Federal shutdown would have broad impact in Indian Country

Friday, April 8, 2011  

The looming shutdown of the federal government will have a broad impact in Indian Country, affecting everything from social services to education.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is encouraging tribes to draw down any money they are owed. But the agency hasn't disclosed specific plans in case of a shutdown.

"There are things I think people are working on right now, but they're not for public consumption at this point," spokesperson Nedra Darling told the Associated Press.

A shutdown could lead to a closure of some Bureau of Indian Education schools that are operated directly by the government. Law enforcement services could be affected but they might be deemed critical so officers might be able to stay on reservations.

During the last shutdown in 1995, all BIA employees were furloughed for 21 days, the Associated Press reported. There were delays in getting basic payments to Indian Country.

The Indian Health Service isn't likely to see as big of an impact because hospitals and clinics will likely be deemed critical.

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Tribes face struggles with federal shutdown (AP 4/8)