The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) have taken a huge leap forward in their ongoing efforts to protect and preserve their namesake. Last week, the tribal council voted to acknowledge legal personhood status for the body of water. The Nov. 6 vote follows similar actions other tribes have taken to safeguard natural resources. However, CRIT has made history as the first community to ever bestow personhood status on the Colorado River. The move came in response to overuse of water resources, according to a Tuesday announcement from the tribes. … As a legal person, the Colorado River has the right to be protected under tribal law.

Other tribal water news:

• KJZZ (Phoenix): Tribes are stuck as Colorado River negotiation deadline nears with no deal
• Sierra Wave Media (Bishop, Calif.): Eastern Sierra Land Trust permanently protects Antelope Lake in Mono County