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Federal government shutdowns cause economic distress for tribes

Sep 28, 2023
The U.S. government is obligated by treaty to provide certain services to tribal nations. Shutdowns force tribes to take on those costs.
The headquarters of the Yurok Tribe in Northern California in 2021. During the government shutdown in 2013, the tribe had to furlough about 70 employees.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

USDA looks at ways to help restore Indigenous foodways

Nov 25, 2021
The agency is partnering with groups aiming to add more buffalo to tribal diets and to create an heirloom seed repository, among others.
"It’s very important to get buffalo back into our diet and back into the plates of our community members," said Jason Baldes of the InterTribal Buffalo Council. Above, an American bison, sometimes called buffalo, circa 1930.
Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Tribes plan for COVID relief spending, brace for challenges

Jun 7, 2021
The American Rescue Plan provides $20 billion in aid, but problems with the previous CARES Act rollout have made tribes vigilant.
The American Rescue Plan includes $20 billion for tribal governments. But hitches in the aid provided by the CARES Act in 2020 prevented full and effective use of the funds.
hapabapa via Getty Images

COVID-19 has closed tribal casinos and cut off other vital revenue sources

Jun 15, 2020
Tribal leaders say COVID-19 closures have had a devastating economic effect.
The Northern Arapaho Tribe’s Wind River Hotel and Casino, located on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming, has been closed since mid-March.
Savannah Maher

Mega-dams, like Hoover, probably wouldn't be built today

Mar 29, 2017
Dams are costly and have gone out of style. We also know more about their environmental impact.
Hoover Dam in 1936, the year it was completed. The dam was finished two years ahead of schedule and under budget, a feat unlikely to occur today.
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