Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Issues Statement on  Effects of Federal Government Shutdown

Published January 12, 2019

AKWESASNE — Like many tribal nations across the United States who receive federal funds, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe has been closely monitoring the partial shutdown of the federal government. In doing so, the Tribe is concerned about the shutdown’s duration and has been staying abreast of developments as they take place in Washington, DC.

Tribal Council has been in communication with New York State’s congressional members to discuss the ongoing effects of the shutdown and to urge Congress to immediately reopen the federal government. Discussions were held earlier this week with representatives of U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (Democrat) and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (Republican).

The Tribe expects congressional leaders and the current administration will work cooperatively to resolve the impasse and minimize the shutdown’s impact on tribal programs that receive majority funding from federal grant awards. The federal government shutdown negatively impacts the ability of the United States to fulfill their trust obligations to all Indian Nations across the Country. Akwesasne also may be negatively impacted by a prolonged shutdown of the federal government.

Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal operations will continue at 100 percent through Friday, February 15, 2019. In the event that the federal government shutdown continues beyond February 15th, the Tribe will reassess and determine future actions. Such actions may include temporary staff reductions, travel freeze, hiring freeze, procurement freeze, postponement of capital projects, among other considerations.

The Tribe assures tribal membership and employees that we are all working together to help minimize any potential impact the shutdown may have on individual staff and community members. It will continue to make the provision of essential tribal programs and services, including the overall health and safety of the general public, an ongoing priority.

Tribal Council and senior staff continue to monitor the situation and will keep employees and the community informed of any specific impacts. 

An update and measures that are being considered will be shared with membership at the Monthly Tribal Meeting on Saturday, January 12, 2019.