09/02/2025
CRIT recently welcomed KUNC News Reporter Alex Hager, who was interested in covering CRIT’s Personhood Status and why it is so important to the Colorado River Indian Tribes. Upon his visit, he interviewed Water Resource Director Dillon Esquerra, Councilwoman Anisa Patch, Councilwoman Raeanne Patch, and Chairwoman Amelia Flores, each offering insight into why this initiative is vital for the tribe and future generations.
The day began with a visit to the Ahakhav Preserve, where Acting Director Marisol Chavira highlighted how the plants, trees, and natural environment are deeply connected to cultural traditions, from crafting gourds to the sacred use of wood in burials. Alex showed a great interest in learning about the cultural and historic roots of CRIT, and both Dillon and Marisol provided an in-depth explanation of the tribe’s connection to the land and river. Hager then toured Willow Beach, a scenic area of the Preserve, before continuing on to CRIT Chambers for interviews.
Councilwoman Anisa Patch shared her perspective on the river’s personhood status, reflecting on her upbringing along the river and its role as a lifeline for tribal members. Chairwoman Amelia Flores further emphasized the importance, stating: “It is essential for us to take care of the river, to protect and defend it. We need to protect the river for future generations.”
The Personhood status is currently being considered as CRIT tribal law, a groundbreaking step that would formally recognize the Colorado River as a living entity under the tribe’s governance. For CRIT, this is not only a legal step but it builds on the foundation of our beliefs, reflecting the longstanding cultural and spiritual commitment to the river, which has sustained the people, land and traditions for countless generations. Establishing Personhood Status will ensure CRIT beliefs are always held by all future council members and chair persons. This will be the foundation CRIT stands by and relies on when future tough decisions will need to be made about the river.
Raising awareness about the personhood initiative is key. It allows both tribal members and the broader public to understand the importance of protecting the Colorado River, not just as a resource, but as a relative, a lifeblood, and a sacred responsibility.
“We are the people along the river, Hamakhav. It’s within us, that’s who we are” says Chairwoman Flores.
To learn more, you can read Alex Hager’s full article or listen to his podcast at KUNC.
https://www.ksjd.org/2025-08-24/colorado-river-crit-legal-personhood
Article written by CRIT Media Reporter Ariana Romero