Census

Census Bureau Tribal Consultation

tlmorri3 — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 18:39:20 +0000

Census Bureau Tribal Consultation

tlmorri3 November 19, 2024

AIPI Blog

Census Bureau Tribal Consultation

On November 12, 2024, the United States Census Bureau announced it would conduct two virtual Tribal consultations on updating the race/ethnicity code list for the American Community Survey and the 2030 Census. The consultations will occur on December 11, 2024, and January 15, 2025.

The Race/Ethnicity Coding Improvement Project allows Tribes to provide feedback on how detailed race and/or ethnicity and American Indian or Alaska Native populations will be coded in the American Community Survey (ACS) and the 2030 census.

The consultations will provide information on how to interpret and understand the code list and its impact on the data Tribes receive. Tribal leaders will have the opportunity to provide feedback on alternative terms, abbreviations, or in-language terms that individuals may use to identify themselves as a citizen of their Tribes and any groups that may be missing or misclassified in the code list.

The Census Bureau is seeking feedback from Tribal governments on the following questions:

1. Are there any groups missing from the proposed code list? If so, please identify them and suggest how and why the groups should be classified.

2. Are any groups on the proposed list misclassified? If so, please identify them and suggest an alternative classification or indicate if the term should be removed.

3. Are there alternative terms, abbreviations, or in-language terms people may use to identify with a specific group that should be added to the proposed code list? If so, please identify them and suggest a classification.

Deadline:

Tribes will have until February 5, 2025, to review the proposed updates to the code list and provide input.

Who may attend:

· These meetings are open to citizens of federal and State recognized Tribes by invitation.

Any questions or topics to be considered in the Tribal consultation meetings must be received in writing via email by December 2, 2024 to Dee.A.Alexander@census.gov or OCIA.TAO@census.gov.

Virtual Tribal Consultation #1:

· Wednesday, December 11, 2024, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET.

· Registration Link

Virtual Tribal Consultation #2:

· Wednesday, January 15, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET.

· Registration Link

Once you register as an attendee, you will receive an email with login information or the option to join via phone only.

For further information, please contact Dee Alexander, Tribal Affairs Coordinator, Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs.

· Intergovernmental Affairs Office, U.S. Census Bureau, Washington, DC 20233;

· (301) 763-9335

· (202) 407-6635

· Dee.A.Alexander@census.gov

· OCIA.TAO@census.gov

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November 19, 2024

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The Office of Management & Budget Proposes Updates for Reporting Race and Ethnicity Data

spesweviwridriclitrauespuuadruwujihuthacrijowosomijeclifrewr — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 18:05:59 +0000

The Office of Management & Budget Proposes Updates for Reporting Race and Ethnicity Data

spesweviwridri… (not verified) April 18, 2023

AIPI Blog

The Office of Management & Budget Proposes Updates for Reporting Race and Ethnicity Data

**PUBLIC COMMENT DEADLINE EXTENDED**

In January, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released proposals for changing Federal Race and Ethnicity Standards. The proposals were advanced by the The Federal Interagency Technical Working Group on Race and Ethnicity Standards (the Working Group). The Working Group includes more than 20 intergovernmental agencies and is comprised of Federal government career staff. Agencies included are those that regularly work with Tribes such as the Department of the Interior, the Department of Justice, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Health and Human Services.

The proposed changes aim to improve the quality and value of federal race and ethnicity data. The proposals would revise OMB's 1997 Statistical Policy Directive No. 15: Standards for Maintaining, Collecting, and Presenting Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity and would hope to provide minimum standards meant to ensure the ability to compare information and data across Federal agencies. The proposed changes include, among others:

Collecting data on race and ethnicity together within a single question;
Changing the American Indian or Alaska Native minimum category description to include all individuals who identify with any of the original peoples of North, Central, and South America;”
Adding the phrase “who maintain Tribal affiliation or community attachment” in the American Indian or Alaska Native definition; and
Adding a space for self-identifying Tribal affiliation.

Accurate and genuine data of U.S. population groups is crucial to informing necessary policy, directions of research and overall public understandings. Inadequate data creates inadequate support of individual population group needs. While these changes aim to gather correct data on identities in the U.S., there is concern that their approach will only continue trends of ignoring unique American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) identity characteristics and inherent Tribal sovereignty principles, consequently continuing to produce inaccurate data on AI/AN populations.

First, although the AI/AN population category is the only census-defined racial category that is concurrently considered a political entity, the proposed changes do not directly address this. Instead, AI/AN identities are lumped together with other population groups solely in the “racial” identification category. Classification of AI/AN peoples solely as a “race” rather than also sovereign Native Nations that have maintained a unique government-to-government relationship with the United States since its inception will cause continued misunderstandings pertaining to AI/AN identities and the inherent civil and political right that accompany it. We are currently seeing a direct consequence of this in the Supreme Court Case, Haaland v. Brackeen. In contrast, supplying an AI/AN identity option outside of the racial category to collect data would allow for the separation between understandings of AI/AN peoples as simply connected to race and would give an accurate picture of Tribal data.

Second, the collection of this data will continue to be through self-reporting, as opposed to meeting the individual sovereign standards each of the 574 Federally Recognized Tribes require in order to be legally considered a Tribal citizen. If the race and ethnicity categories adhered to requirements upheld by sovereign Native Nations in order to correctly identify as AI/AN, it would ensure more accurate data on Tribal populations and maintain data sovereignty, or the inherent right of Tribes to govern the collection, ownership, and application of its own data.

Finally, the OMB’s proposed changes could increase the number of AI/AN individuals who identify as two or more races. Lumping larger amounts of the AI/AN community into the “two or more” race category as opposed to protecting the accuracy of the nuances in AI/AN populations by breaking down their identity groups fails to take into account individualized trends. This will continue the skewing of data and further the misunderstandings of different AI/AN populations’ unique experiences and support requirements.

The above concerns regarding the miscollection of Tribal data could cause mistakes in research, create flawed policy initiatives and continue negative and misinformed conceptions about the AI/AN population. Regardless of the final outcomes of changes to the OMB’s race and ethnicity standards, it is necessary for the Federal government to take into account the unique AI/AN identity characteristics and inherent Tribal sovereignty principles when they collect information on AI/AN identities. This is the singular path to factual data on Tribal Nations and comprehensive support for their communities.

The updates to OMB’s Race and Ethnicity Standards are set to be complete by Summer 2024 and would take effect for the 2030 census. The OMB has extended the public comment period on these proposed changes to April 27, 2023. For more information on how to submit public comments, view the original Federal Register Notice and Request for comments on the Initial Proposals For Updating OMB's Race and Ethnicity Statistical Standards. To view already submitted public written comments, please visit the regulations.gov comment docket. Additionally, recordings of the OMB Town Hall meetings on the proposed changes can be viewed here.

AIPI will continue to release information on the OMB’s proposals for revising the Federal Race and Ethnicity Standards as it becomes available.

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April 18, 2023

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FCC Broadband Map Challenges: Improving Tribal Broadband Data

jjhern40 — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 19:45:23 +0000

FCC Broadband Map Challenges: Improving Tribal Broadband Data

jjhern40 January 9, 2023

AIPI Blog

FCC Broadband Map Challenges: Improving Tribal Broadband Data

On November 18, 2022, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released the pre-production draft of its new broadband availability map. This map gives an initial look into broadband availability nationwide. While this map is an improvement of earlier maps, there are still inaccuracies on Tribal lands. U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Media and Broadband explained at a December, 2022 hearing that prior maps were so insufficient that they omitted entire communities. At the same hearing, there was concern that although the new map is an improvement, it is still missing critical Tribal information. Therefore, the FCC’s new map challenge process is a vital tool for Tribal communities to ensure that they are included in broadband mapping and project planning.

Substantial broadband funding programs such as Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program will use the new map to distribute $42.45 billion in grant awards. Pursuant to the BEAD Program, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) states that any map challenges should be submitted to the FCC by January 13, 2023 for the best chance of being considered for BEAD program grants, despite concerns about the deadline and the challenge process overall.

Tribal data omission is detrimental to Tribes because it results in a lack of critical resources for Tribal communities. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the lack of broadband data prevented Tribes from taking part in internet infrastructure development the rest of the country experienced over the last several decades. The new FCC map is a start on making needed improvements to Tribal broadband data. There is much work needed and the FCC map along with the map challenge process are an opportunity for individuals, Tribal governments, and community organizations to contribute to the solution. Please continue to follow AIPI for any updates on the new FCC map, the BEAD program, or other Tribal broadband developments.

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January 9, 2023

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Tribal Nations Undercounted in 2020 Census

spesweviwridriclitrauespuuadruwujihuthacrijowosomijeclifrewr — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 03:42:26 +0000

Tribal Nations Undercounted in 2020 Census

spesweviwridri… (not verified) March 28, 2022

AIPI Blog

Tribal Nations Undercounted in 2020 Census

The 2020 Census undercount poses challenges to Tribes. The expanded outreach of the 2020 Census was no match for the obstacles created by COVID-19, and American Indians and Alaska Natives living on reservations were once again undercounted. This time by 5.6 percent. In 2010, the undercount was 4.9 percent. The 2020 Census is key to Tribal planning decisions and funding opportunities.

In an NCAI news release, President Fawn Sharp of the National Congress of American Indians stated, “Every undercounted household and individual in our communities means lost funding and resources that are desperately needed to address the significant disparities we face."

Official population counts are used when applying for federal funding and philanthropic grants. It can be hard to show community need when a significant portion of the population does not appear in the Census numbers. Tribes also often use the Census counts internally to plan for community development. An undercount may result in misallocated resources as sections of the population in certain areas were missed by the Census. All together these issues make key decisions, such as broadband planning, difficult in the coming years.

Additionally, Tribes that want to work with state governments to access broadband funding may find new hurdles. The federal government uses the Census as the basis for allocating funding and resources to State programs. States then often do the same for distributing funding to county governments. County funding is particularly important when discussing checkerboard reservations. These are reservations where the Tribal land base is broken into small pieces, and counties have more influence on big-picture infrastructure projects and programs. This state funding structure is especially relevant this year with state broadband grants on the table through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program (BEAD).

Finally, Census undercounts can result in political misrepresentation. Arizona, a state with a high American Indian population, was expecting a new congressional seat, but because of Census undercounts, Arizona will not get new political representation at the national level. In extreme cases, political jurisdictions may even lose representation, such as having a reduced number of state elected officials. Some reservations with internal political districts may also use the Census numbers to allocate political representation. An undercount greatly affects political representation for the next decade, until the next Census.

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March 28, 2022

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Avoiding an Undercount in the 2020 Census

spesweviwridriclitrauespuuadruwujihuthacrijowosomijeclifrewr — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 23:31:00 +0000

Avoiding an Undercount in the 2020 Census

spesweviwridri… (not verified) June 16, 2020

AIPI Blog

Avoiding an Undercount in the 2020 Census

The 2020 Census continues despite slowdowns caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Individuals can still respond to the census online. If you have access to the internet, even for just a short time, visit https://my2020census.gov to complete your census form. It only takes about 10 minutes. Self-response is available through October 31.

Why is it important to fill out the Census? Census data is used to determine everything from political apportionment and redistricting to funding for healthcare, policing, social welfare, etc. This includes things like the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Indian Housing Block Grants, Violence Against Women Formula Grants, Native American Employment and Training, Urban Indian Health Services, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP).

“Undercounting results in Native peoples being denied a full voice in policy decision-making,” said The Leadership Conference Education Fund. “As a result, their community’s different needs may not be represented or prioritized according to their real share of the population.”

The 2010 Census resulted in an undercount of 4.9 percent for American Indians, which in turn led to underfunding for programs and grants in tribal nations. Indigenous leaders hope to avoid an undercount, which could be devastating for tribes, this year. In light of the current pandemic, being counted in the census is being seen as a “necessity” for the future.

Unfortunately, in recent weeks, reports have indicated that the country is already on course for an undercount of Native people in the 2020 Census. One area in Alaska has seen a response rate of less than 5 percent. “The Navajo Nation's current self-response rate is 0.8 percent of the population, last recorded at 173,667 in 2010,” according to The Hill. Our Census Response Tracker blog post explains this disparity, but it is no less alarming.

This is a call to action. Remind your friends, relatives, aunties, uncles, grandparents to fill out the census. Provide them with the resources necessary, if you are able. Make sure Indian Country Counts!

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June 16, 2020

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Census Response Tracker for Indian Country (Arizona)

spesweviwridriclitrauespuuadruwujihuthacrijowosomijeclifrewr — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 20:12:00 +0000

Census Response Tracker for Indian Country (Arizona)

spesweviwridri… (not verified) June 10, 2020

AIPI Blog

Census Response Tracker for Indian Country (Arizona)

Welcome to the 2020 Census Response Tracker for Indian Country

Below are the current response rates for tribal lands in Arizona. To view other tribal lands according to their designated Census Area, visit https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html.

The last Census resulted in an undercount of 4.9% in Indian Country. This year, tribes and tribal organizations, such as the National Congress of American Indians, have declared it imperative that the federal government record an accurate accounting of Indian Country. Everyone must respond to the Census. Do not allow Indian Country to be underrepresented in the national census.

Note: The web tools presented below were developed by the U.S. Census Bureau in partnership with Tableau. The data are drawn directly from the U.S. Census Bureau. Figures are updated daily. Due to the large amounts of data, this webpage may load slower than normal. Tim Olson, Associate Director of Field Operations for the U.S. Census Bureau, gives a short explanation (~ 3 minutes) of the response rate mapping tool in this May 26, 2020 video:

Why Do Tribes Have Such Low Response Rates?

The COVID-19 pandemic has delayed Census Bureau field operations, including efforts to reach residents of tribal lands. The Census Bureau conducts an operation called Update Leave, which provides rural Americans, who do not have traditional city-format addresses, including those living on tribal reservations, with the materials they need to respond to the Census.

The Census Bureau sent workers into the field to conduct Update Leave on March 15, but the operation was shut down after only three days because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Due to the delay in operation Update Leave (so-called because census workers update physical housing unit addresses and leave census response packages for residents), tribal lands currently lag behind the rest of the nation in Census response rates. However, Update Leave has recently resumed operations in many areas. The Census Bureau has said it is waiting to receive go-ahead approval from tribal nations to enter their lands and begin or resume Update Leave.

The Census Bureau cannot use P.O. Boxes or rural route addresses. It says, “For 95 percent of the country, we can link responses to the right place by using a mailing address. This doesn’t work in some communities. For example: If the post office delivers your mail to a PO Box, we can’t count you at the post office or follow up with you there if you don’t respond. Rural route addresses (e.g., RR5, Box 9) may represent a mailbox along a roadside, not necessarily your home’s location, making it harder to count you in the right place.”

After confirming a housing unit’s physical location and updating its address, Census workers will leave a package containing a 2020 Census Invitation, which includes a unique Census ID, just like the ones mailed out in cities across the country.

The Census Bureau asks that individuals wait to respond until they receive an invitation containing their home’s unique Census ID. It says, “Responding with your Census ID ensures you are counted in the right place.” The deadline to respond to the Census has been extended, so everyone will have time to fill out a Census questionnaire using their unique Census ID, but, they say, “If you don’t respond when you receive your Census ID, a census taker will visit later to collect your responses in person.”

Response Rate Mapping Tools

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Cocopah Colorado River Indian Tribes Fort Apache Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Fort Mojave Fort Yuma Gila River Indian Community Havasupai Hopi Reservation and Off-Reservation Trust Land Hualapai Reservation and Off-Reservation Trust Land Kaibab Indian Reservation Ak-Chin Indian Community Reservation and Off-Reservation Trust Land Navajo Nation Pascua Yaqui Reservation and Off-Reservation Trust Land Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community San Carlos Apache Tohono O'odham Nation Tonto Apache Reservation and Off-Reservation Trust Land Yavapai-Apache Nation Reservation Yavapai-Prescott Reservation Zuni Reservation and Off-Reservation Trust Land