The Yavapai-Apache Nation: Protecting the Verde River
The Yavapai-Apache Nation: Protecting the Verde River
The Verde River is not only the lifeline and cultural hub of the Yavapai-Apache Nation (YAN); it is also Arizona’s only remaining free-flowing river. Protecting the Verde River and negotiating a future for the tribe’s community is a critical priority for the Nation. A settlement of the Nation’s water rights could serve as a catalyst for resolving a number of water issues on the Verde River and the development of a conjunctive management regime that one day might assure the long term sustainability of the Verde and the communities it supports.
On Saturday, May 13, Vincent Randall, a former biology teacher and YAN Chair, will speak to the Citizens Water Advocacy Group from 10 a.m. to noon at the Granite Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation building, 882 Sunset Avenue, Prescott. The public is invited.
Randall is a respected elder and Cultural Chairman of the Yavapai-Apache Nation. He will talk about the history of his people, their spiritual connection to water, and their Verde River water rights. YAN is working to settle their federal reserved water rights to the Verde River, intending to dedicate part of their right to the river to maintain flow. Thus, YAN has an important role in all our efforts to keep the river flowing. The YAN reservation is in the Camp Verde area.
For more info, call 445-4218, e-mail info@cwagaz.org or visit www.cwagaz.org .
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Granite Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation 82 Sunset Ave, Prescott, AZ 86305