TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner declared a state of emergency and made over $6.75 million in relief funding available on Tuesday due to the ongoing federal government shutdown and food insecurity concerns.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) posted a notice on its website on Oct. 26 saying aid for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will not go out on Nov. 1 as the shutdown continues, impacting around 42 million Americans.

"Bottom line, the well has run dry," the notice says.

This announcement prompted Chief Hoskin to declare a state of emergency on Oct. 28 due to food insecurity concerns, according to a press release .

“I cannot predict what Congress or the President will do to stop the imp

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