Shutdown Hits Tribes, But Some Services Continue

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Indian tribes across the U.S. are preparing to suspend some federal programs and pay for others out of pocket as a partial federal shutdown takes effect.

Bureau of Indian Affairs spokeswoman Nedra Darling says some essential activities will continue, including law enforcement, firefighting and schools. But some cuts to tribal programs already are known, such as financial assistance for the needy, payments for foster care and oversight of environmental and cultural programs.

The full scope of the shutdown's effect on tribes remains uncertain.

On Montana's Fort Belknap Reservation, President Tracy "Ching" King says the Gros Ventre and Assiniboine tribes will pay for affected programs themselves until federal payments resume. But he warns that will add to budget shortfalls resulting from prior federal cuts.

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