Tribes cull buffalo herds to offset SNAP shortages during shutdown

Tribal nations across the Great Plains are killing bison from restored herds to address food shortages caused by the federal government shutdown, according to reporting by the Associated Press and ICT. On the Fort Peck Reservation in Montana, buffalo program manager Robert Magnan and a co-worker shot and processed animals for distribution to tribal members after Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits were reduced. Chairman Floyd Azure said about one-third of tribal members depend on monthly benefits and received only partial payments in November.

In October, Fort Peck leaders authorized killing 30 bison, and officials said they will continue distributing buffalo meat until full benefits resume. Other tribes — including the Blackfeet, Lower Brule Sioux, Cheyenne River Sioux, Crow and Mi’kmaq Nation — also have provided meat from buffalo, elk, deer or fish to support citizens during the lapse in aid, according to AP and ICT.