Spirit Lake Tribal Council Declares State of Emergency as Federal Shutdown Threatens Food and Heating Assistance

Fort Totten, N.D. — October 22, 2025— The Spirit Lake Tribal Council declared a State of Emergency on October 21, 2025, for food and heating assistance within the Spirit Lake Reservation in response to the ongoing 2025 federal government shutdown and its potential impact on essential federal programs.

Due to a lapse in federal appropriations, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may be paused beginning November 1, 2025, if the shutdown continues beyond October 31. North Dakota Health and Human Services officials are awaiting further federal guidance on when benefits would resume. The Spirit Lake Food Distribution Program has already reported an increase in families seeking assistance since the start of the current fiscal year.

While programs such as Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) are currently unaffected, uncertainty remains as the shutdown continues.

“While we hope for a quick resolution from our federal partners, we must act now to protect our community,” said Chairwoman Lonna Jackson Street. “These difficult times call on us to lean on each other. We will go back to our own sources and resources to provide for our people. We will always defend and stand up for our treaty rights as Native American people. We will not sit by and allow our people to suffer.”

Local Impacts and Tribal Response

• SNAP benefits may be reduced or fully paused beginning Nov. 1 if the shutdown continues.

• The Tribe is preparing to supplement the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and provide alternative food resources while exploring sustainable, community-based solutions. As of FY 2026, LIHEAP has received only 10 percent of its total budget, leaving major shortfalls for heating, electricity, propane, and other essential utilities.

• Families who rely on SNAP are encouraged to apply with the Spirit Lake Food Distribution Program (FDP) to ensure uninterrupted access to food.

• The Woodlake Food Pantry, supported by the Great Plains Food Bank, remains open to all residents living within Spirit Lake Reservation boundaries (not limited to enrolled tribal members).

• The Spirit Lake LIHEAP Program is currently accepting applications and provides services to over 650 recipients within the reservation boundaries.

Resources and Next Steps

• Residents are urged to prepare for the potential disruption and take the following steps:

• Stay informed. The Spirit Lake Tribe will issue updates as soon as new information is available from state and federal partners.

• Contact local resources. Visit my firstling.org or call 211 for nearby food banks and emergency support.

• Apply for food assistance.

  • o SpiritLakeFoodDistributionProgram

    Phone: 701-766-4684 | Hours: Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

  • o Spirit Lake LIHEAP Program

    Phone: 701-766-1206 | Hours: Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–5 p.m

Important update as of October 22, 2025:

Due to possible interruptions in SNAP benefits for November, individuals wishing to transition to the Food Distribution Program (FDP) are urged to close their SNAP case and apply for FDP by October 28 to ensure continued food support. Online applications are available at https://spiritlake.ifdp.io/kiosk/online-application. Please contact Spirit Lake Food Distribution with any questions, 701-766-4684.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and act swiftly to protect our community,” Chairwoman Street said. “Our strength comes from our shared culture, from the land, and from each other. We will work through these times of uncertainty together.”

For more information contact [email protected]

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR