Wednesday, October 8, 2025

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Photo: The Gila River Governance Center located in the tribal capital of Sacaton. (Gabriel Pietrorazio / KJZZ)

Arizona’s 22 tribes rely on federal dollars to fund programs and even to pay some employees.

But as KJZZ’s Gabriel Pietrorazio reports, two Valley-based tribal communities say the ongoing government shutdown should have limited effect.

Governor Stephen Roe Lewis of the Gila River Indian Community shared in a video message that his administration has been crafting a contingency plan to fund essential services for up to 90 days.

The longest shutdown was during President Donald Trump’s first term and lasted 35 days.

“So our plan should more than cover a shutdown, but we will also have plans in place should a longer, unprecedented shutdown occur. And I also want to assure you that we don’t anticipate any interruption in any of our community programs at this time.”

That optimism was echoed in prepared remarks by Martin Harvier, president of the neighboring Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

“While this may cause some disruption, I want to reassure you that our tribal departments remain fully operational and staff are committed to delivering the services you count on every day.”

Nearly 31,000 employees have been furloughed by the Interior Department, including more than a third of all Bureau of Indian Affairs staff.

The National Congress of American Indians has even created a survey, urging tribes across Indian Country to share their experiences on how the current shutdown is impacting them.

A new pitch competition is looking for Indigenous entrepreneurs in Michigan who have ideas for startups.

IPR’s Claire Keenan-Kurgan has more.

Indigipitch will give Native Americans in Michigan a chance to compete for cash prizes to get a startup off the ground.

Shiloh Slomsky is the financial officer and Tribal liaison for 20Fathoms, a Traverse City-based group that’s organizing the competition.

She says Michigan’s Indigenous communities are full of creative business ideas.

“We’re taught to not waste anything and to utilize everything that we take. And in order to utilize everything we take, it really takes an innovative mindset to be able to do that.”

Slomsky is looking for applications from Native Americans in Michigan who have startup ideas, and from Native small business owners who want to have a vendor booth at the event.

The pitch competition is on December 5 at the Odawa Casino in Petoskey.

Applications are open until October 13.

Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby says the Chickasaw Nation is strong, as he delivered the State of the Nation address.

“My fellow Chickasaws, I am honored to report to you today, that the state of the Chickasaw Nation is remarkably strong, and the best is yet to come.”

He gave the speech during the Oklahoma tribe’s recent annual meeting and festival. Anoatubby highlighted a number of tribal issues including its diverse business portfolio, which he says continues to expand. He also touched on expanding education, health care and other programs.

Gov. Anoatubby talked about the importance of collaboration, including for public safety and infrastructure projects.

“By continuing government to government relations with local, tribal, state, and federal partners and cultivating partnerships with agencies, institutions and many other organizations, we assure mutual growth and vitality for the Chickasaw Nation and the communities throughout Oklahoma.”

He emphasized the tribe’s commitment to language and cultural preservation. The address was followed by a parade and activities, which are part of the weeklong festival.

 

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