Spirit Lake Tribe says essential services will continue during shutdown

The Spirit Lake Tribal Council announced in a press release that essential services would continue despite the federal government shutdown, which began Oct. 1 after Congress failed to pass funding legislation. According to the council’s statement, BIA law enforcement, Indian Health Service clinical care at the Spirit Lake Health Center and Bureau of Indian Education schools will remain operational under federal contingency plans.

Chairwoman Lonna Jackson-Street said the Tribe has reviewed budgets and identified programs that may need supplemental tribal funding to keep services in place. “Our first priority is the safety and wellbeing of the Spirit Lake people,” Jackson-Street was quoted as saying. The council noted that some programs, such as grant reimbursements, new federal awards and communication with furloughed staff, may be delayed until funding is restored.