Sunset on the Ak-Chin Indian Community in Arizona. Photo: Patricia
The Ak-Chin Indian Community is seeking to protect its water rights in Arizona. The tribe's rights were confirmed by Congress through the Ak-Chin Water Rights Settlement Act of 1984. A lawsuit filed in federal court contends the Central Arizona Water Conservation District isn't abiding by the agreement. “This water is more than an asset, it is the lifeblood of the Ak-Chin Indian Community,” Chairman Robert Miguel said in a press release. “Without it, we cannot raise the crops we need to support Ak-Chin Farms and the 84 tribal employees who work there.” According to the 10-page complaint, the tribe's farming operation will suffer without the water promised by the settlement. The tribe might not be able to fulfill its water agreements with third parties, the lawsuit contends. Read More on the Story:
Tribe Fights With Arizona Over Water Allotment (Courthouse News Service 3/30)
Ak-Chin Indian Community files a lawsuit over water rights (AP 3/28)
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