Viral Facebook post results in massive donation
It is day 32 of the partial government shutdown, and Native American tribes are really beginning to struggle, including here in Fort Hall. Donations from local communities and even out of the state are pouring in to help the Sho-ban Tribes, all thanks to one Facebook post.
Darla Morgan, the Travel Coordinator for the Sho-ban tribes, shared a story on her Facebook page about her granddaughter sharing her lunch with her classmates who had no food. The government shutdown resulted in over 200 furloughed workers in the Sho-ban tribes. Many of which are struggling to feed their families.
Morgan took to Facebook for help.
“Our community can’t let that happen. We need to do something about that. You know, nobody should be hungry.”
Morgan’s post caught national attention, including an editor from Indian Country Today, a national Native American Publication based in Washington D.C. She says the editor posted her story to, “Twitter, his blog, his newsletter that he sends out every day because ya know, Congress needs to hear that.”
That’s when a Tribe in Washington state came to there aid with a large cash donation to help buy food. Today, that food is being given out.
Randy’L Teton, the Public Affairs Manager for Shoban Tribes, says she is deeply humbled by their donations. Today, Sho-ban tribes plan to use those donations towards helping the most vulnerable first.
“We’re still receiving donations, but today is our first official distribution,” said Teton. “The focus is really on those who have been furloughed, ya know our BIA agents, they’ve been out of work since Christmas. And any family with children that are in need, we’re also providing for them as well.”
The tribe’s contingency plan is evaluated daily; however, next week could bring a whole new set of challenges.
The government shutdown affects Native American tribes that depend on federal funds allocated through a treaty established over a century ago. Much of that funding goes towards public services, healthcare, and education.
