Tribes grant the Colorado River legal personhood - can this help save it?

The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT), comprised of the Mojave, Hopi, Navajo, and Chemehuevi tribes, granted the Colorado River legal personhood in November 2023. This resolution recognizes the river as a living entity with rights, similar to a person. The move aims to protect the river amidst a severe drought impacting the southwestern US. The Colorado River is facing the worst drought in 1,200 years. The seven states dependent on the river have until February 14th to agree on a new water-sharing plan before the current agreement expires at the end of 2026. If they fail, the federal government will intervene. CRIT believes legal personhood will help safeguard the river for future generations.