Gila River Indian Community Responded to Federal Shutdown

November 21, 2025

GRIN Staff

SACATON, Ariz. — The federal government shutdown stretched to 43 days, becoming the longest in U.S. history. On the 31st day, Gila River Indian Community Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis declared a Declaration of Emergency, enabling access to reserved funds for unprecedented crises and mobilizing resources to protect essential services and vulnerable families.

Community-run programs, including health care, public safety, education and cultural services, remained fully funded. But federally supported programs faced disruption. November benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program were not delivered, and leaders warned of looming interruptions to the Women, Infants and Children program and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

Governor Lewis and Community leadership closely monitored the impacts and advocated for the Community’s needs. He maintained regular contact with Arizona’s congressional delegation, federal officials and Gov. Katie Hobbs’ office.

A special meeting of the Governance and Community Council recommended unlocking one-time resources to offset food insecurity, missed paychecks and delays in federal services.

The council approved an extraordinary financial assistance program: most members received a one-time payment of $1,000 to sustain households and support those most affected by the shutdown. The emergency declaration also enabled access to reserved funds for unprecedented crises.

Community departments and schools stepped forward as well. Casa Blanca Community School launched a food backpack program for students, and additional food distributions were organized. Updates on food bank locations and assistance programs were shared through Community social media.

Gov. Lewis emphasized that the Community would not allow its most vulnerable members — elders, families with newborns and those furloughed from federal jobs, to bear the brunt of federal inaction.

“We will continue to advocate in Washington and ensure our members are supported during this difficult time,” Gov. Lewis said, urging members to look out for one another throughout the shutdown.

Thanks to proactive leadership, direct financial assistance and the solidarity of its members, the Gila River Indian Community demonstrated resilience and capacity to protect its people during an unprecedented national crisis.