, offering handmade items that showcased their artistry and craftsmanship. Food vendors provided a variety of options, including frybread, tacos, and burgers, along with sweet treats like snow cones, deep-fried Oreos, and funnel cakes—making sure there was something for everyone to enjoy.
As the songs carried into the evening and families remained gathered under the cottonwood trees, the weekend reflected a continued commitment to honoring tradition and ensuring it carries forward for future generations. Mega Throw XIX was a success, and a strong showing of the work and dedication of those who organized and supported the event.
Until we gather again in song and tradition for Mega Throw XX.
Article & Photos by CRIT Media Reporter Ariana Romero
The Colorado River Indian Tribes Building and Safety Department is welcoming new director Alfred Mauer, whose background in inspections, compliance, and facility operations brings both technical expertise and a strong local connection to the role.
Mauer’s career began at just 18 years old working as a gold miner in northern Nevada. That early hands-on experience eventually led him into compliance, inspections, and administrative work. From underground mining operations, he later worked with Praxair at an air separation plant operating under strict federal regulations, including Homeland Security oversight. That experience helped shape his commitment to precision, safety, and doing things the right way.
Over the past five years, he has worked as a licensed building inspector while also operating his own inspection business. Managing everything from office communication and consulting to on-site inspections provided experience not only in technical building standards but also in customer service, project coordination, and helping facilities operate safely and efficiently.
Mauer also has a personal connection to the area. He attended elementary school in Parker before moving to northern Nevada and has now returned to serve the community. He says coming back to work with CRIT brings a strong sense of purpose and connection.
Now stepping into his new role, Mauer’s focus is clear: supporting safe, quality construction while helping tribal departments, businesses, and community members navigate the permitting and inspection process smoothly. The Building and Safety Department plays an important role in protecting the community by ensuring structures are built safely and responsibly, with an emphasis on prevention, communication, and long-term safety.
He emphasizes that the department is there to help guide people through the process, whether it involves new construction, renovations, or facility improvements. Clear communication and accessibility are key priorities as he settles into the position, helping ensure questions are answered early and projects move forward safely.
Having grown up around the community, Mauer says one of the things that stands out most about working at CRIT is the strong sense of family, pride, and connection among tribal members and employees. That sense of community motivates his commitment to safety and responsible development. Having witnessed preventable accidents in his career, he says his goal is always to promote safe structures that protect people first.
