Tribal Consultation Handbook

Background Materials for Tribal Consultations on the 2020 Census

Issued Fall 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Two Important Questions for All Tribal Governments and 

Community Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Why Is It Important for Tribal Community Members to Respond to the 

2020 Census? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

How Is Personal Information Protected? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Brief History of the Decennial Census and American Indians 

and Alaska Natives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Planning for the 2020 Census . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Updating Addresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Optimizing Self-Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Using Administrative Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Managing Field Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

2020 Census Tribal Consultation Topics and Questions . . . . . . 14

Enumeration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Partnerships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Classification and Tabulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Geography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Recruiting for Census Jobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Additional Decennial Programs That Help Tribal Governments . 40

American Community Survey (ACS).......................... 41

Data Dissemination Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

U.S. Census Bureau Regional Office Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 

Economics and Statistics Administration 

U.S. Census Bureau 

Washington, DC 20233-0001 

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR 

Dear Honorable Tribal Leader: 

I am wTiting to welcome you and your tribal community/village to the tribal consultation process 

for the 2020 Census. We appreciate your past support and input on our American Indian and 

Alaska Native (AlAN) policy statement and for your contributions to the 2010 Census. 

The U.S. Census Bureau is committed to the tenets of Executive Order 13175. As part of our 

ongoing government-to-govemment relationship with federally recognized tribes, we are 

conducting a series of tribal consultation meetings and one national webinar in preparation for 

the planning of operations and communications for the 2020 Census. We would like to invite 

you to participate in one of these sessions or our national webinar between October 2015 and 

April 2016. These meetings will provide a forum for you to share insights, make 

recommendations, and discuss your concems regarding the 2020 Census. Prior to the meetings, 

you will receive a booklet containing background information, subjects, and questions that seek 

your input through comment and participation in the consultation meetings. 

These sessions will be held at annual tribal leader meetings and tribal association conferences. 

The Census Bureau has contracted with an American Indian-owned fim1, Kauffman and 

Associates of Spokane, Washington, to help with the logistics and implementation of these 

consultation meetings. The :fim1 will be reaching out to identify and confinn your participation. 

In an effort to meet with as many federally recognized tribes as possible, the Census Bureau 

plans to enlist the assistance of regional intertribal alliances and organizations. 

We would also like you to submit questions or topics you would like us to consider for 

discussion during these meetings. For additional information, please visit 

http://www.census.gov/aian!census 20?0/ or contact Dee Alexander, Intergovernmental Tribal 

Affairs Specialist, at (30 1) 763-9335, or via email at dee.a.alexander@.census.gov. 

We are excited about the upcoming consultation meetings and are dedicated to making these 

consultations a success. We look forward to working with you to ensure that we have 

comprehensive tribal input in anticipation of the 2020 Census. 

Sincerely, 

This letter was sent to all federally recognized tribes in July of 2015.

~+~ John H. Thompson 

Director 
How to Use This Document

This document was created as a tool to help tribal leaders prepare for the U.S. Census 

Bureau’s consultations on the 2020 Census. This tool contains background materials and 

information on the following elements of the upcoming census:

u Enumeration (the act of counting a population)

u Communications 

u Partnerships 

u Classification and tabulation of response data

u Geography

u Recruitment for census jobs

Each section related to the above topics contains discussion questions. Your input on these 

discussion questions or other issues is requested both before and during the consultation 

meetings.

This document also responds to common concerns about participation in the census, 

provides a brief history of the census within American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) 

populations, identifies the changes that are planned for the 2020 Census, introduces the 

American Community Survey (ACS) and the Data Dissemination Program, and provides 

contact information for Census Bureau regional offices.

All tribal governments are encouraged to share insights, make recommendations, and 

discuss issues or concerns about the 2020 Census at the upcoming consultations. Your 

input will help the Census Bureau prepare for a more effective, accurate 2020 Census for 

AIANs. This document provides information to help tribal leaders make informed decisions 

and join the discussion about census operations in preparation for the 2020 Census.

How to Submit Your Input and Comments

Tribal leaders are encouraged to submit comments and feedback about the topics covered 

in this document by February 2015, using one or more of the three options below:

u Submit your comments by mail. Send comments to: 

Dee Alexander

Intergovernmental Tribal Affairs Specialist

c/o U.S. Census Bureau

4600 Silver Hill Road, Room 8H160A

Washington, DC 20233

u Submit your comments by email. Send comments to: 

dee.a.alexander@census.gov

u Bring your comments to the consultation meeting.
Two Important Questions for 

All Tribal Governments and 

Community Members
Background Materials for Tribal Consultations on the 2020 Census • 2

Two Important Questions

Tribal leaders and community members often want to know more about how and why 

censuses are conducted. Below are two common questions with accompanying answers.

Why Is It Important for Tribal Community Members to 

Respond to the 2020 Census?

The information collected by the census is an important tool for federal and tribal decisionmaking. The U.S. Constitution requires a census every 10 years to determine how many 

seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives. Census data also help 

guide how billions of dollars in federal, state, and tribal funding are distributed. Accurate 

census data leads to fairer allocations of funds that support tribal programs in meeting 

community member needs.

Census data help tribal leaders understand what their communities need. Many tribal 

communities use census information to attract new business and plan for growth. In fact, 

many tribes and tribal organizations use census data to plan new facilities and programs 

for the communities they serve. However, if some segments of the tribal population do not 

respond to the census, the AIAN population could be underrepresented.

How Is Personal Information Protected?

The Census Bureau respects the privacy of people who answer the census and is bound by 

strict confidentiality requirements. The Census Bureau cannot share the answers it receives 

with anyone, including welfare agencies, U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (formerly 

known as the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service), the Internal Revenue Service, 

the Bureau of Indian Affairs, tribal officials, tribal courts, tribal police, or the military. Census 

employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect all information 

that could identify individuals. Anyone who breaks this law can receive up to five years in 

prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.

The Census Bureau also uses technology to protect your information through many security 

measures, including electronic barriers and encryption devices. Data from an individual 

are combined with other data to produce the statistical summaries that are published. The 

Census Bureau does not produce data that can identify any individual.
Brief History of the Decennial 

Census and American Indians 

and Alaska Natives
Background Materials for Tribal Consultations on the 2020 Census • 4

Brief History

American Indians were counted in the census as a separate population category for the 

first time in 1860. Since that time, the Census Bureau has made many changes in the way 

it counts populations to ensure accurate, complete counts for AIANs. Today, the Census 

Bureau continues those efforts, with a portion of research and testing in preparation for 

the 2020 Census involving race and ancestry questions geared toward identifying the tribal 

affiliation of AIAN respondents.

Table 1 provides a historical account of censuses and related tests, research, and programs 

specific to AIAN populations.

Table 1. Timeline of Census Activities Related to AIAN Counts

Year(s) Steps Taken to Ensure Accurate AIAN Counts

1790 The first population census in the United States was taken.

1860 For the first time, American Indians were counted as a separate 

population category.

1890–1950 Census takers mainly used observation to identify AIANs.

1960 Self-identification replaced observation as the way to identify AIANs.

1970

For the first time, the Census Bureau tabulated American Indian data 

for individual American Indian reservations. Data were produced for 115 

separate reservations.

Continued on next page...
5 • U.S. Census Bureau Tribal Consultation Handbook

Year(s) Steps Taken to Ensure Accurate AIAN Counts

1980

The Census Bureau began to actively seek AIAN input into the census 

process by:

u Holding regional meetings with tribal leaders to discuss the 

census process;

u Conducting workshops and distributing materials at national 

American Indian conferences;

u Providing AIAN media with the Census Bureau’s public 

relations materials;

u Hiring AIANs to work at the regional and headquarters levels; 

and

u Identifying and presenting data for a more complete inventory 

of American Indian reservations (working with the Bureau of 

Indian Affairs).

1988 A dress rehearsal was conducted on the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe 

Reservation in Utah in preparation for the 1990 Census.

1990 

For the 1990 Census, the Tribal Governments Program was developed 

to work with federally recognized tribal governments through tribal 

liaisons designated by a tribe’s highest elected official. The Census 

Bureau increased collaboration with the AIAN population by:

u Creating the Tribal Governments Liaison Program, a 

subprogram of the Tribal Governments Program that 

encourages each federally recognized tribe to appoint a tribal 

member to serve as the main contact between the Census 

Bureau staff and the tribe;

u Creating the Census Advisory Committee on AIAN 

populations to consider tribal issues or concerns related to 

the census;

u Hiring tribal members for local census planning and collection 

activities;

u Increasing the focus on self-identification as a counting 

method; and

u Instructing census takers to ask respondents to identify 

the race of each household member when filling out the 

questionnaire.

Brief History
Background Materials for Tribal Consultations on the 2020 Census • 6

Year(s) Steps Taken to Ensure Accurate AIAN Counts

1996 

In preparation for the 2000 Census, census tests were conducted on 

Pueblo of Acoma in New Mexico and the Fort Hall Indian Reservation in 

Idaho.

1997

The Tribal Review Program began. Under this program, tribes can 

update their reservation boundaries and list off-reservation trust lands 

for which data should be collected. This program is now called the 

Boundary and Annexation Survey and is conducted every year.

1998 In preparation for the 2000 Census, a dress rehearsal was conducted 

on the Menominee Indian Reservation in Wisconsin.

2000

For the 2000 Census, the Tribal Governments Program changed its 

name to the American Indian and Alaska Native Program (the AIAN 

Program). The change was made to reflect the inclusion of the entire 

AIAN population, to address an undercount from the 1990 Census, and 

to respect the diversity of each tribe. Under the AIAN Program, the 

following subprograms were created:

u Tribal Governments Liaison Program

u Tribal Complete Count Committee Program

u Census 2000 Tribal Government Conference

u Inter-tribal Governments Programs:

} State-recognized tribal program

} Urban programs

} Promotional materials

Continued on next page...
7 • U.S. Census Bureau Tribal Consultation Handbook

Year(s) Steps Taken to Ensure Accurate AIAN Counts

2000–2003

In the report, Complex Households and Relationships in Decennial 

Census and in Ethnographic Studies of Six Race/Ethnic Groups, the 

Census Bureau published results of research into non-nuclear family 

structures and how family or household structures may vary among 

ethnic groups or over time.

This study was based on exploratory ethnographic research in 

selected race or ethnic sites to learn more about non-nuclear, or 

complex households and to identify ways to improve enumeration 

of them. The aims were to: (1) explore the range and functioning of 

complex households within different ethnic groups; (2) assess how well 

census methods, questions, relationship categories, and household 

composition typologies reflected the diversity of household types; and 

(3) suggest revisions to the relationship question and categories for 

the 2010 Census test cycle. One site focused on the Inupiaq Eskimo in 

Alaska and another with Navajo on the Navajo Reservation.

2003 

The Census Bureau conducted three focus groups with federally 

recognized tribal governments to obtain feedback for 2010 Census 

planning.

2004

American Indian cultural awareness training was provided at 

headquarters and regional offices in preparation for the 2006 Census 

Test.

2005

Within the agency’s Complete Count Committees (CCCs), focus groups 

were held to plan and develop a new, innovative CCC Program for the 

2010 Census. One of these focus groups was a tribal focus group, 

which included group members who participated in Tribal Complete 

Count Committees.

2006

Regional directors began meeting one-on-one with federally recognized 

tribal leaders. In preparation for the 2010 Census, the 2006 Census 

Test was conducted on the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe’s reservation 

land and off-reservation trust land in South Dakota.

Brief History
Background Materials for Tribal Consultations on the 2020 Census • 8

Year(s) Steps Taken to Ensure Accurate AIAN Counts

2007

The Census Bureau drafted an AIAN policy statement to be posted in 

the Federal Register for tribal comment.

Fourteen tribal consultation meetings were held regarding the 2010 

Census operations.

2008 

Three working meetings were conducted with state-recognized tribes, 

national and statewide AIAN organizations, urban Indian centers, and 

other urban Indian organizations to discuss 2010 Census operations 

as well as the draft AIAN policy. The Census Bureau signed its Tribal 

Consultation and Coordination Policy in October 2008.

2008

As part of a cognitive testing project, a Census Bureau researcher 

visited the Navajo Reservation and, with approval from the President of 

the Navajo Nation, conducted 10 cognitive interviews about the Draft 

2010 Census Nonresponse Followup Questionnaire. A Navajo official 

was trained to conduct the standard nonresponse followup interviews.

Based on the interview results, the researcher recommended changes 

to the Nonresponse Followup questionnaire.

2010–2011

Focus groups were conducted as part of a 2010 Census Alternative 

Questionnaire Experiment that tested the 2010 Census race, tribe 

and ancestry, and ethnicity questions and several alternative versions 

of these questions that had been proposed for the 2020 Census. In 

25 different cities, focus groups were conducted across all of the 

race groups and Hispanic origin groups defined by the Office of 

Management and Budget. Participants included American Indians who 

lived on and off reservation, Alaska Natives, and Central and South 

American indigenous groups. One of the tested versions was chosen 

for ongoing 2020 Census research.

Continued on next page...
9 • U.S. Census Bureau Tribal Consultation Handbook

Year(s) Steps Taken to Ensure Accurate AIAN Counts

2010–2012

As part of the 2010 Census Program for Evaluations and Experiments, 

an ethnographic study of counting methods and coverage across 

race and ethnic groups was conducted. Results were published in the 

report Comparative Ethnographic Studies of Enumeration Methods and 

Coverage across Race and Ethnic Groups.

Census Bureau researchers received approval from the tribal 

governments to conduct the studies on the reservations, sent them the 

draft site reports for review, and asked whether the tribes wanted to be 

identified by tribal name and reservation location in the site reports and 

the overall report. Expert ethnographers were contracted to accompany 

census enumerators as they collected data from nine different sites.

One of the sites focused mainly on Alaska Natives, and one involved 

two American Indian reservations. The ethnographers watched live 

census interviews, listened for signs of possible errors in coverage, and 

immediately followed up with respondents to try to resolve possible 

coverage errors and identify why they may have happened.

2014

Eight nationwide focus groups were conducted in the fall of 2014.

Participants filled out and discussed different versions of the 

combined race and Hispanic origin question. The main goal was to 

receive feedback on six different sets of instructions specific to the 

AIAN population. Participants gave feedback on the six specific sets 

of instructions and the two question stems they perceived best for 

both self-identification and for identification within tribes, villages, 

or corporations. Participants preferred the instruction of “Print, for 

example” with the question stem of “What is your race or origin?” 

Brief History
Background Materials for Tribal Consultations on the 2020 Census • 10

Year(s) Steps Taken to Ensure Accurate AIAN Counts

2015

Cognitive testing was conducted in the spring of 2015. The main goal 

was to test different checkbox options on a questionnaire for the 

AIAN population, using a combined race and Hispanic origin question.

Specifically, the research tested the use of three checkboxes versus six 

checkboxes. The options listed within each version of the checkbox are 

listed below.

u First option (3 checkboxes): (1) American Indian, (2) Alaska 

Native, and (3) Central or South American Indian 

u Second option (6 checkboxes): (1) Navajo Nation, (2) 

Blackfeet Tribe, (3) Mayan, (4) Aztec, (5) Native Village of 

Barrow Inupiat Traditional Government, and (6) Nome Eskimo 

Community

A write-in space was included in each of the questionnaire designs.

Respondents preferred the first option (the use of three checkboxes 

with the additional write-in space). This version will be tested in the 

2015 National Content Test.

Planned in 

2015–2016

To host eight tribal consultation meetings and one nationwide webinar 

for federally recognized tribes scheduled around the country from 

October 2015 through April 2016 to discuss tribal identification, 

geography, and other topics.
Planning for the 2020 Census
Background Materials for Tribal Consultations on the 2020 Census • 12

Planning for the 2020 Census

The 2020 Census is designed to cost less per housing unit than the 2010 Census (when 

adjusted for inflation), while continuing to maintain high quality. The Census Bureau plans 

to achieve this by conducting the most automated, modern, and dynamic decennial census 

in history. The 2020 Census includes sweeping design changes in four key areas, including 

new methodologies to conduct address canvassing, innovative ways of optimizing selfresponse, the use of administrative records to reduce the nonresponse followup workload, 

and the use of technology to replace tasks traditionally conducted by field operations staff.

The goal is to achieve dramatic cost savings by: using the U.S. Postal Service and other 

information sources, including aerial imagery, to avoid walking every street in the nation 

to validate the address list; making responding to the census more convenient through 

the Internet, phone, or by mail; using existing government and commercial information 

to reduce the need to follow up with nonresponding housing units; and using technology 

to manage and track cases, as well as to route the census takers—who will be using 

smartphones and tablets, rather than pencil and paper.

The Census Bureau estimates that conducting a 2020 Census that includes these major 

cost-saving innovations has the potential to save approximately $5 billion compared to 

repeating the 2010 design in the 2020 Census.

Updating Addresses

The foundation of an accurate census is an accurate address frame, which includes 

both the address and the geospatial location. Over the past few years, there have been 

tremendous technological advances in the geospatial field. More and more data have 

become available, meaning that we no longer have to validate every address by personal 

visit. We are examining how to refine our procedures to integrate private sector data and 

services to update our geospatial assets. Specifically, we want to purchase address, road, 

and satellite imagery instead of physically walking the entire United States. 

Optimizing Self-Response

We are moving away from relying solely on the mailed questionnaire and enumerator to 

count every household. We are expanding options for people to self-respond using the 

Internet at home or on a mobile device remotely, as well as by telephone. However, it is 

important to note that paper will continue to be an option.

We want to make the census as mobile and convenient as possible.
13 • U.S. Census Bureau Tribal Consultation Handbook

Using Administrative Records

The increased use of administrative records from other federal and state government 

agencies and third-party commercial data can reduce costs tremendously.

The use of administrative records is not new to the decennial census, and we want to 

expand our use of these data for the 2020 Census. We are exploring several options, and 

two of the most promising are using these data to help manage and even reduce the field 

workload. The two most significant areas of innovation and cost savings are removing 

vacant units and using existing information on persons to enumerate occupied housing 

units, thereby removing them from the nonresponse followup operations.

For example, during the 2010 Census, the field workload included 47 million housing units.

Each housing unit received at least one in-person visit. Of these, 19 million were either 

vacant or no longer existed. By using administrative data from the Postal Service and 

other agencies, we believe we can identify these vacant and nonexistent housing units and 

remove them from the in-person followup workload, achieving substantial cost savings.

Managing Field Operations

We are examining our field staffing structure and testing several technological innovations.

The goal of reengineering our field operations is to use technology more efficiently and 

effectively to conduct and manage the 2020 Census field workload. 

In previous censuses, the entire process, including both data collection and management, 

was conducted by paper and pencil. To measure progress, we had to rely on daily in-person 

meetings with field staff, and had no ability for real-time communication. This paper-based 

data collection process was a significant contributor to the overall cost increases of the 

previous census field operations. 

We are developing a sophisticated operational control system that will manage tasks and 

assignments in real time. We intend to send our enumerators out with mobile devices, 

rather than pencil and paper. They will use these devices to collect responses and report

their time and attendance, instead of the paper forms we used in 2010, and we will have 

real-time measures of progress.

Our goals are to incorporate operational best practices including the optimization of daily 

assignments, intelligent routing, and real-time issue management. We are working with the 

private sector as we build these systems. 

Planning for the 2020 Census
2020 Census Tribal 

Consultation Topics 

and Questions
15 • U.S. Census Bureau Tribal Consultation Handbook

Tribal Consultation Topics and Questions

Enumeration

For the Census Bureau, enumeration is the act of counting the population. This is done 

every 10 years when a decennial census is conducted.

Enumeration Strategies for the 2020 Census

The enumeration process starts by inviting everyone to self-respond. In 2010 and before, 

this was done by mailing households a paper questionnaire to fill out and return. In 

2020, invitation letters and postcards will be sent asking households to complete the 

questionnaire on the Internet. Internet self-enumeration is an important part of our plan to 

reduce costs.

However, we recognize that Internet self-response will not be feasible in all communities, 

and we will continue to make paper questionnaires available and collect household 

information over the telephone. 

For those who do not self-respond—either via the Internet, on paper, or by telephone—

the agency sends out field staff (enumerators) to collect the data from households. This 

process is called nonresponse followup. 

Internet Enumeration in the 2020 Census 

According to the Pew Research Center’s report, Americans’ Internet Access, Internet use 

by American adults has grown from 52 percent in 2000 to 87 percent in 2015.

1

An additional Pew Research Center report, U.S. Smartphone Use in 2015, shows that 64 

percent of American adults own a smartphone of some kind and 19 percent of Americans 

rely on a smartphone to some extent for accessing online services and information.

2

Adding an Online Response Option for the 2020 Census

A major innovation for the 2020 Census is the planned use of the Internet as a channel for 

responding. Providing an Internet response option acknowledges and takes advantage of 

the technology developments that have occurred since the last decennial census. It also 

expands the number of ways to respond to the census.

1 www.pewinternet.org/2015/06/26/americans-internet-access-2000-2015/

2 www.pewinternet.org/files/2015/03/PI_Smartphones_0401151.pdf
Background Materials for Tribal Consultations on the 2020 Census • 16

Use of the Internet will help achieve important cost savings, which allows the Census 

Bureau to concentrate on ensuring hard-to-reach communities have the chance to 

participate in the census. Offering the option of online response cuts costs by reducing 

paper use, such as printing, postage, and data capture. The Internet is convenient and may 

be preferred by much of the public.

The Census Bureau has extensively tested and implemented an Internet option for 

households that were selected at random to participate in the American Community Survey 

(ACS). One significant advantage of having an Internet response option is improved data 

quality. Conducting the ACS online allowed the Census Bureau to identify and resolve 

contradictory answers more quickly than would have been possible with a paper form. In 

other words, the automated questionnaire can ask a respondent to clarify a response while 

they complete the ACS. Recent rates of response to the ACS show that more than half 

of the self-responding households used the Internet. In 2014 and 2015, the 2020 Census 

program successfully tested the use of the Internet as part of its regular, mid-decade 

testing efforts.

While the Census Bureau has successfully implemented an Internet response method for 

the ACS, the agency wants to understand in more detail the Internet usability issues for 

specific areas and population groups, especially those with lower rates of Internet usage.

For example, the Census Bureau acknowledges that many AIAN populations live in rural 

areas with Internet connectivity challenges and lower rates of computer usage compared 

to other areas. The agency wants to work with tribal leaders and organizations on these 

issues.
Discussion Questions | Input Requested

1. How can we ensure that every person within a household is counted, especially if 

there is more than one family living in the home? 

2. In 2020, the Census Bureau is planning for self-response via the Internet to be the 

primary data collection method. Are there issues with connectivity in your area?

a. How widely available is wired Internet access (e.g., broadband, cable, DSL)?

i. How reliable is this connectivity?

b. How widely available is wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi)?

i. How reliable is this connectivity?

c. Are you aware of any plans to change local infrastructure to support Internet 

access for your members?

3. Would the internet response option be acceptable to your members?

a. Would your tribal members be willing to self-respond via the Internet? 

b. What opportunities may be created in your community to support Internet 

response?

c. What challenges would your members face to responding online?

4. Does Internet use by your members vary based on age, gender, education, 

employment, health status, or some other characteristic? 

a. Which group(s) are the least likely to routinely use the Internet? 

b. Which group(s) are the most likely to routinely use the Internet?

5. How do most of your members access the Internet?

a. From where are they most likely to access the Internet?

i. At home

ii. At work

iii. From community-based locations

6. What types of devices are most often used by members? Desktop or laptop 

computers? Tablets? Smartphones?

7. Would your tribal government assist in providing community-based locations and 

support for members to respond online?

8. Would your tribal members be willing to contact a census telephone center to 

complete their census questionnaires over the phone?
Background Materials for Tribal Consultations on the 2020 Census • 18

Communications 

For the 2010 Census, the Census Bureau conducted a massive communications campaign 

to promote cooperation and emphasize that the Census Bureau could be trusted with 

respondents’ personal information. The campaign drew on successful communication 

efforts used for the 2000 Census and was organized around the unifying theme, “It’s In Our 

Hands.”

The goals of the 2010 Census communications campaign were to increase mail response, 

improve the accuracy of the enumeration, and improve the public’s cooperation with 

enumerators. The campaign targeted more than 20 population groups speaking 28 different 

languages. It used traditional media, such as TV, radio, and print, as well as media directed 

to public areas or places of business (e.g., posters or flyers displayed in grocery stores).

Communication activities were done cumulatively in stages, first by achieving partnerships, 

then by creating mass awareness of the census, and, finally by inspiring participation and 

involvement. The communication campaign was coordinated with the Census Bureau’s 

mailings and operations, with a strong push just as census forms were being mailed. 

Components of the mass media campaign included paid advertising, partnerships, public 

relations, and a Census in Schools program. The campaign targeted specific population 

groups, including AIANs, and included some materials in languages other than English. Paid 

advertising provided the best approach for reaching most people. Partnerships conveyed 

messages to trusted community leaders and advocacy organizations. The Census in 

Schools program reached parents through their children. Evaluations and experiments 

have demonstrated that Census in Schools is especially helpful in reaching hard-to-count 

communities.

Currently, the Census Bureau is preparing for the 2020 Integrated Communications 

Program (ICP). Many changes have occurred in the United States since the 2010 Census—

the Internet has grown, the use of mobile phones to connect to the Internet has increased, 

and social media has become a popular source of information for many groups. These 

developments, as well as other changes in the population and society, have altered the 

ways that the public receives information. Assessing the influence of these factors and 

accounting for them in the development of an ICP is important. As such, research will be 

conducted to understand attitudes toward the census and what would motivate people 

to respond. Therefore, it is critical to ensure that the ICP addresses AIANs in the most 

appropriate way.
Discussion Questions | Input Requested

1. What are the best ways to reach your tribal members who live on and off of the 

reservation?

a. TV, radio, billboard, and other paid media

b. Events

c. Special promotions, like art contests

d. News media

e. Census in Schools program

f. Social media

g. Other

2. What types of messages work best? For example, should we emphasize the role 

that the census plays in distributing federal funding for programs that involve 

AIANs?

3. How can the Census Bureau assure people that no information about individuals 

or the number of people living in one household can be given to any other federal, 

state, or tribal authority?

4. How big of an influence is social media among your members?
Background Materials for Tribal Consultations on the 2020 Census • 20

Partnerships

The Census Bureau’s Partnership Program aims to motivate and assist diverse communities 

toward greater participation in the decennial census.

Establishing Partners for a More Accurate 2020 Census

Activities in past censuses have included outreach and education to increase awareness 

and generate support and participation from the general public, tribal and local 

governments, organizations, media, and businesses. Special emphasis is placed on 

outreach to populations with historically low response rates and histories of being 

undercounted. All partners are given guidance, such as census promotional materials and 

lists of potential activities they can use to promote the census within their communities.

In 2000 and 2010, the AIAN Program was expressly designed to increase awareness among 

AIAN tribal governments, communities, and organizations. Special emphasis was placed 

on outreach to those living on reservations and in Alaska Native villages and communities, 

a population that has been historically undercounted. The Census Bureau developed 

the Tribal Governments Liaison Program to manage the important work done with AIAN 

communities. At its peak during the 2010 Census, the Partnership Program employed over 

3,500 partnership staff, including AIANs who worked in their tribal communities to help 

promote the census.

The Partnership Program aims to deliver the census message through trusted community 

leaders and AIAN organizations. The Census Bureau believes this will be an efficient, 

effective way to motivate AIAN communities to participate in the 2020 Census.

What is the Tribal Governments Liaison Program?

Tribal leaders will be requested to designate a tribal liaison to serve as their representative 

during all phases of the 2020 Census. Tribal officials and their tribal government’s liaison 

will serve as facilitators and sources of information between the tribe and the Census 

Bureau.

In prior censuses, tribal liaisons were a vital source of knowledge about community and 

cultural issues, as well as serving as a bridge between the Census Bureau staff and tribal 

communities. This liaison’s knowledge and insight contributed to the success of this 

program.
21 • U.S. Census Bureau Tribal Consultation Handbook

Goals for the Tribal Governments Liaison Program

u Increase tribal involvement in both the planning and implementation of the 2020 

Census

u Educate the tribal community on the importance of the census and motivate them to 

respond to the census for a more complete and accurate count

u Create a better understanding of cultural issues that may affect the census at all 

levels

Vision for the 2020 Census AIAN Program

The Census Bureau plans to work collaboratively with federally recognized tribes and reach 

out to their communities to promote the importance of a complete, accurate census count.

The plan includes outreach to state-recognized tribes, urban and rural AIAN populations, 

and AIAN organizations and media.

Tribal Consultation Topics and Questions
Discussion Questions | Input Requested

1. How does the Census Bureau build trust with tribal governments?

2. How can Census Bureau staff devoted to working with tribal governments most 

effectively improve participation in the 2020 Census?

3. How can we improve the Tribal Governments Liaison Program?

4. What is the best way to establish and define working partnerships between your 

community and the Census Bureau for the 2020 Census?

5. In what role do you, as a tribal leader, see yourself related to promoting the 2020 

Census within your reservation or area?
23 • U.S. Census Bureau Tribal Consultation Handbook

Classification and Tabulation

Census data for the AIAN population and tribal affiliations are currently collected by a check 

box and write-in space under the race question. The Census Bureau has the important task 

of determining how these data will be made available to users, as well as how it will be 

classified, tabulated, and presented. Tribal governments and federal and state agencies rely 

on these data for funding direction and various programmatic purposes.

A major goal of the 2020 Census is to provide the highest quality data on the AIAN 

population. Research and testing plans include a test of the tribal enrollment question. This 

test is currently scheduled for 2017 and the Census Bureau will share details of the test 

plan with stakeholders in 2016. The Census Bureau is also planning an operational test in 

2018 of its methods and procedures for the 2020 Census. Information regarding this test 

will be shared as details are planned.

Currently, the Census Bureau is seeking input from tribal leaders about how data collected 

on tribal affiliation in the 2020 Census should be classified, tabulated, presented, and made 

available. Tribal responses to the questions listed in the Discussion Questions sections of 

this document will provide this input.

The questions and answers immediately below provide more information on AIAN census 

data and address common concerns.

Does the Census Bureau Define the Meaning of American Indians and 

Alaska Natives?

The Census Bureau does not define the meaning of AIAN; the Office of Management and 

Budget (OMB), in the role of coordinator of the federal statistical system, defines the 

“American Indian or Alaska Native” category as those having origins in any of the original 

peoples of North and South America (including Central America), and who maintain tribal 

affiliation or community attachment. This definition was developed in cooperation with 

federal agencies and tribal leaders to provide consistent, comparable data on the AIAN 

population throughout the federal government for an array of statistical and administrative 

programs. The Census Bureau adheres to the OMB guidance.

Tribal Consultation Topics and Questions
Background Materials for Tribal Consultations on the 2020 Census • 24

How Will Data on American Indians and Alaska Natives Be Collected?

See the example in Figure 1 from the 2010 Census question on race and Hispanic origin.

The responses to these questions provided the information to derive a number for the 

national AIAN population in 2010. Responses are based on self-identification. The Census 

Bureau does not match self-reported data to tribal enrollment data the tribes may maintain.

As mentioned earlier, the Census Bureau is testing new design questions in the 2015 

National Content Test.

Figure 1. Race Question from 2010 Census
25 • U.S. Census Bureau Tribal Consultation Handbook

Why Is It Important to Answer the Race Question?

People who respond to the census, as well as other surveys such as the ACS, help their 

communities or tribes obtain federal funds and valuable information for planning schools, 

hospitals, and roads. In addition, Census information helps identify areas where residents 

might need specific services, such as screening for diabetes and hypertension. All levels of 

government, including tribal government, need information on race and/or tribal affiliation 

to implement and evaluate programs or enforce laws. Examples of laws informed by census 

data include the Native American Programs Act, the Equal Employment Opportunity Act, 

the Voting Rights Act, the Public Health Act, the Job Partnership Training Act, the Equal 

Credit Opportunity Act, and the Fair Housing Act.

May American Indians and Alaska Natives Report More Than One Race?

Beginning with the 2000 Census, people responding to the race question were able to 

select more than one racial category to indicate their mixed racial heritage. Respondents 

who answered the question on race by checking only the AIAN checkbox, and/or wrote in 

one or more AIAN tribes, are referred to as the “American Indian and Alaska Native alone” 

population. People who answered the race question by checking the AIAN checkbox and 

reported one or more other races—for example, AIAN and White, or AIAN and White and

Black—are included in the “AIAN in combination” population. Based on responses to 

the race question and OMB standards for collecting data, the AIAN population could be 

classified into two broad categories: (1) AIAN alone and (2) AIAN alone or in combination.

Tribal Consultation Topics and Questions
Discussion Questions | Input Requested

1. If the Census Bureau collected data on tribal enrollment, how would your tribe or 

village use the available data?

2. How should the Census Bureau determine the tribal affiliation of those respondents 

who use a designation other than “tribe,” such as “reservation,” “band,” or “clan”?

a. Are “reservation,” “band,” and “clan” common identifiers for American 

Indians?

b. Are the identifiers “reservation,” “band,” and “clan” interchangeable with 

“tribe” among American Indians?

c. Under what conditions are “reservation,” “band,” and “clan” used or 

reported on the census form?

d. Are there generational differences in the use of a “reservation,” “band,” or 

“clan” identifier versus a tribe name?

e. In addition, are there generational differences in the use of recognized names 

associated with a particular tribe?

3. For Alaska Natives who provide the name of the enrolled or principal tribe, is the 

village or corporation name used most often?

a. How should the Census Bureau determine the village names of those 

reporting corporation names on the census form?

4. The Census Bureau is testing variations of the AIAN write-in lines, including having 

separate write-in lines for AIANs including indigenous Central and South American 

Indians. What are the possible advantages and/or disadvantages of soliciting 

detailed responses in this way? 

5. Previous research indicates that some respondents report being enrolled in a tribe, 

but do not mark that they are AIAN. Please provide insight into why respondents 

might respond in this way.

6. Indicate your tribe’s classification preference for the Census Bureau race code list 

for the 2020 Census.

7. Considering that the OMB definition of “American Indian or Alaska Native” includes 

people who have origins in any of the original peoples of North and South America 

(including Central America), do you have a recommendation on what label to use on 

questionnaires and in data products for indigenous respondents from Central and 

South America? What about indigenous populations from the Caribbean?
27 • U.S. Census Bureau Tribal Consultation Handbook

Geography

The Census Bureau’s goal of providing quality data starts with a good address list and 

accurate geographic information. We want to work with you to define the geography for 

your tribe.

How is Geography Tied to Census Bureau Data?

Geography is the base upon which the Census Bureau’s data are built. When a household 

or business answers a Census Bureau survey, the questionnaire response is attached 

with the household or business location address. The Census Bureau locates this address 

within established geographic areas, such as a reservation, state, and county. The Census

Bureau then tabulates data for all of the households and/or businesses located within each 

geographic area. Because the Census Bureau tabulates data by geographic area, it is very 

important for the Census Bureau to have an accurate address list and quality geographic 

boundaries. If the Census Bureau does not have the geographic data or boundaries that 

tribes need, these consultations can be opportunities for tribes to request new or modified 

geographies.

Why Should Tribes Take Part in Geographic Programs and Consultations 

About Geography?

Participation in the Census Bureau’s geographic programs allows us to provide you with 

quality data. In recognition of tribal sovereignty, the Census Bureau works with tribes in a 

government-to-government relationship. We appreciate the time you or your designee will 

spend working on the Census Bureau geographic programs, and provides free training and 

support for these programs upon request.

Tribal Consultation Topics and Questions
Background Materials for Tribal Consultations on the 2020 Census • 28

What Training or Assistance Is Available to Tribes?

The Census Bureau designs the geographic programs for any level of geography 

experience. The agency helps beginners and experts alike and gives its partners the tools 

they need to participate in Census Bureau geographic programs by offering free training 

webinars, program instructions, user-friendly software, training videos, and telephone 

support.

The Local Update of Census Addresses Program

The Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) program is a geographic partnership 

program that provides tribes the opportunity to review the Census Bureau’s address list for 

their communities and provide updates to those addresses prior to the 2020 Census.

Why Is the LUCA Program Important to Your Tribal Community? 

An accurate census starts with an up-to-date, accurate address list. If the Census Bureau 

has a complete address list for your community, this will help ensure that the people 

residing at those addresses will be counted during the 2020 Census.

How Is the LUCA Program Administered? 

The LUCA program is authorized by the Census Address List Improvement Act of 1994 

(Public Law 103–430), which provides an opportunity for designated representatives 

of tribal, state, and local governments to review the census address list. The program 

operates as follows: 

u The Census Bureau will invite federally recognized tribes that have reservations or 

off-reservation trust lands to designate a LUCA liaison, who will review the portion 

of the census address list that covers the area under the tribe’s jurisdiction.

u The address list is protected from disclosure by Title 13, United States Code.

Participants must review a set of security guidelines and sign confidentiality 

agreements, promising to protect the confidentiality of the addresses provided for 

review.

u The Census Bureau will send the LUCA liaison an address list, corresponding maps, 

and address tallies for his or her community. The Census Bureau encourages tribal 

governments to work with nontribal governments in neighboring and overlapping 

jurisdictions to be sure that all addresses are identified for census purposes. If a 

tribal government chooses not to participate in LUCA for the 2020 Census, the 

Census Bureau encourages the tribe to delegate its reviewing authority to a state, 

county, or local government.

u The LUCA liaison can comment on individual addresses, on the address list, and 

add any addresses that are missing from the list. The Census Bureau will verify this 

input during the 2020 Census and provide feedback to the participants about the 

results.
29 • U.S. Census Bureau Tribal Consultation Handbook

u Public Law 103–430 allows LUCA participants to appeal Census Bureau decisions 

about the address list used for the 2020 Census. All appeals must be resolved 

before Census Day to ensure that the housing unit is visited during the enumeration 

phase. An agency independent of the Census Bureau will review and decide on all 

appeals prior to Census Day, which will be April 1, 2020.

What Is the LUCA Program Schedule? 

Table 2 shows the LUCA program schedule.

Table 2. LUCA Program Schedule

Time Frame Activity

Early 2017 LUCA advance notice letters are mailed to tribal officials.

Summer 2017 LUCA invitation letters and registration materials are mailed to 

tribal officials.

Early 2018 Invited governments register for LUCA, and the Census Bureau 

ships LUCA review materials to each participating government.

The Boundary and Annexation Survey Program

The Census Bureau conducts the Boundary and Annexation Survey (BAS) yearly to collect 

and maintain up-to-date information about legal boundaries, names, and official statuses 

of counties, incorporated places, minor civil divisions, and federally recognized American 

Indian reservations, off-reservation trust lands, and tribal subdivision boundaries, as well as 

the Hawaiian Home Lands and land held by Alaska Native Regional Corporations.

Why Does the Census Bureau Ask Tribes for This Information?

The Census Bureau asks tribes about their boundaries in recognition of tribal sovereignty.

The Census Bureau does coordinate the BAS Program with the Bureau of Indian Affairs 

(BIA), but always consults with tribes about their boundaries before making any updates.

If tribes need assistance in reviewing or updating their boundaries, the Census Bureau will 

provide free training and support upon request.

Tribal Consultation Topics and Questions
Background Materials for Tribal Consultations on the 2020 Census • 30

How Does the Federal Government Use the Geography from the BAS? 

The Census Bureau and other United States government agencies use the BAS data in 

three ways:

1. The Census Bureau uses geography as a framework to calculate demographic and 

housing data for a certain geographic area, such as a reservation.

2. Other federal agencies use the data to determine program qualification and 

distribute federal grants and other funding.

3. Other federal agencies use the geography for mapping and other geospatial 

operations.

Why Should Tribes Take Part in the BAS?

United States government agencies use the Census Bureau’s geography and data to 

allocate funding. The Census Bureau wants data about your tribe to be correct, and that 

accuracy starts with the correct geography. Tribes should check that their legal boundaries 

are correct each year and report new reservation or off-reservation trust lands to the BAS 

program to ensure legal boundaries and related data summaries are current.

How Do Tribal Governments Take Part in the BAS? 

u Tribes can review boundaries using any of the following Census Bureau products:

} Paper maps (PDF format)

} Online geography viewer (TIGERweb)

} Shapefiles – digital map files for users of Geographic Information Systems 

(GIS)

} Free geography software (Geographic Update Partnership Software) 

u Tribes can correct or update boundaries by:

} Drawing the updates or corrections on paper maps provided by the Census 

Bureau

} Using GIS to update the Census Bureau’s shapefiles

} Using free geography software provided by the Census Bureau

u Tribes can send the maps or shapefiles, along with documentation (such as a copy 

of a trust deed), to the Census Bureau.

More information, instructions, maps, free software, and training are available from the BAS 

homepage: www.census.gov/geo/partnerships/bas.html.

All federally recognized tribes can request free ArcMap GIS software and training 

from the BIA. For more information, go to: 

www.bia.gov/WhatWeDo/ServiceOverview/Geospatial/index.htm.
31 • U.S. Census Bureau Tribal Consultation Handbook

When Does the BAS Take Place? 

The BAS program is conducted every year on the schedule listed in Table 3.

Table 3. BAS Program Schedule

Date(s) Description

December 

The BAS letter is emailed to the BAS contact and tribal 

chairperson. It requests participation and the selection of a method 

for submitting legal boundary changes and corrections. The latest 

maps and shapefiles are posted online.

March 1

Boundary corrections and updates sent by March 1 and effective 

on January 1 or before are merged into the Census Bureau’s 

geographic areas and used for the next ACS data release.

May 31

Final deadline: Boundary corrections and updates sent by May 

31 will be shown in the geography on the next BAS maps and 

shapefiles.

What Is the Boundary Validation Program? 

The Boundary Validation Program (BVP) is an extension of the BAS, and it will serve as a 

final geographic boundary review before the 2020 Census. The Census Bureau offers maps, 

shapefiles, or free geographic software to tribal governments to conduct this final review of 

boundary accuracy. The BVP will take place in the late spring and early summer of 2020.

What if a Tribe, City, or County Disagrees with the Census Bureau’s 

Reservation or Off-Reservation Trust Land Boundaries?

The Census Bureau asks tribes to send documentation for new reservation land or offreservation trust land as part of the annual BAS. If the tribe does not have documentation, 

the Census Bureau and the tribe can contact the BIA together to request documentation.

Depending on the area in question, the Census Bureau may also ask the Department of 

the Interior (DOI) Office of the Solicitor (SOL) for an opinion. The Census Bureau will treat 

opinions issued from the DOI SOL or BIA as authoritative documentation.

If a nontribal government disagrees with the Census Bureau’s reservation or off-reservation 

trust land boundaries, the Census Bureau contacts the DOI SOL for an opinion.

When a boundary is in legal dispute, the Census Bureau refrains from updating that 

boundary until the DOI SOL issues an opinion.

Tribal Consultation Topics and Questions
Background Materials for Tribal Consultations on the 2020 Census • 32

The Tribal Statistical Areas Program 

The 2020 Census will offer the Tribal Statistical Areas Program (TSAP) as a comprehensive 

opportunity to update or define the following statistical geographic areas: 

u Alaska Native Village Statistical Areas (ANVSAs)

u Oklahoma Tribal Statistical Areas (OTSAs) and their tribal subdivisions

u Tribal Designated Statistical Areas (TDSAs)

u State Designated Tribal Statistical Areas (SDTSAs)

u Tribal Census Tracts and Tribal Block Groups

u Census Designated Places (CDPs)

In addition, federally recognized tribes with reservation and/or off-reservation trust lands 

will be able to suggest map features to use as census block boundaries.

Census Bureau data publications include all of the tribal statistical geographies in data 

summaries for the 2010 Census, the ACS, and other censuses and surveys. An upcoming 

Federal Register notice will fully detail this program and provide an opportunity to comment 

on the criteria.

What are Alaska Native Village Statistical Areas (ANVSAs)? 

The purpose of an ANVSA is to provide statistical data for the population and housing 

within an Alaska Native village. ANVSAs are statistical geographic areas that represent 

the boundaries of an Alaska Native village and are located within the village’s historic or 

traditional region. They are intended to show the core residential area of the community 

and encompass the majority of residences occupied on Census Day. Federally recognized 

villages are eligible to delineate ANVSAs for the 2020 Census.

What are Oklahoma Tribal Statistical Areas (OTSAs)? 

OTSAs depict the historic reservation boundaries of federally recognized American Indian 

tribes in Oklahoma that had reservations prior to Oklahoma statehood. These boundaries 

are used to tabulate and publish statistical data from the Census Bureau. All OTSAs 

must be contained within the current boundaries of Oklahoma. Because OTSAs primarily 

represent former reservation boundaries, they are not required to conform to any other 

geographic entities (besides Oklahoma) for which the Census Bureau tabulates data.

What are Tribal Designated Statistical Areas (TDSAs) and State Designated Tribal 

Statistical Areas (SDTSAs)? 

TDSAs and SDTSAs are delineated to match federally and state-recognized tribes that 

do not have reservations and/or off-reservation trust land with areas currently associated 

with those tribes. The Census Bureau can then provide meaningful statistical data for a 

geographic area relevant to the tribe’s current data needs in its present location. The intent 

is to provide data equivalent to data provided for tribes with reservations.
33 • U.S. Census Bureau Tribal Consultation Handbook

What are Tribal Census Tracts and Tribal Block Groups? 

The Census Bureau defines tribal census tracts and tribal block groups in cooperation 

with tribal officials to provide data for small geographic areas within the boundaries of 

federally recognized reservations and off-reservation trust lands. The delineation of these 

geographies allows for clearer presentation of statistical data at a sub-reservation level and 

without consideration of state or county boundaries.

What are Census Designated Places (CDPs)? 

CDPs represent locally known, unincorporated communities. Ideally, a CDP contains a mix 

of residential, commercial, cultural, and/or retail uses similar to that of an incorporated 

place of similar size in the same region. The delineation of CDPs allows for the identification 

of and tabulation of data for unincorporated communities within the boundaries of 

federally recognized American Indian reservations, off-reservation trust lands, and OTSAs.

CDP boundaries should be updated and revised as appropriate to reflect changes in the 

geographic extent of the place. A CDP should not be coextensive with another geographic 

entity for which the Census Bureau tabulates data.

Tribal Consultation Topics and Questions
Background Materials for Tribal Consultations on the 2020 Census • 34

How Do I Participate in the Tribal Statistical Areas Program (TSAP)? 

In support of the Census Bureau’s commitment to the government-to-government 

relationship with tribes, TSAP will be available directly to all federally recognized tribes. For 

state-recognized tribes, the Census Bureau will work through a liaison appointed by the 

state governor.

Table 4 shows the three-year TSAP draft timeline, which spans from 2016 through 2019.

Table 4. TSAP Schedule

Date(s) Program Highlights

September 2016 Publication of proposed TSAP geography criteria in the Federal 

Register

December 2016 Publication of final TSAP geography criteria in the Federal Register

October 2017 – 

February 2018 Continued outreach to TSAP participants and stakeholders

March 2018 Distribution of initial TSAP materials to participants

September 2018 

– March 2019

Initial review and delineation of TSAP boundaries completed by 

participants and returned to the Census Bureau for review

August 2019 – 

September 2019

Verification of boundaries in the Census Bureau’s geographic 

databases by TSAP participants
35 • U.S. Census Bureau Tribal Consultation Handbook

How Are Tribal Census Tracts, Tribal Block Groups, and Census Designated Places 

Related? 

Please take a moment to review Table 4, which shows attributes of these three types of 

areas. Note that there are several similar purposes and requirements among the three 

types. These types of geographic areas are particularly applicable to federal tribes with 

reservation land and/or off-reservation trust lands since tribal census tracts, tribal block 

groups, and CDPs may be delineated within these geographies.

Table 5. Comparison of Tribal Census Tracts, Tribal Block Groups, and CDPs

Type of 

Geographic 

Area

Primary Purpose Requirements

Tribal 

Census 

Tracts

To generate relevant, reliable 

data for a tribe

Meet minimum thresholds and have 

consistent definition providing 

for boundary continuity and data 

comparability over time

Tribal Block 

Groups

To generate relevant, reliable 

data for a tribe Meet minimum thresholds

Census 

Designated 

Places

To generate place-level 

data for well-known, closely 

settled communities

Mix of residential, commercial, cultural, 

and/or retail uses similar to that of an 

incorporated place of similar size

Tribal Consultation Topics and Questions
Discussion Questions | Input Requested

1. Does the Census Bureau map and publish the most useful areas for tribes? 

The agency receives requests referring to Indian Country, but there are no clear 

definitions of boundaries.

a. The Census Bureau provides data for federally and state-recognized 

reservations, off-reservation trust lands, Oklahoma tribal statistical areas 

and many other geographies. Do the areas for which the Census Bureau 

publishes data meet your needs? 

b. Are there other geographies that the Census Bureau should collect data for? 

2. How does your tribe use geographic census data? 

a. Has your tribe used data from tribal statistical geographies, such as tribal 

census tract or tribal block group data? Do you use standard, county-based 

data instead of tribal area-based data? 

b. From which geographic areas (reservation, trust lands, county, census tract, 

tribal census tract, incorporated place, county subdivision) do you use data 

the most often? 

c. Do you use any of the Census Bureau’s other spatial data, such as data on 

roads?

3. The Local Update of Census Addresses will be an opportunity for your tribe to 

participate in the review of the addresses that will be used in the 2020 Census. Is 

your tribe prepared to participate?

a. Does your tribe have an address list?

b. Is your tribe planning to participate in the LUCA program?

c. As part of LUCA, will your tribe involve representatives from any nontribal 

governments located within your reservation boundaries?

d. Are you aware that you can delegate authority to review the LUCA address 

list to other officials (such as a city or county) located within the boundaries 

of your reservation?

4. Does your tribe work with other parties for mapping or planning and development?

a. Does your tribe work with local, county, or state officials for local planning 

purposes?

b. Does your tribe work with any regional planning agencies or councils of 

governments that the Census Bureau should contact?
5. In planning for the 2020 Census and other operations, the Census Bureau is 

providing a software tool for tribal participants. What is your tribe’s level of technical 

capacity?

a. Does your tribal government have access to online services? 

b. Does your office have staff members who are available to receive training on 

and perform tasks using GIS?

c. Is your tribe aware of the free GIS software and training available for all 

federally recognized tribes? 

6. How would your tribal government like the Census Bureau to work with the BIA on 

your behalf to gather tribal boundary information? 
Background Materials for Tribal Consultations on the 2020 Census • 38

Recruiting for Census Jobs 

Recruiting for 2020 Census jobs will begin later in the decade.

Why Work for the Census?

The Census Bureau offers temporary employment opportunities that include competitive 

wages, flexible work schedules, and on-the-job training. The jobs are ideal for people 

who work at home, are between jobs, or want to earn extra money while helping their 

communities.

What Skills Could Census Workers Take to Their Next Jobs?

A position with the 2020 Census can help a person develop many skills, including: solving 

problems; making informed decisions; organizing tasks; reading online mapping tools; and 

using hand-held devices, like smartphones or tablets, to accomplish field activities. Census 

workers also learn how to deal with difficult or unusual interviewing situations and how to 

record responses accurately.

How Can Tribal Governments Help?

Tribal governments can help provide employment opportunities for members and support 

the Census Bureau’s work by:

u Assisting with recruiting efforts through tribal human resource organizations, such 

as tribal employment rights offices and Job Training Partnership Act organizations

u Providing the Census Bureau staff with space for testing and training

u Developing workforce preparation training programs

u Providing a point of contact between the Census Bureau and tribal members 

through referral services and public awareness plans
Discussion Questions | Input Requested

1. What types of changes have happened in your tribe since the 2010 Census that 

could affect recruiting?

2. What are the best avenues for promoting and recruiting for census jobs? 

a. Are there locations in your community with Internet access that could be 

used during the recruitment period for online tests, practice tests, and 

applications?

3. How willing would your members be to fill out a job application via the Internet?
Additional Decennial Programs 

That Help Tribal Governments
41 • U.S. Census Bureau Tribal Consultation Handbook

Additional Decennial Programs

American Community Survey (ACS)

“ACS is the future ... no more having to use ten-year-old data. ACS provides our Native 

nations, businesses, and institutions current data about where we live, what we do, and 

how we live. It’s a tremendous source for keeping our people united and connected to our 

past and our collective future. We need to embrace the ACS and help to make the data 

collection and reporting even richer.” 

—Leigh Ann McGee, tribal consultant and former chair, 

Census Advisory Committee on the American Indian and Alaska Native Population 

Overview 

The ACS provides vital information on a yearly basis about the United States and its 

people. Through the ACS, more is known about jobs and occupations, educational 

attainment, veteran status, whether people own or rent their homes, and many other topics.

Public officials, planners, and entrepreneurs use this information to assess the past and 

plan for the future. When you respond to the ACS, you are helping your community move 

forward with things like planning hospitals and schools, supporting school lunch programs, 

improving emergency services, building bridges, informing businesses that want to add 

jobs and expand to new markets, and more.

Why Is Participation in the ACS Important? 

More than $400 billion in federal funds are distributed every year to states and 

communities. How the funds are distributed is based in part on demographic, 

socioeconomic, and geographic information generated by the Census Bureau. The ACS is 

an important factor in providing this information. Tribal planners and administrators, as well 

as national organizations that work with AIANs, may find ACS estimates useful in accessing 

funding for tribal programs and initiatives. ACS estimates can also help guide planning 

for future economic development, housing needs, and access to health and educational 

services for communities. When combined with information from tribal administrative 

records, ACS information provides an enhanced view of a community’s current and future 

needs. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development uses ACS data to identify 

needed housing improvements on and off of reservations. ACS data are also critical in 

applying for grants that provide funding for transportation, education, job training, and 

economic development.
Background Materials for Tribal Consultations on the 2020 Census • 42

How Does the Census Bureau Help Tribal Communities Use the ACS 

Estimates? 

All ACS estimates are available at www.factfinder.census.gov. The ACS website, 

www.census.gov/acs, provides free handbooks, presentations, and user guidance that 

make accessing the information easier.

Local data dissemination specialists are available through each Census Bureau regional 

office. They can give presentations and help people find, use, and understand ACS 

statistics. You can find contact information for these local specialists below, under the 

Region Contact Numbers section.

You can also find contact information for the man y groups that participate in the 

Census Bureau State Data Center and Census Information Center programs, including 

those serving the AIAN community, at www.census.gov/sdc/index.html and 

www.census.gov/cic.

Data Dissemination Program 

The Census Bureau recognizes the need for and benefits of timely data dissemination to 

tribal governments, tribal members, and other data users and stakeholders working with 

the AIAN populations. The Data Dissemination Program focuses on data access and usage.

It employs seven data dissemination staff members, who are geographically dispersed 

throughout the country and provide awareness, education, and training to the public on 

accessing and using census data.

The data dissemination staff maintain a local Census Bureau presence within tribal 

communities. They actively engage with experienced and new data users through hands-on 

training, presentations, data workshops, seminars, webinars, and exhibits.

The Data Dissemination Program encourages participation in current and one-time surveys 

through activities and product development, provides timely responses to data inquiries, 

and promotes the importance of all census data throughout data dissemination efforts to 

partners, stakeholders, and the public.
43 • U.S. Census Bureau Tribal Consultation Handbook

Tribal Focus

The Data Dissemination Program’s plan requires it to specifically reach out to tribal 

governments and data users who are part of or who work with tribal populations to ensure 

that Census Bureau data are easily accessed and understood. The staff is knowledgeable 

of tribal cultures and protocols, and aims to provide optimum data dissemination services 

to AIAN populations.

For more information, email the Data Dissemination Program at 

clmso.ddb.questions@census.gov.

Region Contact Numbers

u Atlanta Data Dissemination Staff: 404–730–3833 

u Chicago Data Dissemination Staff: 630–288–9250 

u Denver Data Dissemination Staff: 720–962–3870 

u Los Angeles Data Dissemination Staff: 818–267–1725

u New York Data Dissemination Staff: 212–584–3440 

u Philadelphia Data Dissemination Staff: 215–717–1820

Additional Decennial Programs
U.S. Census Bureau Regional Office Contacts
45 • U.S. Census Bureau Tribal Consultation Handbook

 Atlanta Regional Office

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, 

Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina

George Grandy, Jr., Regional Director 

101 Marietta Street, NW, Suite 3200

Atlanta, GA 30303–2700

404–730–3832 or 800–424–6974

E: atlanta.regional.office@census.gov

 Chicago Regional Office

Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, 

Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin

Albert E. Fontenot, Jr., Regional Director

1111 W 22nd Street, Suite 400

Oak Brook, IL 60523–1918

630–288–9200 or 800–865–6384

E: chicago.regional.office@census.gov

 Denver Regional Office

Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Montana, 

Nebraska, 

New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, 

Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Wyoming

Cathy L. Lacy, Regional Director

6950 W Jefferson Avenue, Suite 250

Lakewood, CO 80235

720–962–3700 or 800–852–6159

E: denver.regional.office@census.gov

 Los Angeles Regional Office

Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, 

Oregon, Washington 

James T. Christy, Regional Director

15350 Sherman Way, Suite 400

Van Nuys, CA 91406–4224

818–267–1700 or 800–992–3530

E: los.angeles.regional.office@census.gov

 New York Regional Office

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New 

Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Puerto 

Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont 

Jeff T. Behler, Regional Director

32 Old Slip, 9th Floor

New York, NY 10005

212–584–3400 or 800–991–2520 

E: new.york.regional.office@census.gov

 Philadelphia Regional Office

Delaware, District of Columbia, Kentucky, 

Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, 

Virginia, West Virginia 

Fernando E. Armstrong, Regional Director

833 Chestnut Street

5th Floor, Suite 504

Philadelphia, PA 19107–4405

215–717–1800 or 800–262–4236

E: philadelphia.regional.office@census.gov

WA

OR

CA

NV

ID

MT

WY

UT

AZ NM

CO

KS

OK

TX

FL

SC

NC

NB

SD

ND

MN

WI

MI

IA

MO

AR

AL GA

TN

KY

OH

WV VA

PA

NY

ME

IL IN

DC

DE

MD

NJ

CT

RD

MA

VT

NH

LA

MS

AK

HI

PR

Regional Office Contacts

To access Census Bureau AIAN data, visit: www.census.gov/aian

Prepared for the U.S. Census Bureau by:

Kauffman & Associates, Inc.

South 165 Howard St., Suite 200

Spokane, WA 99201

P: 509–747–4994 • F: 509–747–5030

www. kauf fmaninc. com