By ROSELYNN YAZZIE

Office of Public Affairs

FORT HALL — As the federal government shutdown enters its third week, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes are prioritizing essential services to the membership by implementing changes to Tribal processes.  Those changes were approved in anticipation of a funding interruption in early 2025, ensuring that critical operations continue with as little disruption as possible in the event of a shutdown.

The Tribes’ Executive Director, Daniel Stone, explained the Tribe’s plan during a meeting with Tribal employees on October 20 to discuss the changes to the workforce in the next pay-period. The plan focuses on protecting essential services first, which include: Fort Hall Police Department, Fort Hall Fire & EMS Department, Corrections Department, Tribal Courts, Fish & Game Department, Tribal HRSA Clinic, THHS Administration, Social Services Program, Victims Assistance Program, Behavioral Health Programs, Public Health, Community Health Services, Purchased and Referred Care, Community Access Program, Post Office, and Tribal Utilities.

While other programs may face reductions in hours or services the longer the shutdown lasts.

For the pay period from October 19 through November 1, 2025, Tribal operations will be modified for purchasing, personnel actions, travel, and a potential reduction in hours for general fund and indirect programs. The Tribes have been on spending restrictions since September 23, 2025, in anticipation of potential disruptions in funding and expect those to remain in place through the end of the shutdown.  Similarly, the Tribes also require all employees to submit a justification for new travel and have required that travel be directly related to program operations while the shutdown is in effect.

Essential government services will stay open and fully running without any significant disruptions throughout the duration of the shutdown. Programs that receive federal or state funding and have approval to keep working as usual will continue their regular operations with the spending restrictions and travel restrictions in place. Programs without approval from their funding agencies, General Fund and Indirect Programs will reduce their hours progressively over the next two pay periods. Some temporary employees may be impacted by the shutdown depending on their job and funding source. The Executive Office is working with departments to maintain temporary employees to the greatest extent possible based on their funding source and position work.

The approved plan is meant to help the Tribe manage the first six weeks of a government shutdown. If the shutdown lasts longer than three pay periods, more serious steps may be needed to continue delivering essential services. This could include reducing staff, delaying pay for some key employees, and operating with a reduced workforce.

Stone said there is no clear answer yet on when the federal government shutdown will end, but the Tribes are following their approved plan to get through it.

“I realize this situation may cause a high level of anxiety for many, as the shutdown affects everyone,” said Stone. “I’ve asked our directors and managers to offer flexibility where possible and to maintain open communication with their staff. We’ll make our way through this as best as we can, together.”

This information has also been shared at this month’s district meetings to keep the community updated and hear concerns. The Tribes will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as new information becomes available.