In most cases, the tribes hold senior water rights due to a legal decision made in 1908 called the Winters Doctrine, or sometimes called the Federal Reserved Rights Doctrine. The priority date for such water rights are based on when the reservation was established, which usually pre-dates all other water rights by the dominant hydrosociety. Many tribes have quantified their water rights, either through litigation or settlement, and others hold claims to water that have yet to be quantified and perfected. Here are links to learn about the tribes on the Colorado.

Write to us to add additional tribal resources

Ak-Chin Indian Community
Chemehuevi Indian Tribe
Cocopah Indian Tribe
Colorado River Indian Tribes
Fort Mojave Indian Tribe
Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
Gila River Indian Communtiy
Haulapai Indian Tribe
Havasupai Indian Tribe
Hopi Tribe
Jicarilla Apache Tribe
Kaibab Paiute Tribe
Navajo Nation
Northern Ute Tribe
Pascua Yaqui Tribe
Quechan Indian Tribe
Salt River Pima-Maricopa Community
San Carlos Apache Tribe
San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe
Southern Ute Indian Tribe
Tohono O'odham Nation
Tonto Apache Tribe
Ute Indian Tribe Uintah Ouray
Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribe
White Mesa Ute Tribe
White Mountain Apache Nation
Yavapai Apache Nation
Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe
Zuni Tribe

Tribal resource pages:

American Indian Cultural Support (AICS)
The American Indian Cultural Support organization is dedicated to preserving our various Nations sovereignty, legal rights, lands, and cultures.

American Indian Movement (AIM) 

Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development
Through applied research and service, the Harvard Project aims to understand and foster the conditions under which sustained, self-determined social and economic development is achieved among American Indian nations. The Harvard Project's core activities include research, advisory services, education and the administration of a tribal governance awards program.

Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP)
Established in 1992 with a vison to assist Indian Tribes in the management of their environmental resources through effective training and education programs.

National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) was founded in response to termination and assimilation policies that the United States forced upon the tribal governments in contradiction of their treaty rights and status as sovereigns. NCAI stressed the need for unity and cooperation among tribal governments for the protection of their treaty and sovereign rights. Since 1944, the National Congress of American Indians has been working to inform the public and Congress on the governmental rights of American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Native American Legal Materials. Washburn University.

Native Nations Institute for Leadership, Management, and Policy (NNI)
NNI was founded in 2001 by the Morris K. Udall Foundation and The University of Arizona as a self-determination, self-governance, and development resource for Native nations.

University of Colorado at Boulder
Colorado Law's American Indian Law Program and Law Clinic provides students with comprehensive opportunities to acquire specialized knowledge of American Indian law, through curriculum and resources.