The federal government has been shut down for 41 days (with possible end in sight).

In testimony before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA) on October 29, Tribal leaders and advocates detailed how the ongoing federal government shutdown and agency reductions in force (RIF) are impacting Native communities. Representatives from several Tribal organizations emphasized that these disruptions constitute direct violations of the federal government’s trust and treaty obligations to Tribal Nations—obligations that are not discretionary but legally mandated and prepaid through the cession of millions of acres of Tribal lands and resources.

In his opening statement, Vice Chair Schatz (D-HI) said of the shutdown, “When the government shuts down, the trust and treaty and legal obligations do not vanish, but they are put at risk. Promises to provide healthcare, housing, education, and public safety, among many other critical services, are all on the chopping block. Communities are scrambling to secure alternate or reserve funding just in case their federal funds fall through, and several tribes have declared states of emergency due to the funding and service shortfalls” (15:45).

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The Chickasaw Nation, the Choctaw Nation, and the Pawnee Nation are three tribal nations in Oklahoma exercising their inherent sovereign rights to design and provide the health care their communities want and need. A look at how these three nations approached that work sheds light on tribal health care enterprises’ benefits for Native people and larger regional economies.

“Without compacting and utilizing our sovereignty, we would not be where we are today. It used to be that a prescribed amount was going to dental or behavioral health. Now we had the opportunity, responsibility, and accountability to listen to our tribal members, determine what their needs were, and build a system that met their needs,” Chief Gary Batton of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

Source: Fed Communities Continue Reading

As the government shutdown threatens food assistance for tens of thousands of low-income Oklahomans, the state’s American Indian Tribes are stepping in to help affected Tribal citizens. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. announced October 29 that the tribe would dedicate $6.5 million to ensuring its citizens who receive federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits would still receive food.

“Many of our members around the Nation rely on SNAP benefits to feed themselves and their families,” said Choctaw Chief Gary Batton. “With the federal government temporarily unable to meet its obligations, we will look for ways to help tribal members in need.”

Source: The Frontier Continue Reading

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CT

For Tribal gaming operators, data isn’t just numbers — it’s a strategic asset. Strong reporting can help you meet regulatory requirements, improve performance, and prepare for audits with confidence.

This webinar will cover the following:

• Best practices for financial and operational reporting: Discover how to streamline processes and increase accuracy across departments.
• Compliance-ready reporting frameworks: Learn how to align reporting with tribal, state and federal regulations.
• Instant visibility with flash data: Access real-time key performance indicators empowering faster decisions and streamlined reporting through Sage Intacct’s integrated dashboards and audit trails.
• Success stories from tribal gaming enterprises: Hear how peers are using data to drive smarter decisions.
• This session is exclusively for Tribal gaming operators and their executives, finance and accounting teams, compliance officers, data analysts, and internal auditors.

Source: Wipfli Register to Join on December 2

At Tlingit Haida Tribal Business Corporation (THTBC), your work goes beyond the job description, it becomes part of a purpose-driven legacy. Our continuous commitment to growth directly contributes to the strength, resilience, and future of the communities we support. Our growth fuels programs, services, and lasting value for the Tribe, making every success a shared one.

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