Collaboration key to future of Colorado River 

In a move hailed as a significant development for the Colorado River, the Upper Basin Tribes and Upper Basin States signed a historic memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Monday, April 22, in Chama, N.M. This agreement marks a new era of cooperation and inclusion in managing this critical waterway.  

The MOU includes the Jicarilla Apache Nation, Navajo Nation, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Indian Tribe, and the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah. Representing the Upper Basin States through the Upper Colorado River Commission (UCRC) are Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.  

This agreement emphasizes information sharing, identifying common interests, and working together to achieve shared goals for the Colorado River. It follows nearly two years of close collaboration between Tribal leaders and representatives from the Upper Basin States’ Governors’ offices.  

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe played a pivotal role, hosting the first of these meetings and being represented at the signing by Vice Chairman Lorelei Cloud and Council Member Vanessa Torres.  

Underscoring the importance of the MOU, Vice Chairman Cloud stated, “Colorado’s very foundation rests on the stewardship of the Ute people, including the Mouache and Kaputa. We have safeguarded these lands and waters since before there was a state, and our responsibility continues to this day. This MOU, signed by our Tribe, stands as a powerful symbol of our enduring connection to this sacred resource. It also recognizes the essential role tribal voices play in ensuring its well-being. We are thrilled to formally establish this partnership between the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, other Upper Basin Tribes, and the Upper Colorado River Commission.”  

Colorado Commissioner Becky Mitchell echoed the sentiment, acknowledging the need for deeper collaboration, “…I am pleased that the UCRC took this step today. I also want to acknowledge that after more than 100 years since the Compact was signed – it is time to more fully engage and collaborate with our Tribal partners. We also acknowledge there is more work to be done, it is time that we support the Upper Basin Tribal Nations in realizing benefits from their settled, but undeveloped water supplies.”  

This MOU signifies a promising step towards a more inclusive and collaborative future for the Colorado River. By working together, the Upper Basin Tribes and States can ensure the well-being of this vital resource for generations to come.