Gila River Indian Community Marks 21 Years Since Historic Water Settlement
December 12, 2025
Jeston Morris
Community Newsperson
CHANDLER, Ariz. — Nov. 10, 2025, The Gila River Indian Community celebrated the 21st anniversary of the landmark Water Settlement Act, a turning point in the tribe’s long struggle to reclaim its river and restore sovereignty over its most vital resource.
More than 500 Community members gathered at Rawhide Event Center to celebrate the Gila River Indian Community’s holiday known as GRIC Historic Water Settlement Day, a date that honors decades of struggle, perseverance, and the defense of the community’s rightful access to water. Entire families, from young children to respected elders, came together to commemorate a defining chapter in the Community’s history.
Throughout the ceremony, historical photographs were displayed, depicting the early rivers that once flowed through the Gila River when these lands were home to the ancestors of the tribe. In those times, agriculture, corn, beans, squash, and cotton, thrived thanks to the steady flow of water that nourished not only the fields but also the cultural and spiritual life of the people.
Passed in 2004 as part of the Arizona Water Settlements Act, the legislation secured 653,500 acre feet of water annually for the Community from the Gila, Salt, and Verde Rivers, the Central Arizona Project, and groundwater. It resolved decades of litigation and negotiation, ending uncertainty for water users across central Arizona while restoring long denied rights to the Akimel O’otham-and Pee Posh peoples. “This is truly a great water rights day.” said Gov. Lewis. “This is one of my favorite days. The water rights day is so important because it is a rebirth for our community. This celebration honors all of our ancestors.
The Colorado River Indian Tribe (CRIT) has formally acknowledged the Colorado River as a personhood. The Colorado River is a living being in CRIT cosmology,” he added.
P-MIP Director David DeJong gave a historical presentation of Gila River water settlement day. After the event, Dr. DeJong gave a reflection, the 21st Annual Water Settlement was no different since its meaning and significance are deeply embedded in the collective Community mindset. It is a day that represents the return of a sacred resource unlawfully taken over a century ago and its restoration. It is a day that provides healing from loss of water and signifies a cultural renaissance, an agrarian renewal, and an assertion of inherent sovereignty of Akimel O’odham and Pee Posh.
Not only that, but it is a reminder of the Community’s keen stewardship obligation to protect the Ṣudagĭ; it is a reflection of the resilience and innovation of the Community to adapt and continue. It is a reminder of the importance of all water users being represented at the table when the federal, state, and local governments discuss the post-2026 Colorado River Guidelines that will govern how Colorado River water will be used and shortages shared for the next generation. Above all, the Water Settlement Day is a time to remember and reflect, a time to honor those who dedicated their lives to bringing the water home.
This includes every Akimel O’odham and Pee Posh as well as the leadership. It is a time to honor those such as former governors Tommy White, Greg Mendoza, Donald Antone, Richard Narcia, and current governor Stephen Roe Lewis, as well as all the past governors, council leaders, water users, growers, and Community members and friends who fought hard to keep the vision alive and worked to bring a water settlement to reality. All the Community should celebrate this day and reflect on the goodness of Creator God and give Him the glory and honor.
CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores was an invited guest who gave a special remark. The Colorado River Indian Tribe is located on the banks of the Colorado River in Parker, Ariz. The tribe has a unique relationship with the river. She introduces herself in the Mojave language.
“Celebrate your water resources and your people in the community. I want to acknowledge the elders and thank them for passing down the native knowledge to the next generation. I would like to acknowledge Rodney Lewis, who championed the Gila River Water Settlement Act of 2004. He made this celebration a reality. He left a legacy for the Gila River Indian Community, Arizona tribes, and Indian Country,” said Chairwoman Flores.
“All the tribal nations in the Colorado River basin found themselves at the critical crossroad. How we choose to use this living resource will have lasting consequences for future generations,” she added.
As a token of appreciation, Gov. Lewis honored Chairwoman Flores with a custom-made O’odham water plaque award designed by former Miss Gila River, Lisa Hendricks. Chairwoman Flores was honored with a bird dance by Sundust and Maricopa Birds. Mojave and Maricopa belong to the Yuman language family.
Dustin Sherer, Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Water and Science within the Department of Interior, gave a special remark. Gov. Lewis honored him with the O’odham water plaque award.
Several Arizona elected officials could not attend, but they appeared via video to deliver their remarks. U.S. Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, District 2 Representative Eli Crane, Central Arizona Project CEO Brenda Burman, and several others were among those who appeared.
The water leaders who contributed to the Water Settlement Act of 2004 were honored with water plaques. The team includes former Gov. Dana R. Norris Sr., Gov. William R. Rhodes, Gov. Richard P. Narcia, and Rodney Lewis. Former Lt. Gov. Cecil Antone and former Gov. Donald Antone were included as well.
Dewski’s catered for the celebration. Eagleheart provided live music entertainment. Council Representative Joseph Manuel, Jr., played the drums. They entertain the audience with the following music list: Heaven’s Cumbia, Ty’s Cumbia, Made in Japan, I Never Lie, Cover You in Kisses, Guitars in Cadillacs, Looking for Love, Wrapped, Seminole Wind, Aces Wild, Tennessee Whiskey, and Fire Road. Community members celebrated by dancing.