SACATON, AZ (AZFamily) — The Gila River Indian Community issued a declaration of emergency as the government shutdown continues, creating a lapse in critical SNAP funding.

Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Roe Lewis made the declaration on Saturday, saying the community will step up to help offset the impacts on its members, specifically to support food and economic security as well as withstand lapses and interruptions in federal funding and programs.

Community leadership agreed to provide a general welfare payment to all adult community members.

A “General Assistance Payment” of $1,000 is now available to all community members over 18 years old as of November 1, 2025. The payment date will be Wednesday, Nov. 5.

In the order, Lewis said the payment disbursement will be t

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