CRIT Chairwoman Flores Honored at May 20 Ceremonies
Image: Jay Shodja Corella
On May 20, 2025, the University of Arizona partners, conference attendees, and special guests honored Amelia Flores, Chairwoman of the Colorado River Indian Tribal Council, for her leadership and contributions to her community, state, and region, and, in particular, for her role as a defender and protector of the Colorado River. At the WRRC 2025 Annual Conference, a special ceremony was held at the end of Day 1 celebrating Chairwoman Flores, who was recognized and honored with an engraved stone paver in the University of Arizona’s Women’s Plaza of Honor. Speakers at the honoring ceremony, including WRRC Director Sharon B. Megdal, U of A Senior Vice President Levi Esquerra of the Native American Advancement and Tribal Engagement Office, and Toni Massaro, Executive Director of the Agnese Helms Haury Program, described Flores’ many points of impact as a Tribal leader, engaged citizen, and role model. Immediately following the ceremony, participants reassembled at the Women’s Plaza of Honor to view the paver engraved with “Amelia Flores, Steward of the Colorado River.” There, Flores received additional tributes, including heartfelt thanks from Miss Native UA Daelyn Nez for “open[ing] doors for future generations.” Flores took the opportunity to express her debt of gratitude to “my Tribe … my family, my friends, my mentors, and my colleagues” who provided foundational wisdom and support.