Colorado River Granted Personhood: Tribes Fight to Protect Their Lifeline

As of October 8th, 2025, the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) are in the process of granting personhood rights to the Colorado River, a move that would make them the third Indigenous government in North America to take such action. The Colorado River, known as 'Aha Kwahwat in the Mojave language, has been central to the tribes' cultures and history for millennia.

The river sustains not only the CRIT's 4,200 members but the entire ecosystem within their reservation. CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores emphasized the river's vital importance, stating "It means life for all tribal members. It's a living body of water." Tribal Councilman Tommy Drennan echoed this sentiment, saying "I am made of this river" and that the river is akin to a grandfather, deserving of protection.

The tribes understand the Colorado River basin is under immense strain and hope the personhood declaration will raise awareness that current management practices need a fundamental shift. CRIT has held public hearings to gauge support, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Once the resolution is approved by the tribal council, it will become part of CRIT's law, granting the river legal standing to sue, own property, and enter into contracts.

This move is part of a growing global trend among Indigenous communities to protect their vital waterways. Similar personhood rights have been granted to the Whanganui River in New Zealand, the Klamath River in the United States, and the Magpie River in Canada. CRIT hopes this bold step will compel state and federal authorities to consider the river's interests, not just those of human users, in future management decisions.