Federal shutdown disrupts tribal services, spurs concern over treaty obligations

Tribal nations across the United States are facing furloughs and service closures as the federal government shutdown continues, according to the Associated Press. Tribes with independent revenue sources said they can sustain operations for several months, while others dependent on federal funding have begun cutting staff. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe in Nevada furloughed at least 25 employees and closed its museum, cultural center and education services.

Tribal leaders said they fear the Trump administration could use the shutdown to reduce the federal workforce responsible for upholding treaty and trust responsibilities. “I’m extremely nervous about that,” Liz Carr, vice president for intergovernmental relations for the Cedar Rock Alliance, was quoted as saying.