EBS STAFF
On Oct. 24, the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council–which serves the Blackfeet Nation in northwest Montana, and over 17,000 members–announced that they have authorized the culling of 18 bison from the Blackfeet Nation herd to address “economic challenges stemming from the ongoing federal government shutdown and potential reductions in food-assistance funding,” specified a news release. Processed meat from the bison will be distributed to community members.
The measure was described as “proactive” and part of a larger effort to safeguard essential food distribution programs, such as SNAP, relied upon by community members. Additionally, the Blackfeet Fish and Wildlife Department and the Blackfeet Commodity Office have organized an elk harvest, which will provide elk meat to community members in the coming weeks.
“With federal restrictions and the shutdown disrupting vital resources, the Blackfeet Nation is turning to its own natural resources and community partnerships to ensure that families continue to have access to food,” the release said.
