Prolonged federal government shutdown spurs tribes to declare states of emergency

Officials say doing so will ensure uninterrupted access to food. The Woodlake Food Pantry remains open to people living within the boundaries of the Spirit Lake Reservation.

Another tribe based in the Dakotas, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, has also issued a state of emergency, saying the shutdown affects “employment, funding, and services.” Its chair, Steven Sitting Bear, has called on Congress to act.

“Our tribal nations need you to fulfill your promises and obligations written in treaties and trust agreements,” he was quoted as saying on the tribe’s Facebook page. “The consequences of your divisive political rhetoric are putting unneeded stress on your countrymen and women. This shutdown hurts our people first. We demand that you get back to work and reopen the federal government before any more damage is done.”

In its press release, the Spirit Lake Tribe says the Spirit Lake Food Distribution Program has already reported more families seeking assistance since the start of the federal government’s fiscal year, which began Oct. 1.

“While programs such as Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) are currently unaffected, uncertainty remains as the shutdown continues,” the release states.

Meanwhile, the tribe says it’s also preparing to supplement the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, adding that the program has received only 10% of its budget for fiscal year 2026 — which means less money for covering heat, propane, electricity and other utilities. The tribe’s LIHEAP program is accepting applications ahead of the colder winter months and provides services to more than 650 recipients living within reservation boundaries.

The tribe is encouraging everyone to stay informed and to either visit myfirstlink.org or call 211 for available food banks and emergency support. Online applications for the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations are available at https://spiritlake.ifdp.io/kiosk/online-application.

People can contact Spirit Lake Food Distribution for more information at 701-766-4684.