2020 Census Tribal Consultation 

with State-Recognized Tribes

FINAL REPORT

Issued Summer 2017

TM

Acknowledgements

Our gratitude is extended to the tribal delegates, American Indian and 

Alaska Native organization representatives, and other American Indian 

and Alaska Native participants who attended the tribal consultation 

meeting and whose input is contained in this report. We also appreciate 

the support and advice of members of the Census National Advisory 

Committee on the American Indian and Alaska Native Populations, and 

the partnership of the North Carolina Commission on Indian Affairs in 

promoting attendance at the tribal consultation.

Census Bureau executive leadership who participated in the consultation 

included: John H. Thompson, Director; Albert Fontenot, Acting Chief, 

Field Division; Jeannie Shiffer, Associate Director for Communications; 

Deborah Stempowski, Chief, Decennial Census Management Division; and 

Tim Olson, Associate Director for Field Operations.

Atlanta Regional Director George Grandy, Jr., and Atlanta regional staff 

also participated in the tribal consultation. 

The following headquarters Census Bureau staff delivered short 

presentations at the meetings: Dee Alexander, Office of Congressional 

and Intergovernmental Affairs; Deborah Stempowski and Maryann Chapin, 

Decennial Census Management Division; Roberto Ramirez, Population 

Division; Laura Waggoner, Geography Division; Kendall Johnson, 

Communications Directorate; and Sydnee Chattin, Decennial Programs 

Field Division.

Dee Alexander (Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma), Tribal Affairs 

Coordinator, had primary responsibility for the tribal consultation and the 

final report.

Special thanks to Office of Intergovernmental Affairs staff Van Lawrence, 

Bina Kawe Saafi, Melissa Bruce and Akenabah Begay for their support 

and help with the tribal consultation meetings.

Kauffman & Associates, Inc., (KAI) an American Indian-owned firm, 

was contracted to provide logistical support for the 2020 Census tribal 

consultations and develop the final reports. KAI President Jo Ann 

Kauffman co-facilitated the tribal consultation with Tim Olson. 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

The 2020 Census Tribal Consultation Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

2020 Tribal Consultation with State-Recognized Tribes . . . . . . . 3

Census Bureau Headquarters Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Contractor Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Background Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Meeting Agenda. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Tribal Consultation Participants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Tribal Participants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Census Bureau Leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Tribal Consultation Themes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Population Statistics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Collection of Tribal Enrollment Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

The Question on Race . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Coding and Classification of AIAN Responses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Tribal Groupings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Geography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Considerations for Mapping Tribal Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Statistical Boundaries for State-Recognized Tribes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Additional Geographies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Enumeration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Enumeration Challenges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Feasibility of Internet Self-Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Preferred Enumeration Approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2020 Communications Campaign. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Recommended Communication Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Outreach Messaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

The Role of Social Media in Outreach to Tribal Communities . . . . . 11

AIAN Partnership Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Building Trust with Tribes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Recruiting for Census Jobs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Circumstances That May Affect Recruiting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Avenues for Recruitment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Overarching Themes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Challenges Faced by State-Recognized Tribes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

The Effects of Census Data on Tribes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

The Importance of Engaging Youth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Follow-Up Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Completed Follow-Up Items. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Next Steps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Appendix: Meeting Notes from the Consultation with

State-Recognized Tribes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Attendees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Tribal Delegates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

AIAN Organization Leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Census Bureau Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Other Attendees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Introductory Remarks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Opening Ceremonies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Opening Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Overview of the Agenda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Presentations, Discussion, and Testimony. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Introductions and Open Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Overview of Planning for the 2020 Census . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Population Statistics Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Geography Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Enumeration Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

2020 Communications Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Partnership Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Job Recruitment Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Closing Remarks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Wrap-Up, Overview, Clarification, and Next Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Closing Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Action Items. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
TM

Final Report
State-Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultation Final Report • 1

Executive Summary

In recognition of the importance of engaging with all Indigenous groups to promote 

an accurate count in the 2020 Census, the Census Bureau held a tribal consultation 

specifically designed for state-recognized tribes. The objectives of the tribal consultation 

meeting included:

u encouraging open communication between the Census Bureau and tribes,

u gathering tribal input on how to effectively implement programmatic and operational 

activities,

u recording and addressing outcomes and recommendations, and

u providing information on and answering questions about Census Bureau programs 

and the 2020 Census.

The meeting agenda was structured according to the six main topics covered in the 2020 

Census Tribal Consultation Handbook, which include:

u population statistics,

u geography,

u enumeration,

u the 2020 Communications Campaign,

u the AIAN Partnership Program, and

u recruiting for Census jobs.

Through dialogue about these topics, several overarching themes organically emerged.

These high-level topics include:

u unique challenges faced by state-recognized tribes,

u the implications of census data on tribal programs and planning, and

u a need to actively involve younger generations in promoting and conducting the 

census in their tribal communities.

This report summarizes the responses by topic from state-recognized tribal leadership.

Next, the report explores several overarching themes covered during the consultation that 

transcend the agenda topics. The report concludes by outlining next steps based on followup items identified during the tribal consultation. For reference, the notes from the tribal 

consultation are included as an appendix.
2 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

The 2020 Census Tribal 

Consultation Process

Tribal consultation is a forum for meaningful dialogue in the context of the government-togovernment relationship between the federal government and tribes. It emphasizes open 

communication around upcoming decisions, policies, or actions that may impact tribes. For 

the decennial census, tribal consultation helps to:

u involve tribes in decision-making,

u give tribal governments an open forum to raise issues or concerns,

u enhance communication between the Census Bureau and tribal leadership,

u strengthen partnerships between the Census Bureau and tribes, and

u identify action items or issues that need further input.

Tribal consultation is a vital component in ensuring that everyone is counted in the 

decennial census. It is the basis of the Census Bureau’s partnership with tribal governments 

and the springboard for planning an accurate count of American Indians and Alaska Natives 

(AIANs) in the decennial census. To honor the government-to-government relationship 

between the federal government and tribes and to ensure tribal input is incorporated into 

the design and execution of the 2020 Census, the Census Bureau began consulting with 

tribal leaders five years in advance of the decennial census.

Guided by its own and the Department of Commerce’s tribal consultation policy, the 

Census Bureau executed an initial round of tribal consultations, which included eight 

meetings and a national webinar, followed by a second round of nine meetings as part of 

the 2020 American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) Program. During this second round of 

consultations, the Census Bureau held a tribal consultation specifically for state-recognized 

tribes.

The 2020 AIAN Program leads the Census Bureau’s tribal consultation process. This 

program exists to raise awareness of the purpose and importance of the census among 

tribal audiences. The AIAN Program emphasizes outreach to AIANs living on tribal lands—a 

historically undercounted population—to promote a complete, accurate count of AIANs in 

the 2020 Census.
State-Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultation Final Report • 3

2020 Tribal Consultation with 

State-Recognized Tribes

Working with and achieving accurate counts for all Indigenous groups in the United States 

is a priority for the Census Bureau. The Census Bureau prioritized a tribal consultation 

specifically with state-recognized tribal governments because tribes without federal 

recognition face a unique set of circumstances. In partnership with the North Carolina 

Commission on Indian Affairs , the Census Bureau hosted a tribal consultation intended 

specifically for state-recognized and non-recognized tribes on September 1, 2016, in 

Raleigh, NC.

CENSUS BUREAU HEADQUARTERS SUPPORT

An invitation letter from Census Bureau Director John H. Thompson was sent electronically 

to 67 state-recognized tribes. Background information and follow-up correspondence were 

also sent to the leadership of these tribes.

CONTRACTOR SUPPORT

The Census Bureau contracted with Kauffman & Associates, Inc. (KAI), an American 

Indian-owned professional services firm, to assist with planning and executing the tribal 

consultation.

KAI researched tribes and tribal organizations that could be ideal partners in planning the 

consultation, and collaborated with the Census Bureau to coordinate the consultations.

KAI sent the initial invitation and additional notifications to tribal leadership, helped arrange 

travel, and developed the meeting agenda. Onsite at the consultation, KAI provided logistic, 

registration, and note-taking services; developed summary notes following the tribal 

consultation; and created the final report.

BACKGROUND MATERIALS

The 2020 Census Tribal Consultation Handbook, which was sent to tribes prior to the 

consultation, contained context information on six tribal consultation topics to help tribal 

delegates prepare responses. Each topic was accompanied by discussion questions.

Also included in the handbook were a copy of the “Dear Tribal Leader” letter from Director 

Thompson, two frequently asked questions about the census with accompanying answers, 

a brief history of the decennial census as it relates to AIANs, and an overview of the 

planning for the 2020 Census. Instructions for alternative ways of submitting comments 

were also included for those who were unable to attend the consultation in person, but still 

wanted to contribute.
4 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

MEETING AGENDA

The meeting agenda was structured according to the six main topics covered in the 2020 

Census Tribal Consultation Handbook. The agenda was designed with a flexible structure to 

stimulate discussion about the tribal consultation topics and gather tribal input, concerns, 

questions related to the 2020 Census.

The tribal consultation opened with a brief presentation from the Census Bureau that 

summarized planning for the 2020 Census, followed by introductions and an open 

discussion period. Next, the Census Bureau delivered a brief presentation for each 

of the six topics, with a discussion period following each presentation. Each Census 

Bureau presentation concluded by posing discussion questions from the 2020 Census 

Tribal Consultation Handbook. Feedback from tribes during previous 2020 Census tribal 

consultations answered some of the Census Bureau’s initial requests for information and 

reshaped some of the more complex questions. Therefore, the questions asked at this tribal 

consultation did not precisely match those printed in the handbook.

TRIBAL CONSULTATION PARTICIPANTS

Participants at the consultation included tribal leaders and official tribal delegates, 

representatives of tribes and AIAN organizations, and representatives of Census Bureau 

headquarters and the Atlanta regional office.

Tribal Participants

Thirty-eight tribal delegates and AIAN organization representatives attended the tribal 

consultation, representing 24 state-recognized tribes and seven AIAN organizations. Some 

participants attended in multiple capacities by representing a tribe and an organization, and 

some tribes and organizations were represented by multiple participants.

Census Bureau Leadership

Census Bureau executive leadership who participated in the tribal consultation included:

u John H. Thompson, U.S. Census Bureau Director;

u George Grandy, Jr., Atlanta Regional Director;

u Jeannie Shiffer, Associate Director for Communications;

u Tim Olson, Associate Director for Field Operations;

u Deborah Stempowski, Chief, Decennial Census Management Division; and

u Albert Fontenot, Acting Chief, Field Division.

Headquarters staff from each of the programmatic areas represented in the agenda 

attended the tribal consultation and delivered brief presentations to inform discussions 

with tribal leadership. Census Bureau staff from the Office of Congressional and 

Intergovernmental Affairs, as well as the Atlanta Regional Office, were also involved.
State-Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultation Final Report • 5

Tribal Consultation Themes

This portion of the report summarizes by topic the responses from state-recognized tribal 

leadership. The sections below correspond with each of the six agenda topics, which 

include:

u population statistics,

u geography,

u enumeration,

u the 2020 Communications Campaign,

u the AIAN Partnership Program, and

u recruiting for Census jobs.

Subsections under each topic summarize tribal responses to a particular discussion 

question for each topic.

POPULATION STATISTICS

Data for the AIAN population come from the census race question. The Census Bureau 

collects information according to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) 

definition of American Indian or Alaska Native, which refers to a person who has origins 

in any of the original peoples of North and South America (including Central America) and 

who maintains tribal affiliation or community attachment. Data for the AIAN population 

include people who mark the AIAN checkbox or write in the name of an American Indian, 

Alaska Native, or Central/South American group. To produce high-quality data for the AIAN 

population, the Census Bureau uses a coding and classification process through which 

individual write-in responses for AIAN tribes, villages, corporations, and other self-reported 

AIAN identities are coded and tabulated. The Census Bureau inquires with tribes about 

possible changes to the way their tribal citizens self-identify. Feedback on the coding and 

classification list is essential to ensure the population statistics produced for the AIAN 

population meet tribal needs.

Collection of Tribal Enrollment Data

In the lead-up to the 2010 Census, some tribes requested that the Census Bureau explore 

the possibility of gathering data on the tribal enrollment status of individuals who selfidentify as AIAN—a separate and distinct concept from racial identification as AIAN.

The Census Bureau explored the possibility of collecting tribal enrollment data to fulfill 

a commitment to test a potential tribal enrollment question for the 2020 Census. Other 

federal agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, have 

also requested that the Census Bureau gather tribal enrollment data. Throughout the 2020 
6 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

Census tribal consultations, however, many tribes, as well as the National Congress of 

American Indians (NCAI), expressed concerns about the feasibility of capturing accurate 

tribal enrollment numbers through a census that relies on self-response. Based on this 

feedback, the Census Bureau will not include a tribal enrollment question in the 2020 

Census, but will finish the tribal enrollment testing to fulfill the commitment. The testing will 

also inform potential future requests from tribal leaders or federal agencies to collect similar 

data.

Discussion question: If the Census Bureau collected data on tribal enrollment, would 

your tribe or village use those data? If yes, how?

Tribal Response

Leadership from state-recognized tribal governments expressed opposition to the 

collection of tribal enrollment data, citing the following reasons.

u Tribal enrollment numbers gathered through self-identification would not match 

tribal rolls.

u Gathering tribal enrollment data infringes on tribal sovereignty, since tribes alone 

have the right to determine their own enrollment.

u Maintaining tribal enrollment records is the responsibility of sovereign tribal nations, 

not the duty of the federal government.

u The Census Bureau cannot verify the tribal enrollment data gathered without 

tribes sharing their confidential rolls with the Census Bureau, and, similarly, the 

tribes cannot verify the census data without the Census Bureau sharing individual 

responses to the census, which are also confidential.

u Gathering tribal enrollment data through the census may set a precedent that 

encourages other federal agencies to ask to view tribes’ proprietary enrollment 

records.

u If tribal enrollment data gathered by the census are perceived as more credible than 

tribal enrollment records, this would place a burden of proof on tribes.

A recommendation gathered from the tribal consultation is for the Census Bureau to 

work one-on-one with tribes that have requested tribal enrollment data to publish that 

information.
State-Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultation Final Report • 7

The Question on Race

The Census Bureau has been testing new formats for the race question to elicit detailed 

responses.

Discussion question: How would you like to report your race on a census form?

Tribal Response

The question wording and format must encourage people to report multiple races by 

providing clear instructions and ample write-in space. Examples of write-in responses 

should be specific to encourage the reporting of detailed tribal identities. Enumerators 

should be trained to ask AIAN respondents specifically with which tribe they identify.

It is important for tribal governments to conduct outreach to their citizens about how to 

self-identify on the census form to ensure that responses will be coded and tabulated 

appropriately.

Coding and Classification of AIAN Responses

People often write in different responses about their racial identities, though they are 

attempting to provide the same high-level information. For example, tribal citizens may 

write the acronym for their tribe’s official name, or they may write a response in their Native 

language. The Census Bureau maintains a code list that includes known names for federally 

recognized, state-recognized, and non-recognized tribal groups, to ensure that write-in 

responses are classified and tabulated correctly.

Discussion question: Please share updates and any other feedback regarding your 

coding and classification preference for the 2020 Census.

Tribal Response

The Southeastern Mvskoke Nation, Inc., recently changed its official name from the Star 

Clan of Muscogee Creeks. This change needs to be reflected in the code list.

Tribal Groupings

Discussion question: Please share updates and any other feedback regarding your 

coding and classification preference for the 2020 Census.

Tribal Response

The term Algonquin should be included among the Wampanoag classification on the code 

list.
8 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

GEOGRAPHY 

In addition to producing total counts at the national level, the Census Bureau tabulates 

data for all households located within specific geographic areas, such as reservations or 

counties. To ensure the correct households are counted toward a particular geography, 

the Census Bureau must have up-to-date boundaries and accurate housing unit locations.

Statistical areas can be defined when a tribe needs data for a certain area that does not 

have legally defined boundaries. The Participant Statistical Areas Program provides an 

opportunity for tribes to define and update statistical boundaries. The Census Bureau 

works with tribes to accurately define tribal geographies that ensure useful data are 

returned to tribes. The Census Bureau also coordinates with state governments to work 

with state-recognized tribes in ensuring their geographic boundaries are up-to-date.

Considerations for Mapping Tribal Boundaries

Discussion question: For which geographic areas does your tribe use data most 

often?

Tribal Response 

Consultation with individual tribes is key to understanding their perceptions of their tribal 

lands. Many tribes may understand the boundaries of their lands independently of state 

or county boundaries, which were drawn long after most tribal communities established a 

sense of place.

Statistical Boundaries for State-Recognized Tribes

Tribes without trust lands, reservations, or other legal areas can define statistical areas 

within which to count their populations. Statistical areas can also be used to capture a 

concentrated population of tribal citizens living off tribal lands. State Designated Tribal 

Statistical Areas (SDTSAs) or Census Designated Places (CDPs) are statistical areas that 

may be designated for state-recognized tribes.

Discussion question: Has your tribe used data from geographic statistical areas, such 

as SDTSAs or CDPs? 

Tribal Response

State-recognized tribes face unique challenges in designating statistical areas. To define 

an SDTSA, the encompassing state must formally recognize the tribe as existing within its 

boundaries. Sappony’s geographic situation illustrates these unique challenges. The tribe 

is located in North Carolina and Virginia, but is only recognized by North Carolina, which 

prevents the designation of an SDTSA to capture the tribe’s population in Virginia.
State-Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultation Final Report • 9

Additional Geographies

Discussion question: Are there geographic areas that the Census Bureau does not 

currently map that would be helpful to your tribe?

Tribal Response

For tribes with tribal schools, designating a statistical area based on the school district 

could provide the tribe with useful data.

ENUMERATION 

The 2020 Census will offer several response options. The primary response option will be 

Internet self-response through a secure website. The Census Bureau will also offer options 

to respond through a paper questionnaire or over the telephone. For places where other 

response options are not feasible, and to follow up with households that do not selfrespond, the Census Bureau will conduct in-person enumeration by sending interviewers 

to knock on doors. The Census Bureau would like individual tribal input on the best way to 

enumerate each tribal community.

Enumeration Challenges

Each enumeration method has associated challenges, and the Census Bureau faces 

overarching challenges to enumerating AIAN populations, such as a fear that individual 

information collected through the census will be released or used to the detriment of 

tribal people. In spite of these challenges, the Census Bureau needs to work with tribes to 

determine how to count everyone.

Discussion question: How can we ensure that every person within a household is 

counted, especially if there is more than one family living in the home?

Tribal Response 

Challenges identified include counting the homeless, as well as community members who 

frequently move residences and do not have a permanent home. Capturing the number of 

residents in overcrowded or multi-family homes also presents a challenge, since people 

may fear being penalized for violating housing regulations.

Tribal delegates emphasized the importance of hiring enumerators locally who understand 

their communities and are trusted by community members. The Census Bureau should 

prioritize local expertise, such as fluency in the tribe’s Native language, when recruiting 

enumerators, and ensure enumerators understand that citizens of state-recognized tribes 

can and should self-identify as AIAN.
10 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

Feasibility of Internet Self-Response

Discussion question: Is Internet connectivity an issue in your area?

Tribal Response

Internet connectivity is often an issue in rural tribal areas. For many North Carolina tribes, 

high-speed Internet is not widely available. Many tribal homes lack Internet access 

and some lack computers. Since connectivity is often available through mobile data on 

smartphones, a mobile app or mobile-friendly website was recommended.

Preferred Enumeration Approach

Discussion question: Could you share with the Census Bureau your preferred 

enumeration approach for the 2020 Census?

Tribal Response 

Several tribal delegates reported that in-person enumeration worked well for their tribes in 

the past, especially when enumerators worked in close partnership with tribal offices.

In-person enumeration in a group setting, such as at an elders’ meeting, was discussed 

as an effective approach. Census Bureau regional offices will work with tribes individually 

to understand their preferred enumeration approach, and implement this strategy where 

feasible.

2020 COMMUNICATIONS CAMPAIGN

The Census Bureau will conduct a large-scale communications campaign to raise 

awareness about the census and encourage self-response. The campaign will involve 

traditional media and partnerships. It will incorporate significantly greater use of social 

media, as this platform has grown immensely. Culturally relevant messages targeted toward 

AIAN audiences will run in the media outlets most watched, listened to, and read by AIAN 

populations and on websites most visited by the target audience. The Census Bureau will 

provide customizable materials that tribes can use to educate their own citizens about the 

census.

Recommended Communication Channels

Discussion question: What is the best way to reach your tribal citizens who live on and 

off tribal lands?

Tribal Response

Staffing a booth at well-attended tribal community events, especially powwows, is a 

powerful way to connect with tribal citizens. Community gathering places, such as tribal 

churches and community centers, are also excellent forums for outreach.
State-Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultation Final Report • 11

Outreach Messaging

Discussion question: What types of messages work best?

Tribal Response 

Tribal delegates emphasized the importance of engaging tribal youth with census 

messaging. The Census Bureau should design outreach that specifically targets younger 

adults, such as by acknowledging the diversification of the younger generations by 

reimaging traditional images and highlighting how census data justify funding for programs 

relevant to youth, such as financial aid for higher education. This demographic is typically 

online frequently and could be reached through outreach on social media. The Census 

Bureau should tailor AIAN ads by region with the message that those tribes count.

The Role of Social Media in Outreach to Tribal Communities

Discussion question: How big of an influence is social media in your community?

Tribal Response

Social media has significant influence in tribal communities. Many tribes operate their 

own social media accounts. Although social media platforms are most popular among 

young people, many tribal elders use social media, as well. It is important to use a blended 

approach of online and print media to reach those without computers or Internet access.

AIAN PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

The Census Bureau’s AIAN Partnership Program leverages trusted voices to promote tribal 

participation in the census. The program has three components, which are:

u the Tribal Governments Liaison Program, through which tribal leaders can designate 

a point of contact to communicate between the Census Bureau and the tribe about 

census issues; 

u Tribal Complete Count Committees, which are created by tribal leaders to conduct 

outreach to their communities about the importance of the census and how they 

should self-identify; and

u partnerships with AIAN organizations, such as tribal community centers and 

enrollment offices, which are key to raising awareness of and promoting 

participation in the census.
12 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

Building Trust with Tribes

Discussion question: How do Census Bureau staff who are devoted to working with 

tribal governments most effectively improve participation in the 2020 Census?

Tribal Response

Tribal consultation helps build a foundation of trust. Input from state-recognized and nonrecognized tribes is often minimized during tribal consultation, and these groups are often 

excluded from tribal consultations completely. Tribal delegates noted that the Census

Bureau’s efforts to consult with state-recognized tribes in a government-to-government 

context has begun to build a basis of trust. To further build trust, the tribal delegates 

recommended that the Census Bureau continue its tribal consultation efforts through visits 

to individual tribes and seek to understand unique tribal cultures.

The tribal delegates recommended investing effort into partnership with NCAI. In particular, 

Census Bureau could partner with the NCAI Veterans Committee to begin building trust 

among tribal veterans.

RECRUITING FOR CENSUS JOBS

As the 2020 Census approaches, the Census Bureau will recruit for temporary positions.

Many of the census jobs will be enumerator positions, which offer community members 

opportunities to give back to their communities by helping to ensure an accurate count. The 

Census Bureau intends to hire local, tribal enumerators to the greatest extent possible to 

ensure tribal households are enumerated by trusted community members who are familiar 

with the community and known by its members. To recruit locally, the Census Bureau will 

request tribal assistance with encouraging community members to apply for census jobs 

and providing locations for candidates to complete online applications.

Circumstances That May Affect Recruiting

Discussion question: What types of changes have happened in your communities 

since the 2010 Census that could affect recruiting for Census Bureau jobs?

Tribal Response 

Many of the tribes represented at the state-recognized tribal consultation are currently 

facing high rates of unemployed youth due to recent economic downturn, which may mean 

the Census Bureau will have a large pool of young applicants.
State-Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultation Final Report • 13

Avenues for Recruitment

Discussion question: What are the best avenues for promoting and recruiting for 

Census Bureau jobs?

Tribal Response

The tribal delegates recommended the Department of Labor’s Workforce Program and 

national youth councils as partners in recruitment for Census Bureau jobs. To recruit young 

people for Census Bureau jobs, the Census Bureau could advertise through ride sharing 

apps, since many youth seek part-time, flexible job opportunities that involve driving. The 

Census Bureau should partner with tribes to the greatest extent possible to ensure local, 

tribal enumerators are hired.

Overarching Themes

Often, overarching themes emerge in tribal consultations that do not fit under the agenda 

topics. During the tribal consultation with state-recognized tribes, the following topics 

surfaced frequently:

u unique challenges faced by state-recognized tribes,

u the importance of involving youth in the census, and

u the importance of accurate data for tribal use.

CHALLENGES FACED BY STATE-RECOGNIZED TRIBES

While tribes that are not federally recognized face many similar challenges to those faced 

by federally recognized tribes, such as historic undercounts and resulting underfunding, 

state-recognized tribes face challenges that spring from not being formally recognized 

by the federal government. For example, most state-recognized tribes do not have legal 

boundaries, such as federally recognized reservation lands, so they work with states 

to designate statistical geographies. Federal agencies often fail to acknowledge and 

consult appropriately with state-recognized tribes, and local governments often do not 

view citizens of state-recognized tribes as AIAN. Even when state-recognized tribes are 

acknowledged in tribal consultation, their voices are not always given the same weight as 

input from federally recognized tribes. Further, politicians and researchers often treat the 

AIAN population as insignificant in size, in comparison to other minority groups.
14 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

THE EFFECTS OF CENSUS DATA ON TRIBES

Several of the tribes in attendance reported undercounts in previous censuses, which 

harmed funding for key tribal programs.

Accurate census counts are critical to ensuring that tribes are allocated the appropriate 

amount of funds for health, housing, and other crucial programs. Tribes also need accurate 

census data to plan appropriately for how to effectively use their limited resources. Other 

organizations, such as minority affairs commissions, also need accurate tribal data to 

inform policy work, research, and services. Further, using census data as the building 

blocks to create an accurate depiction of Indian Country would aid in legitimizing staterecognized tribes with federal agencies, local governments, politicians, researchers, and 

the general public.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ENGAGING YOUTH

The tribal delegates repeatedly emphasized the role of younger generations of AIANs 

in promoting and conducting the census. They recommended targeting outreach to 

this audience, tailoring recruitment efforts for Census Bureau jobs to tribal youth, and 

partnering with youth councils to promote the census and recruit for Census Bureau jobs.

Follow-Up Items

This section notes follow-up items identified by the Census Bureau during the tribal 

consultation and indicates the actions the Census Bureau has taken and will take to follow 

up with tribal questions, comments, and concerns.

COMPLETED FOLLOW-UP ITEMS

The Census Bureau has fulfilled the following commitments made during the tribal 

consultation.

u The Census Bureau’s Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs sent 

copies of the meeting notes and presentations to all tribal consultation participants.

u As requested, Southeastern Mvskoke Nation, Inc., was added to the 2017 Census 

Test coding and classification list to reflect the tribe’s recent name change. The 

Census Bureau will continue to work with leadership of the Southeastern Mvskoke 

Nation, Inc., to ensure tribal citizens are accurately coded and classified in the 2020 

Census.

u In response to a question raised during the tribal consultation, the U.S. Census 

Bureau confirmed that federally recognized tribes are ineligible to be designated as 

SDTSAs. Although SDTSAs can cross county lines, they cannot cross state lines.
State-Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultation Final Report • 15

u The Census Bureau followed up with the tribal councilor for the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe, 

regarding his inquiry about the designation of school districts as statistical areas.

After the Census Bureau spoke to him about its role in the School District Review 

Program, he had no additional follow-up.

u The U.S. Census Bureau staff met with the chairperson of Sappony immediately 

following the tribal consultation, to discuss the identification of contacts in Virginia 

with whom Sappony should coordinate to designate an SDTSA for the tribe. The 

Census Bureau’s Philadelphia Regional Office staff worked to coordinate this 

discussion between state and tribal representatives and learned that Secretary of 

the Commonwealth of Virginia, Kelly Thomasson, will serve as the state’s point of 

contact for tribes. Secretary Thomasson indicated she maintains good relationships 

will all Virginia tribes, has contact information for the tribes, and is willing to host a 

meeting with tribal leaders regarding the 2020 Census. She encouraged Sappony 

to contact her or her staff directly for assistance with the state’s tribal recognition 

process, which is handled through the Virginia General Assembly.

u In response to an inquiry about how the term Algonquin is coded and classified, the 

Census Bureau offers the following response.

“Race and ethnicity categories in the United States are defined by the Office of 

Management and Budget, with the latest set based on a 1997 revision of a 1977 

standard. The minimum race categories in the 1997 OMB standards for collecting 

data on race and ethnicity are:

} American Indian or Alaska Native

} Asian

} Black or African American

} Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander

} White

The minimum ethnicity categories are:

} Hispanic or Latino

} Not Hispanic or Latino

The categories listed above are the major OMB groups. While Algonquin is not 

one of those groups, responses of Algonquin are collected and tabulated under 

the American Indian or Alaska Native group. American Indian and Alaska Native 

respondents who write in Algonquin as a detailed response under the race 

question receive a unique code for tabulation under the Algonquin tribal grouping. 

For example, in 2010, 905 people reported being Algonquin alone and 4,136 

reported being Algonquin alone or in any combination.”
16 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

NEXT STEPS

Based on follow-up items identified during the tribal consultation, the Census Bureau will 

do the following.

u Recognizing that not every tribal leader was able to attend the American Indian 

and Alaska Native 2020 Census Tribal Consultation meetings, the Census Bureau 

will send a letter to all tribes and tribal leaders to request feedback on the current 

coding and classification list in preparation for the 2020 Census. In the fall 2017, 

the Census Bureau will send the 2010 Census coding and classification list for 

tribal leaders to review and provide feedback. The coding and classification list 

is the foundation of the data provided on the American Indian and Alaska Native 

populations. Through intergovernmental relationships with tribal nations, the Census 

Bureau seeks to improve the accuracy of data to ensure the needs of its tribal 

partners are met.

u Census Bureau regional offices will reach out to AIAN communities, organizations, 

and tribal governments to establish partnerships in preparation for the 2020 Census.

Through these partnerships, the Census Bureau and tribes can collaborate on 

Decennial Census outreach, promotion, and recruiting. Recruiting applicants from 

within each community is a common goal the Census Bureau shares with tribal 

communities. The Census Bureau’s goal is to hire people who are familiar with 

the communities in which they will work. The Census Bureau would like to work 

with tribes individually to ensure enough tribal applicants are recruited to meet 

recruiting goals. The regional offices will need help distributing job information and 

promoting census jobs and identifying facilities for completion of job applications, 

assessments, and training. At times, staff turnover may require additional recruiting 

efforts. The Census Bureau wants job recruitment to be a collaborative initiative to 

ensure tribal interests are reflected in the way recruiting efforts are carried out in 

their communities.
State-Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultation Final Report • 17

Conclusion

The Census Bureau gathered many useful insights and recommendations during the tribal 

consultation with state-recognized tribes. The meeting provided tribes with the opportunity 

to learn about census processes and planned changes for the 2020 Census, while the 

Census Bureau collected input for improving the AIAN count. The Census Bureau also 

gained insight into the unique hurdles faced by state-recognized tribes within the already 

challenging context of conducting the decennial census in Indian Country. Hosting a tribal 

consultation with state-recognized tribes strengthened partnerships with these tribes and 

provided the Census Bureau with valuable feedback that will inform planning as the 2020 

Census moves forward.
TM

Appendix
State-Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultation Final Report: Appendix • 19

Appendix: Meeting Notes 

from the Consultation with 

State-Recognized Tribes

Hilton North Raleigh/Midtown Hotel, Raleigh, NC

Thursday, September 1, 2016, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

ATTENDEES

Some participants attended in multiple capacities by representing a tribe and an 

organization, and some tribes and organizations were represented by multiple participants.

Tribal Delegates

Total: 30 tribal delegates; 24 tribes represented

u Lebaron Byrd, Chief, MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians

u Nancy Carnley, Vice Chief, Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe of Alabama; 

President, Alabama Indian Affairs Commission

u Dorothy Crowe, Chairperson, Sappony

u Randy Crummie, Chief, Santee Indian Organization

u Lana Dial, Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina

u Earl Evans, Tribal Councilor, Haliwa-Saponi Tribe

u Duane Everhart, Second Chief, Piqua Shawnee Tribe

u Gerald Gray, Chairman, Little Shell Chippewa Tribe of Montana; President, 

Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council

u Susan Hayes-Hatcher, Second Chief, Waccamaw Indians of Aynor, SC

u Elton Jacobs (Waccamaw Siouan Indian Tribe), Member, North Carolina Commission 

on Indian Affairs

u LaVie Jones Pridgen, Meherrin Indian Nation

u Geneva LeBeouf, Membership Committee Representative, Pointe-au-Chien 

Indian Tribe

u Stan Long, Principal Chief, Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama

u Marian McCormick, Principal Chief, Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe

u Danielle McLean, Legal and Compliance Officer, Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina

u Brenda Moore, Housing Coordinator, Waccamaw Siouan Tribe
20 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

u Rico Newman, Elder Council Co-Chair, Piscataway Conoy Indian Nation of 

Maryland; Member, Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs

u John Norwood, Tribal Supreme Court Chief Justice, Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal 

Nation; representing Confederation of Sovereign Nanticoke-Lenape Tribes 

u Tanya Norwood, Census Tribal Liaison, Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation

u Prentis Parr, Chief, Pee Dee Indian Tribe of South Carolina

u Cameron Press, Junior Tribal Representative, Cherokee of Georgia

u Tony Press, Cultural Preservationist, Cherokee of Georgia

u Brucie Ogletree Richardson, Chief, Haliwa-Saponi Indian Tribe

u G. Anne Richardson, Chief, Rappahannock Tribe

u Charles Scott, Sumter Tribe of Cheraw Indians

u Duane “Yellowfeather” Shepard, III, Chief, Pocasset Wampanoag of the Pokanoket 

Nation

u Larry Townsend, Tribal Councilman, Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina

u Asphy Turner, Tribal Council Member, Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia

u JaNella Williams, Tribal Enrollment Director, Coharie Tribe

u Martha Williams, Secretary, Southeastern Mvskoke Nation of Alabama

AIAN Organization Leadership

Total: 7 organizations represented (including those represented by the tribal delegates 

listed above)

u Kenneth Battle, Board Chair, South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs

u Kerry Bird, President, Triangle Native American Society

u Marcy Hayden, Indian Affairs Coordinator, South Carolina Commission for Minority 

Affairs—Native American Affairs

u Furnie Lambert, Jr., Chairman, North Carolina Commission on Indian Affairs

u Nealie McCormick, Chairman, Georgia Council on American Indian Concerns

u Gregory Richardson (Haliwa-Saponi), Executive Director, North Carolina Commission 

on Indian Affairs

u Charles Richardson (Haliwa-Saponi), Member, North Carolina Commission on Indian 

Affairs

u Elk Richardson (Haliwa-Saponi), Program Director, North Carolina Commission on 

Indian Affairs
State-Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultation Final Report: Appendix • 21

Census Bureau Staff

Headquarters

u Dee Alexander, Tribal Affairs Coordinator, Office of Congressional and 

Intergovernmental Affairs

u Akenabah Begay, Intergovernmental Affairs Specialist, Office of Congressional and 

Intergovernmental Affairs

u Helena Carapellatti, Program Manager, AIAN Program

u Maryann Chapin, Assistant Division Chief for Nonresponse and Coverage 

Operations, Decennial Census Management Division

u Sydnee Chattin, Assistant Division Chief for Decennial Programs, Field Division

u Joshua Coutts, Geographer, Geography Division

u Albert Fontenot, Acting Chief, Field Division

u Kendall Johnson, Program Coordinator for the Integrated Communications Contract.

Communications Directorate

u Van Lawrence, Chief, Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs

u Tim Olson, Associate Director for Field Operations

u Roberto Ramirez, Assistant Division Chief for Special Population Statistics, 

Population Division

u Hyon B. Shin, Chief, Racial Statistics Branch, Population Division

u Jeannie Shiffer, Associate Director for Communications

u Deborah Stempowski, Chief, Decennial Census Management Division

u John H. Thompson, U.S. Census Bureau Director

u Laura Waggoner; Assistant Division Chief for Geographic Partnerships, Data 

Collection, and Products; Geography Division

Regional Offices

u George Grandy, Jr., Regional Director, Atlanta Region

u Wes Flack, Tribal Partnership Specialist, Atlanta Region

u Kelly Karres, Data Dissemination Specialist for North and South Carolina, Atlanta 

Region

u Philip Lutz, Assistant Regional Census Manager, Philadelphia Region

u Gerson Vasquez, Data Dissemination Specialist, Atlanta Region
22 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

Other Attendees

u Bob Coates, Governor’s Census Liaison, North Carolina Governor’s Office

u Jennifer Gillissen, Director of Meeting and Event Planning, Kauffman & Associates, Inc.

u Jo Ann Kauffman, President, Kauffman & Associates, Inc.

u Katie Terra, Technical Writer, Kauffman & Associates, Inc.

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS

Opening Ceremonies

Posting of the Flag

Lumbee Warriors

Opening Prayer

Chief Ogletree Richardson (Haliwa-Saponi Indian Tribe)

Welcome

Jo Ann Kauffman and Tim Olson introduced themselves as co-facilitators for the tribal 

consultation. Mr. Olson introduced those who made opening remarks.

Opening Remarks

George Grandy, Jr.

Mr. Grandy thanked the North Carolina Indian Affairs Commission and Gregory Richardson 

for hosting the tribal consultation.

The Census Bureau’s Atlanta regional office regularly oversees 1,300 field representatives, 

and this number swells to 80,000 during the decennial census. The Atlanta Region will 

soon reach out to tribes within the region regarding the 2020 Census. The Atlanta Region 

employs a tribal partnership specialist, Wes Flack, who works with the tribes in the region 

regarding the census.

John H. Thompson 

Director Thompson thanked everyone for attending and expressed appreciation for the high 

number of attendees.
State-Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultation Final Report: Appendix • 23

In all meetings with tribal leadership, the Census Bureau is committed to honoring the 

policies of the Census Bureau and the Department of Commerce. These policies were put 

in place in 2008, and Dee Alexander helped guide their development. Before implementing 

any policy that may affect American Indian or Alaska Native communities, the Census 

Bureau will first consult with tribes. The Census Bureau needs tribal feedback on many 

items related to the 2020 Census and has already conducted eight tribal consultations.

Now, the Census Bureau is conducting another round of nine additional tribal consultations.

The Census Bureau began consulting with tribes about the 2020 Census two years earlier 

than was done for the 2010 Census.

Gregory Richardson

In the past, Mr. Richardson served on the American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) 

Advisory Committee to Census. Through this opportunity, he learned that the census has 

larger implications beyond simple numbers and data. Partnership, geography, and other 

considerations are important in identifying American Indian communities.

He emphasized to the tribal leadership in attendance that they have an opportunity to help 

shape the planning of the 2020 Census. He shared with tribal leaders the importance of 

setting geographic boundaries from which to draw data. The day before the consultation, 

he attended a meeting between the North Carolina governor’s office liaison and the Census 

Bureau where state and county officials learned about the 2020 Census. Mr. Richardson 

thanked everyone for attending.

[The Census Bureau played a short video with welcoming remarks from U.S. Secretary 

of Commerce Penny Pritzker.]

Thank you for being here and working with us to develop the 2020 Census. When I visited 

Indian Country over the summer, tribal leaders expressed how critical it is that accurate 

numbers be gathered. The Census Bureau is conducting a series of tribal consultation 

meetings to elicit your input. We look forward to your feedback.

In 2013, the Department of Commerce finalized its tribal consultation and coordination 

policy, which establishes how the Department works with federally recognized tribes. The 

policy allows us to capitalize on the tremendous value consultation brings to the decisionmaking process. While the consultation process was valuable to us in the lead-up to the 

2010 Census, it was clear we needed more time to prepare. That’s why we’re here two 

years earlier.

No other department rivals the reach, depth, and breadth of our data collection efforts. The 

decennial census is the largest civilian mobilization effort in the nation and a constitutional 

requirement. It is a complicated logistical challenge. We need your help. In order for us 

to serve you better and gather accurate information from AIAN communities, we need to 

hear your concerns and suggestions, and we need you to encourage your tribal citizens to 

respond when they are contacted for the census.
24 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

Overview of the Agenda

Dee Alexander

Ms. Alexander is a citizen of Cheyenne Arapaho Tribes.

Consulting with state-recognized tribal governments is a priority for the Census Bureau.

Ms. Alexander provided an overview of the Census Bureau’s outreach efforts to these 

tribes. Kauffman & Associates, Inc., invited 67 state-recognized tribes to this consultation 

on behalf of the Census Bureau.

She added that she would set up any one-on-one discussions or consultations requested 

by tribal delegates.

Goals and Objectives

The goals of the Census Bureau tribal consultations are to:

u create open, two-way communication between tribal governments and the Census 

Bureau;

u collect input on effective ways to implement tribal-specific programmatic and 

operational activities;

u record and address outcomes, issues, and recommendations; and

u clarify Census Bureau programs and activities related to the 2020 Census.

Following the consultation, the Census Bureau will review tribal responses and questions.

Meeting notes will be sent to attendees two weeks after the meeting. A final report about 

this meeting will be published in 2017.

PRESENTATIONS, DISCUSSION, AND TESTIMONY

Introductions and Open Discussion

Many tribal delegates acknowledged the importance of ensuring a complete count and 

expressed an interest in learning more about the 2020 Census and an intention to share 

the information with their tribal communities. Several delegates expressed appreciation for 

the consultations being held two years earlier than was done in preparation for the 2010 

Census.

Some of the delegates stated reasons why census data are important and beneficial to their 

communities. Reasons included that census data:

u helps secure funding,

u inform tribal programs,
State-Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultation Final Report: Appendix • 25

u represent those with no voice at the table (state-recognized and non-recognized 

tribes),

u provide insight into where else in the country tribal citizens are living, and

u establish the presence of tribes and AIAN people.

Other comments made during the introduction and open discussion period included the 

following.

Rico Newman

The 2020 Census will be the first decennial census in which Maryland tribes will participate 

since the state formally recognized their presence.

Larry Townsend

Most people are unaware that state-recognized tribes exist, even though the Lumbee Tribe 

of North Carolina is the seventh largest tribe in the United States. It is difficult for staterecognized or non-recognized tribes to have a voice at the table.

Lebaron Byrd

Citizens of the MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians do not fully understand the importance of 

completing the census. Currently, they tend to think that the census collects information the 

government will use against them, and the tribe’s leadership needs to educate them that it 

is a friendly inquiry that collects important numbers.

Stan Long

The Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama does not have land in trust. Due to adverse 

effects from the Jim Crow Laws and, later on, a lack of employment opportunities, many 

tribal citizens moved out of the state, but their roots are in Alabama. Many local officials are 

unaware that American Indians live in their jurisdiction. Mr. Long shared that he often has to 

inform them of the history to help them understand, which he is alright with, but accurate 

census numbers would help paint a larger picture showing that American Indians live all 

over the United States.

Nancy Carnley

It will be important for the 2020 Census data to accurately reflect tribal numbers. Politicians 

and researchers have treated the AIAN population as too small to be significant or matter 

as much as other minority groups. One challenge in achieving an accurate count is that 

people are afraid to identify as AIAN due to historical trauma.
26 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

Martha Williams

The Southeastern Mvskoke Nation of Alabama has an elderly population who still remember 

when identifying as American Indian was dangerous, and the legacy of this memory carries 

through the whole community, resulting in people who may be distrustful. Encouraging 

them to complete a form and identify as AIAN will be difficult. They need to be educated 

about the census and reassured that, even though the U.S. government conducts the 

survey, it is safe to respond.

Gregory Richardson

North Carolina has the largest American Indian population east of the Mississippi River.

Many American Indians live in rural areas. In addition to collecting data from AIANs in tribal 

settings, it is also important to gather data on those in urban settings. Outreach to AIANs 

will need to be specialized to both rural and urban areas.

Earl Evans

It is crucial to consult with tribes in their home states to learn nuances about how they 

perceive themselves and the places where they live. For example, the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe 

is located in the city of Hollister, and Hollister proper is located in Halifax County, NC. The 

tribe does not think in terms of the county boundaries that were drawn across the tribal 

territory long after its citizens established their sense of place. They think of Hollister as 

being about a 10-mile radius around the city, even though that area lies within two different 

counties.

Mr. Evans serves on the tribal consultation committee for the U.S. Department of Housing

and Urban Development (HUD), and has observed the particular considerations for 

formulating funding, such as who counts as a resident of a household. There are different 

housing scenarios to consider, such as “couch riders” who may stay in different residences 

for short periods of times, overcrowded residences, and multiple-family homes. He has also 

seen how the resulting data impact funding. For this reason, an accurate count is vital.

Not all tribes are able to effectively track tribal citizens who move outside of tribal 

communities. While some tribes incentivize citizens to periodically update their contact 

information with the tribe, others cannot do so and lose track of these individuals.

Laura Waggoner

Ms. Waggoner serves as co-chair for the National Boundary Group through the Federal 

Geographic Data Committee. The group recently started a Tribal Lands Subgroup, which 

needs tribal membership. Ms. Waggoner asked anyone interested in participating to 

contact her.
State-Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultation Final Report: Appendix • 27

Elk Richardson

For each decennial census, Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Labor do a 

special data tabulation that affects the funding of American Indian workforce development 

programs. Mr. Richardson expressed concern about how the Census Bureau will count 

AIANs and capture enrollment data, and how all of the data will ultimately affect workforce 

development programs.

Gerson Vasquez

The Census Bureau employs about 42 data dissemination specialists across the nation, 

and they help people access the data after its collection. The primary charge of these 

specialists is to help tribes, other local governments, or individuals find the data they need.

Lana Dial

Ms. Dial inquired about how data will be broken down by age, such as whether specific 

data will be available for elders or youth. This type of information would help the tribe 

further understand how to best use their limited resources. It would also be helpful to see 

data on how urban American Indians are located across the United States.

Marcy Hayden

South Carolina is home to 10 federally and state-recognized tribes. Since South Carolina 

has a small population, it is difficult to retrieve data beyond the federal and state levels. The 

South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs needs to access more data on tribes, rural 

communities, and urban Indians to aid in its work related to policy, services, and research.

Overview of Planning for the 2020 Census

Census Bureau Presentation

Deborah Stempowski

The purpose of the decennial census is to count the population and housing and 

disseminate the results to the president, the states, and the American people. The 

decennial census is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. The resulting data are used for 

apportionment counts and is turned back to communities so they can use it to improve the 

lives of their community members.

Based on lessons learned from tribal consultation leading up to the 2010 Census, the 

Census Bureau knew the consultation process needed to start earlier for the 2020 Census.

This time, it began two years earlier. The Census Bureau completed a first round of 

consultations in early 2016. The state-recognized tribal consultation launches the second 

round of tribal consultations.
28 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

The Census Bureau already learned a lot from the first round of consultations. The Census 

Bureau acknowledges that online response is not always a viable option because of 

connectivity and trust issues. Some people would work with an in-person enumerator, 

particularly someone local. The Census Bureau understands the importance of hiring 

locally, and that is incorporated into the plan for the 2020 Census. The Census Bureau will 

use the information they learn from the tribal consultations to inform future testing and the 

final plan for conducting the census.

The research and testing phase gives early indications of what can work and what will not 

work. The Census Bureau is now moving into the operational research and building phase.

The final phase will be implementation of the plan.

Last fall, the Census Bureau released the operational plan for the 2020 Census three years 

earlier than was done for the 2010 Census. It is a high-level plan for how to conduct an 

effort of this scale. The plan reflects and supports evidence-based decision making. It 

identifies decisions that need to be made. The plan will be refined every year, based on 

lessons learned.

The Census Bureau has begun a 2020 Census Memorandum Series, which documents 

significant decisions, actions, and accomplishments. The series is posted on the Census 

Bureau website1.

The Census Bureau posted a Federal Register Notice in May 2015 asking for comments 

on the residence criteria. In February 2016, the Census Bureau published a summary of 

the comments received. In June 2016, the Census Bureau published the 2020 proposed 

residence criteria, which was open for comment until September 1. It will now be finalized 

and published.

Initial efforts have focused on major cost drivers, such as the cost of canvassing incurred 

by in-person enumeration. The 2020 Census has the potential to be the most innovative 

census in history.

There are four foundational tasks involved in counting the U.S. population. They are:

u establish where to count,

u motivate people to respond,

u count the population, and

u tabulate and release the results.

1

 To access the Census Memorandum Series, visit http://www.census.gov/programssurveys/decennial-census/2020-census/planning-management/memo-series.html
State-Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultation Final Report: Appendix • 29

Establish Where to Count

This task involves identifying all addresses where people live or could live. In 2010, Census 

Bureau staff updated and verified the address list in conjunction with the count. For the 

2020 Census, the Census Bureau will again conduct a 100% review and update of the 

address list but will approach it differently, using a combination in-office review alongside 

the in-field review. In-office review includes obtaining information from sources such as the 

U.S. Postal Service, imagery, commercial databases, and other private sector sources and 

files provided to the Census Bureau.

Motivate People to Respond

The Census Bureau will maximize outreach using traditional and new media and will target 

advertisements to specific audiences and work with trusted voices to share messages.

Tribal government liaisons are key in communicating to tribal communities.

Count the Population

For the 2020 Census, those who can respond online will be encouraged to do so. Phone 

and paper response options will also be available. Providing more options for self-response 

means fewer enumerators will need to go out on the ground.

Tabulate and Release the Results

After the count is complete, the Census Bureau will process the results and provide them to 

the President of the United States, to be used for apportionment counts, by December 31, 

2020. The data will be published for others to use.

Responses and Discussion

Gregory Richardson 

Many homes in North Carolina do not have Internet access.

Brenda Moore

Within the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe, most families do not have computers in their homes.

While there are pockets of connectivity, even the schools have connectivity challenges.

Even the tribal office connects using hotspots, which only work some of the time because 

high speed Internet is not widely available.
30 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

Director John H. Thompson 

The Census Bureau will not use the Internet as the preferred response option everywhere.

The same goes for mail as the responses option. In some areas, the Census Bureau will 

walk door to door and enumerate in person. People will also have the option to call in 

to respond. Tribal liaisons will be crucial in communicating to the Census Bureau how a 

particular tribal community would like to be enumerated.

Brenda Moore

Ms. Moore asked whether those who call in will speak with a person or an automated 

system.

Director John H. Thompson 

Those who call in will speak with a person.

John Norwood

Mr. Norwood asked whether the presentation will be shared digitally with attendees after 

the meeting, so they can pass the information on to other tribal leaders.

Dee Alexander

Ms. Alexander will send the presentations and the meeting notes to all attendees.

Earl Evans 

One way in which Internet response could be beneficial is by requiring certain federal 

and state agencies to respond for any minors in their care. Some states try to avoid 

provisions of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). Many states lack the mechanisms to 

track compliance with ICWA. If health and human services officials were required to digitally 

report any American Indian children in their care and note what tribe the child could be 

eligible to enroll in, this could help count those children and track compliance with ICWA.

Larry Townsend

Mr. Townsend asked how homeless American Indian veterans will be counted. They may

live in the woods and move farther into the woods when people approach.

Stan Long

Of the four links to more information that the Census Bureau included in the slideshow, the 

first three seem similar. Where do they lead, and do they all lead to different places?
State-Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultation Final Report: Appendix • 31

Deborah Stempowski

“Sign up and manage alerts” goes to a site where you can set up alerts for certain things.

For example, you can be notified of a newly posted document so you do not have to 

check back for it. “More information on the 2020 Census Memorandum Series” goes to a 

component of “More information on the 2020 Census.” The memorandum series documents 

key actions.

Jeannie Shiffer

Everything discussed at the consultation can be found on the 2020 Census webpage.

Another way to navigate there is to go to the Census Bureau home page2 and click on 

Census 2020.

Marcy Hayden

Ms. Hayden inquired whether the Census Bureau has considered developing a mobile app, 

since connectivity is often less of an issue when using mobile data on a smartphone.

Deborah Stempowski

The Internet response site is optimized for mobile devices, but an app is not in 

development.

Duane Everhart

When a tribe is identified as being on a state reservation, that does not capture tribal 

enrollment. There are State Designated Tribal Areas. Why aren’t they listed together with 

state reservations? To properly count a tribe, you need to know how many people are living 

on the reservation and how many Indians are living in the area. Both are necessary. The 

Census Bureau listed the Piqua Shawnee Tribe as having fewer than 100 citizens, which is 

incorrect.

In conducting the 2010 Census, the enumerators would ask, “Do you belong to a minority 

group?” If the person affirmed, the enumerator would follow up with, “Well, what do you 

belong to?” The person would respond, “Choctaw.” They need to ask more specifically 

which tribe the person is affiliated with, and that person needs to be identified by the tribe 

name. They will respond with the name of the tribe (e.g., Choctaw, Cherokee), but will 

not necessarily specify the band (e.g. MOWA Choctaw). The census form needs to ask 

people for the specific name of their tribe once they check the AIAN box. The MOWA Band 

of Choctaw Indians was counted at approximately 3,500 citizens, but actually has about 

6,500. This discrepancy likely resulted from people identifying only as Choctaw instead of 

MOWA Choctaw.

2

 Visit the Census Bureau website at www.census.gov
32 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

Roberto Ramirez

Mr. Ramirez responded that his upcoming presentation would address the code list and the 

race question, and suggested they discuss Mr. Everhart’s concerns in more detail at that 

time.

Geneva LeBeouf

Ms. LeBeouf participated in the testing of a sample race question conducted by the Census 

Bureau the previous weekend in Louisiana. She expressed that there is not enough space 

to enter the name of the tribe with which the respondent is associated. That needs to be 

corrected so respondents feel like there is enough room to write in the MOWA Band of 

Choctaw Indians instead of simply Choctaw.

John H. Thompson 

Counting everyone is really important, but, for some components of the population, the 

Census Bureau must reach out through someone they trust to explain why being counted is 

important. The partnership program is often the best way to work together to identify these 

people and ensure they hear the message from a trusted voice.

Larry Townsend

In response to the veteran question, going to each NCAI conference is a good way to build 

trust. The NCAI Veterans Committee is co-chaired by Mr. Townsend. He stated he will begin

sharing the message about census within the committee to begin building trust.

Dee Alexander 

The Census Bureau will be attending NCAI events regularly until 2020. The Census Bureau 

has been invited to present at the general assembly at the October 2016 NCAI conference 

in Phoenix, AZ. The Census Bureau hopes to present and will also have a booth at the 

conference. The Census Bureau has been invited to sit on the White House Initiative on 

American Indian and Alaska Native Homelessness and will hopefully be represented at the 

conference in that capacity, as well.

Dorothy Crowe

The Sappony population is split between North Carolina and Virginia. The tribe resided 

there before state lines were drawn. The tribe is concerned about being counted accurately 

due to its citizens being divided between two states. 
State-Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultation Final Report: Appendix • 33

Population Statistics Discussion

Roberto Ramirez

The Census Bureau relies on self-identification in collecting race data. Responses to the 

race question tabulated as AIAN are captured by checking the AIAN box and/or writing in 

one or more tribe names.

Currently, the Census Bureau is researching whether there are better ways to design the 

race question to gather better data from ethnic groups. Based on focus groups done with 

about 60 AIANs, the Census Bureau has learned that the instruction to “print name of 

enrolled or principal tribe” is potentially confusing and can mean different things to different 

people. Further, people have varying opinions on what enrolled or village means. The 

overwhelming sentiment expressed in the focus groups was that participants wanted to be 

treated equally by receiving the same type of instructions as other race groups. The Census 

Bureau is examining a possible question design that includes three different options, each 

accompanied by a checkbox, underneath the AIAN category: American Indian, Alaska 

Native, and Central/South American Indian. These three options are derived from the Office 

of Management and Budget’s (OMB) definition of AIAN. OMB sets the standards for race 

and ethnicity, which the Census Bureau follows in its data collection role.

If this question format moves forward, there are several types of responses that the Census 

Bureau would tabulate as AIAN. Mr. Ramirez presented a few examples.

u A respondent wrote in Waccamaw-Siouan Tribe, but did not check any boxes.

u A person wrote in Haliwa-Saponi and checked the AIAN box.

u A respondent checked the AIAN box, then checked American Indian and Central/

South American Indian, and wrote in Blackfeet Tribe and Taino.

If someone identifies with more than one tribe, the Census Bureau counts all the tribes he 

or she lists.

The folders given to consultation attendees contain copies of an abbreviated AIAN code 

list. Mr. Ramirez requested that delegates check to ensure their tribe is correctly written.

The Census Bureau wants to capture the specific tribal name with which its citizens 

identify. Online response will allow respondents to type in up to 200 characters. On the 

paper form, the Census Bureau is looking into ways to easily collect more than one writein response to encourage people to respond with more than one tribe name if they identify 

with multiple tribes.

The code list includes tribes that are federally recognized, state-recognized, and nonrecognized. The Census Bureau is in charge of enumerating all people in the country, not 

just those who identify with tribes that are federally recognized.
34 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

The Census Bureau will not instruct tribes on how to identify themselves, but wishes to 

work with tribal delegates to understand how they and their citizens might self-identify.

Some respondents report the name of the same tribe in different ways. The code list, as 

well as the data products the Census Bureau produces based on the count, are structured 

by official tribe name. For example, the Lumbee Indian Tribe is listed under its official 

name—Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina—followed by other names by which it is known, 

such as Lumbi, Lumberton, Pembroke, and Cheraw. The code list is a living document that

is updated as names are identified, such as when a new acronym is used. The Census 

Bureau would appreciate tribal feedback on the code list.

The Census Bureau is exploring the possibility of testing a potential tribal enrollment 

question. The census does not currently ask about enrollment. This question would be 

separate from the race question. The Census Bureau’s investigation of this possible 

question is a result of the tribal consultations leading up to the 2010 Census when a 

number of tribal leaders asked about the possibility of adding an enrollment question.

At that point, it was too late to consider the question for the 2010 Census. Other federal 

agencies, specifically HUD, have also requested the Census Bureau to look into the 

possibility of adding an enrollment question. During the first round of 2020 Census tribal 

consultations, the Census Bureau received mixed input—some tribal delegates favored 

the idea and some did not. The Census Bureau requested input from tribal delegates in 

attendance at this consultation for their feedback on the issue.

The Census Bureau is looking at three possible question formats for the potential question 

on enrollment.

The Census Bureau will conduct field testing in 2017. In 2018, the final wording for the 

census form is due to Congress. Processing plans for the 2020 Census will be finalized in 

2019.

Mr. Ramirez posed three questions/requests to the tribal delegates.

u How would you like to report your race on the census form?

u If the Census Bureau collected data on tribal enrollment, would your tribe or village 

use that data? If so, how would you use it?

u Please share updates and any other feedback regarding your coding and 

classification preference for the 2020 Census.

Tribal Delegate

A delegate responded that her tribe would use the data in applying for grants.
State-Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultation Final Report: Appendix • 35

John Thompson 

Director Thompson provided some clarification on tribal stances regarding the potential 

enrollment question. The feedback the Census Bureau has received so far in 2020 Census 

tribal consultations differs from the input received leading up to the 2010 Census. The 

Census Bureau had anticipated hearing the same thing they heard strongly in preparation 

for the 2010 Census—that the enrollment question would be helpful for tribes.

However, responses in the 2020 Census tribal consultations so far have varied greatly. In

Alaska, tribal delegates stated that the question would hurt them when it comes to funding.

In the Southwest, tribal delegates expressed that the federal government has no business 

collecting tribal enrollment information—that this is the tribes’ responsibility. In consulting

with the Plains tribes, the request was again raised for the Census Bureau to include a 

tribal enrollment question on the census. NCAI passed a resolution stating that the Census 

Bureau should not collect enrollment status data. Right now, there are no data to support 

whether a self-identification-based survey can collect accurate tribal enrollment data. The 

Census Bureau will need to consult with tribes much more before making a decision to 

include the tribal enrollment question on the 2020 Census.

Charles Scott

How should tribes communicate coding and classification preferences to the Census 

Bureau?

Hyon Shin

Ms. Shin indicated she would write down any input shared at the tribal consultation and 

take it back to update the list. Delegates are welcome to respond at a later date, as well.

John H. Thompson

The Census Bureau has email addresses for all attendees and will contact them to collect 

further feedback on this topic.

Tony Press

What are the benefits of the census that tribes can convey to their citizens? Will tribes have 

access to census data after it’s been collected?

Roberto Ramirez

Tribes can use the data to secure funding or for educational purposes. Some tribes could 

use it to help achieve federal recognition. The Census Bureau is a data collection agency, 

so it does not make decisions, but provides data to support decision-making by others.

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation have 

offered to work with the Census Bureau in testing possible question formats for a potential 

enrollment question.
36 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

Tony Press

Citizens of the Cherokee of Georgia are spread out across the country, and the tribe would 

like to know how to contact these individuals. Will tribes have access to that kind of 

information?

Tim Olson 

Census Bureau data are protected by Title 13 of U.S. Code, and the Census Bureau is not 

permitted to reveal identities of individuals or businesses. The Census Bureau will produce 

summaries of tabulated data, not individual responses. Tribes would receive information on 

how many people across the nation identify with them.

Duane “Yellowfeather” Shepard, III

Access to genealogical search sites and information through DNA testing are becoming 

more common. How do people with African genealogy identify as AIAN? Should they wait 

until the African American portion of the race question to respond? 

Roberto Ramirez

Respondents can check as many boxes as they like and write in as necessary. You can 

check AIAN and African American. The Census Bureau will be introducing new terms, like 

Afro-Latino, to be more inclusive.

Duane “Yellowfeather” Shepard, III

Is there a reason why the Algonquin race hasn’t been included or demarcated in the racial 

categories?

Roberto Ramirez

Mr. Ramirez indicated he would investigate this issue and follow up with Mr. Yellowfeather.

Duane Everhart 

Mr. Everhart expressed concern about the word enrolled appearing in the sample question.

Listing examples instead would be more helpful. Citizens of the MOWA Choctaw Tribe of 

Indians would be more likely to write in MOWA Choctaw, rather than simply Choctaw if they 

saw a similarly descriptive example.

Roberto Ramirez

The race question will list examples of tribal affiliations.

Duane Everhart

Tribes need to ensure that their citizens living outside the area know how to identify 

themselves. How can tribes help ensure tribal citizens receive and complete the census 

form?
State-Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultation Final Report: Appendix • 37

Dee Alexander 

In the past, there was in issue with Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma writing in simply Choctaw 

and they were counted as Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. Tribal leadership needs to 

let tribal citizens know how they should self-identify on the census. The Choctaw Nation of 

Oklahoma did this.

The Census Bureau has a Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) program, which 

collects information on housing units and addresses so mailings go to the correct 

addresses where people currently reside.

Tribal partnership specialists are a huge help in getting the word out about how to selfidentify. 

Martha Williams

Ms. Williams mentioned that her tribe recently changed its official name. She asked how to 

reflect that change in the code list and the data products resulting from the census. Does 

this update happen through how tribal citizens self-identify when completing the census? 

Roberto Ramirez

The Census Bureau will update the code list accordingly. Mr. Ramirez stated he would meet 

with Ms. Williams following his presentation and would contact her electronically. 

Martha Williams

Ms. Williams expressed a concern that, since they have been using the old name for years, 

people will forget to write in the new one.

Roberto Ramirez

This happens fairly often. For tribes or other racial or ethnic groups who previously 

identified with a different term, the Census Bureau has a crosswalk table. The table can be 

referenced to find what name a group previously used so that, if the old name is used in 

2020, the Census Bureau can tabulate it correctly, along with the new name.

G. Anne Richardson

The enrollment information is not needed by the Census Bureau. What happens when 

someone says they are enrolled in a tribe with which they are not actually enrolled. That 

could work against the tribe in the end. If that happens, it will stop people from enrolling in 

the Rappahannock Tribe. The tribes are responsible for capturing information about their 

enrolled citizens.
38 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

John H. Thompson 

The Census Bureau has heard those concerns expressed and takes them very seriously.

Prentis Parr

Is it correct that tribal leaders do not have to share enrollment numbers with the Census 

Bureau? That individuals report their enrollment status, and the information gathered has 

nothing to do with tribal rolls?

Roberto Ramirez

That’s correct, since the census is based on self-identification.

Gregory Richardson

It appears that asking about tribal enrollment status on the census would tread on tribal 

sovereignty. Tribes have the right to decide who enrolls.

Is it correct that there are some tribes who do not participate in the census? In North 

Carolina, some American Indians identify with one of the New York tribes that does not 

participate.

Roberto Ramirez

Yes, the Census Bureau is aware of a few that do not participate in the census. If an 

individual writes that in, that is how the Census Bureau will tabulate the response, even if 

the tribe, as a whole, does not participate. Mr. Ramirez noted that he wanted to add this to 

his talking points for the future.

Dee Alexander 

There are four or five tribes in New York who do not participate in the census, and one 

in Florida who has not participated in the last two censuses. The Census Bureau has 

communicated with these tribes and asked partnership staff to engage in one-on-one 

discussions with them. However, they have the right to not participate if they do not want 

to. 

Nancy Carnley

In the 2010 Census, a person was defined as being AIAN who had maintained tribal 

affiliation. Will that definition still be used?

Roberto Ramirez

Yes, since OMB uses that definition.
State-Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultation Final Report: Appendix • 39

Rico Newman

Using self-identification to tabulate people by ethnicity or race seems like a logistical 

nightmare. The Census Bureau should consider at least comparing the enrollment data they 

collect with tribal rolls to see if the census numbers match the actual numbers.

Dee Alexander 

Currently, the Census Bureau is working on a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with 

the tribes the Census Bureau is conducting research and analysis with related to tribal 

enrollment. If the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe shares their enrollment data, the Census 

Bureau will have access to the names of the enrolled citizens. The MOA is being developed 

to negotiate what the data can be used for and whether it should be destroyed after a 

certain amount of time. The Census Bureau never releases individual data.

Duane “Yellowfeather” Shepard, III

Mr. Yellowfeather inquired whether the Census Bureau is ever required to share any 

information like this under the Freedom of Information Act.

John H. Thompson

Title 13, under which the Census Bureau collects data, supersedes the Freedom of 

Information Act. The Census Bureau does not release confidential information to anyone, 

not even law enforcement entities.

Prentis Parr

If the tribal enrollment rolls are not shared, there is no way to know who is actually AIAN.

Tim Olson 

The census is based entirely on self-identification. The Census Bureau relies on tribal 

leaders to get the word out to their citizens to participate and about how to self-identify. 

Jo Ann Kauffman

It is important for tribal delegates to share their responses to these issues, either verbally or 

in writing.

Marian McCormick 

Ms. McCormick expressed that asking about tribal enrollment status is not appropriate.

This question could lead to tribes later facing the challenge of proving their own enrollment 

numbers if the numbers collected by the census are viewed as having greater weight.
40 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

Tony Press

Censuses and tribal rolls are used often when people apply to enroll in a tribe. Mr. Press 

indicated he sees little benefit and several potential problems in adding an enrollment 

question.

Brucie Ogletree Richardson

Brucie Ogletree Richardson reported hearing people who want to talk about tribal 

enrollment and who say, “I’ve been to the Bureau.” Things may become an overwhelming 

burden of proof for tribes if people can self-identify this way. This is partly because the

Census Bureau’s data and tribal rolls are confidential, so the two entities cannot easily 

compare numbers.

Brenda Moore

Anyone can identify themselves as belonging to a tribe on a piece of paper. Ms. Moore 

indicated she does not see value in asking about enrollment status. Eventually, HUD and 

other federal agencies or other entities will ask to see tribal rolls to verify that a person who 

self-identified as enrolled with a certain tribe is, in fact, an enrolled citizen. The only way 

to verify that is to look at tribal enrollment records, and that infringes on tribal sovereignty.

Numbers can be used to help you, but they can also be used against you. Ms. Moore 

stated she would not agree to share her tribe’s enrollment records.

John Norwood

Many of the tribal delegates at this consultation are members of NCAI. Since the largest 

political entity representing AIANs opposes the idea, Mr. Norwood recommended heeding 

NCAI’s advice. He suggested, as a way to meet the needs of tribes who requested the 

question, the Census Bureau could look at ways to work with the individual tribes on a 

government-to-government basis who made the request. Continuing to pursue the concept 

much further may cause some hostility toward the Census Bureau.

Some tribal elders from the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation were upset with the 

way they were treated by non-Native census workers. Given this situation, Mr. Norwood

expressed doubt in his tribe’s ability to convince its citizens that the tribal enrollment 

question is benign or will be used to benefit tribes.

On past censuses, the number of people who self-identify as Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape has 

exceeded the number reflected on the tribe’s rolls. Many of them are extended tribal family 

whom the tribe embraces and serves. Some tribes do the same, but others do not record 

these extended members as enrolled citizens. Does that happen with U.S. citizenship? How 

does the Census Bureau handle non-U.S. citizens identifying as citizens?

John H. Thompson

The Census Bureau does not ask about citizenship on the census, but does ask about it on 

the American Community Survey (ACS).
State-Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultation Final Report: Appendix • 41

Tribal Delegate

That should also apply to a question on tribal citizenship.

Dee Alexander 

The ACS is conducted every day and during every year. Field representatives who collect 

the data are instructed to notify tribes when they plan to visit the reservation, so Ms.

Alexander requested a conversation with Mr. Norwood later about the people who reported

being treated poorly.

Larry Townsend

It seems possible that some of the federally recognized tribes are becoming skeptical of the 

numbers because something like 76% of American Indians live off-reservation, and they are 

worried this might negatively affect the funding they receive.

Geography Discussion

Laura Waggoner

There is a strong connection between geography and demographic data. Good geography 

means good data. The Census Bureau obtains geographic data from tribes, through 

working with tribal liaisons and tribal leadership.

The Participant Statistical Areas Program (PSAP) is an opportunity to define and update 

statistical boundaries. At this time, the Census Bureau coordinates with state governments 

to work with the tribes they recognize to ensure correct boundaries are reflected in the 

Census Bureau’s information. Census designated places (CDPs) can be created for 

unincorporated communities to capture data within the correct geographical context. The 

Census Bureau still offers paper maps for those who lack electronic means to update the 

maps using the PSAP software.

Duane Everhart 

How does the Census Bureau ensure the states have actually met with tribes on statistical 

areas? The states may say they have done this, but what assurances does the Census 

Bureau have?

Laura Waggoner

The Census Bureau can work with the state on meeting with the tribe regarding statistical 

areas.
42 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

Duane Everhart

Many people do not understand state-recognized tribes as being distinct from other races.

They may say, “You don’t have that many Indians in that geographic area” because they 

do not count citizens of state-recognized tribes. Citizens of the MOWA Band of Choctaw 

Indians live in an area that spans several counties. If there is no understanding of the 

geographic area within which the tribe should be counted, how can the Census Bureau be 

sure the numbers are accurate?

Laura Waggoner

Geographic areas are independent of addresses. When person responds to the census, 

the Census Bureau geocodes their response to a specific point on the land. Whether other 

people think that person counts or not, that person has self-identified with the tribe and the 

Census Bureau has geocoded their address. If needed, the Census Bureau can reach out 

to the state to coordinate work between the state and the tribe, and the Census Bureau can 

be in the room to help delineate the boundary.

Brenda Moore

Will there be a consultation packet for the PSAP?

Laura Waggoner

The PSAP will happen in 2018 so the Census Bureau will send out an invitation as the 

time approaches. The Census Bureau can work out a time with any of the tribes to work 

together on completing the PSAP. If any tribes would like individual training on geography, 

the Census Bureau employs data dissemination specialists who can visit the community to 

assist with that.

Many state tribes do not have reservation land so they cannot get useful census data from 

a legal area. If a state does not observe a recognized legal definition of a tribe’s boundary, 

PSAP provides an opportunity to define a statistical area that allows the Census Bureau 

to capture the needed data. State-recognized tribes may have two options for types of 

statistical areas: State Designated Tribal Statistical Areas (SDTSAs) and CDPs.

SDTSAs offer an accurate picture of tribal communities that county-level data cannot 

achieve. An SDTSA is usually created for an area that contains a concentration of people 

who identify with a state-recognized American Indian tribe and in which there is structured 

or organized tribal activity.

There is no population minimum for CDPs. CDPs can only be in one state, so, if the area for 

which a tribe needs data crosses state boundaries, the tribe will need to create a separate 

CDP for each state.
State-Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultation Final Report: Appendix • 43

The Census Bureau is currently seeking input on the criteria for defining an SDTSA. Final 

criteria will be issued in 2017. Current criteria include that an SDTSA: 

u must be geographically located within the state in which the tribe is recognized; 

u may not overlap with other tribal geographic areas, including federal reservations, 

trust lands, state reservations, or other tribal statistical areas; and

u cannot include military installations.

The Census Bureau has additional guidelines for defining SDTSAs on which it would also 

like tribal input.

Ms. Waggoner posed several questions to the delegates.

u Has your tribe used data from geographic statistical areas, such as SDTSAs or 

CDPs?

u For which geographic areas (e.g., reservation, county) does your tribe use data the 

most?

u Does your tribe use other Census Bureau spatial data, like roads? 

u Are there geographic areas or other geographic data that the Census Bureau does 

not currently provide that would be helpful to your tribe?

Earl Evans

What might be helpful for the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe is designating a school district as a 

statistical area, since the tribe has a tribal school.

Laura Waggoner

The Census Bureau does work with the U.S. Department of Education on capturing this 

type of data. Ms. Waggoner requested to meet with Mr. Evans to discuss this further so she

can contact the state department of education to see how the school district is currently 

delineated.

Geneva LeBeouf

The entire population of a tribe located near the Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribe will soon be 

relocated because of flooding. The tribe’s population will be distributed over another area in 

the parish. Most of the tribal citizens have moved out of the community. Another tribe has

the area to which they are moving designated for its own counts.

Laura Waggoner

If this tribe is clustered in another location, Ms. Waggoner recommended that tribe 

delineate that area as a statistical area or count them at the county level if they are 

relatively dispersed across the parish.
44 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

John Norwood

The Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) Program, a small business grant 

program through HUD, defines the zones based on census geographic areas, especially for 

tribes. SDTSAs are usually counted as zones. How will the CDPs work with that program? 

Will designating CDPs allow tribes to expand their zones?

Laura Waggoner

This question will need to be clarified with HUD. For some HUD grant programs, CDPs 

are recognized, as long as the tribe can provide a census code for the geographic area.

Ms. Waggoner was unsure whether the HUBZone Program is one such program. She 

recommended reading the specific language of any HUD grant for which a tribe applies to 

learn which census geographies are eligible for that particular grant.

Gregory Richardson

In North Carolina, some of the tribes border other states. Sappony is located in North 

Carolina and Virginia, but is only recognized by North Carolina. Can the Census Bureau 

extrapolate numbers for the Virginia side that are tabulated for a tribe recognized only by 

North Carolina?

Laura Waggoner

The state has to recognize the tribe as existing within the state boundary to define an 

SDTSA. If Virginia did recognize Sappony, the Census Bureau would tabulate data for a 

separate SDTSA in each state and combine the two population counts. As long as the 

Sappony citizens living in Virginia respond to the census and self-identify as Sappony, they 

will be captured in census data. However, they would not be counted at the SDTSA level.

The data for those tribal citizens would only be available at the county or state level. Those 

people will still be counted, just not within a reservation or the North Carolina SDTSA.

Geographical boundaries only affect where that number gets reported, rather than whether 

it gets reported at all. People are counted for whichever tribe they identify with, regardless 

of where they are. Ms. Waggoner recommended delineating a CDP for the area in Virginia 

where Sappony citizens live. Ms. Waggoner suggested that, perhaps, the Census Bureau 

should discuss this issue with the state of Virginia.

Dorothy Crowe

Ms. Crowe clarified that each time a Sappony citizen self-identifies on the census form as 

American Indian and Sappony, they will be counted for each state where they are located.

How does the tribe get a cumulative count?

Roberto Ramirez

Anyone who self-identifies this way will be counted in the state where their address is. The 

tribe will also be counted aggregately at the national level, regardless of the states where 

people live. The data can also be broken down by how many tribal citizens are in each 

state.
State-Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultation Final Report: Appendix • 45

Bob Coates

There is a Sappony SDTSA in North Carolina, but there is not one in Virginia. If the tribe and 

the state of Virginia go through the process to define an SDTSA for the Sappony in Virginia, 

what is the tribal role for coordinating that those boundaries match up with the North 

Carolina SDTSA boundaries to form a contiguous area across state boundaries.

Laura Waggoner

The Census Bureau would have to work with both states to ensure the two statistical areas 

align. If they do not align, the Census Bureau, the tribe, and the two states would need to 

work together to delineate boundaries that align. As part of LUCA, the tribe would have the 

opportunity to make sure the information has been captured correctly.

Joshua Coutts

This is the first instance the Census Bureau has encountered in which a tribe crosses state 

boundaries, but is not recognized by both states. Mr. Coutts expressed interest in hearing 

how all involved governments would want the Census Bureau to address the situation.

Tribal Delegate

How does the Census Bureau handle geography for a federally recognized tribe that is split 

internationally, between the U.S. and Mexico or Canada?

Laura Waggoner

Federally recognized tribes crossing state boundaries are counted as one geography. The

Navajo Nation, for example, crosses 11 counties, but can be tabulated as one geography at 

the reservation level. Tribes can get counts at the national level, state level, county level, or 

SDTSA level, so no counts are being lost.

Dorothy Crowe

What can Sappony do about designating an SDTSA in Virginia?

Laura Waggoner

Ms. Waggoner will work to begin identifying contacts in Virginia with whom the tribe should 

coordinate. The Census Bureau can help kick off and coordinate negotiations between the 

tribe and state. Ms. Waggoner and Ms. Crowe agreed to exchange business cards after the 

meeting so they can discuss the topic further.

Earl Evans

When a tribe is located across two states, it is not a matter of one space in one location 

and another space miles away—it is a contiguous space through which a line happens to 

be drawn. If federally recognized tribes are being counted contiguously regardless of state 

or county lines, the same should be done for state-recognized tribes.
46 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

Laura Waggoner

Federally recognized reservations are treated this way. Ms. Waggoner needs to determine

whether federally recognized tribes work this way and confirm this with Mr. Evans.

John H. Thompson 

The Census Bureau can work with the tribe to give them the data they need. It may be 

through a special tabulation or a CDP.

Earl Evans

If there is an instance of a federally recognized tribe that does not have reservation lands, 

but is simply a statistical boundary, perhaps like tribes in Oklahoma or any federally 

recognized tribes that cross state lines, then state-recognized tribes should be treated the 

same way as these tribes.

John Norwood

In looking at the code list, the race question has come up again. The column indicates it is 

counting those who identify as AIAN alone? If someone is biracial, if they check two boxes 

for race, does it ignore them? 

Hyon Shin

If a person reports multiple races, the Census Bureau collects all responses. The Census 

Bureau tabulates data for those who report being AIAN only, and tabulates data for those 

who self-identify as being AIAN alone or in combination with other races.

Enumeration Discussion

Maryann Chapin

The Census Bureau is committed to conducting a cost effective census in 2020. Any steps 

to increase self-response are important to meeting this goal.

Each type of enumeration faces particular challenges. In 2010, issues with mail delivery 

or individuals choosing not to complete the census were challenges for mailing paper 

questionnaires. For in-person enumeration, the Census Bureau faced challenges related 

to geography, including travel, access issues, remote locations of houses, lack of street 

names or house numbers, and inclement weather. Enumerators also encountered language

barriers. An overarching issue across all enumeration approaches is that not everyone is 

familiar with the census and aware of its importance, and people are not always willing to 

participate. In 2010, the Census Bureau saw an undercount for American Indians living on 

reservations.
State-Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultation Final Report: Appendix • 47

For the 2020 Census, people will be able to respond online without their PIN so they can 

complete the census anywhere at any time. Households without computer or internet 

access can call in or mail back the paper questionnaire. In-person enumeration will be 

targeted to places where self-response is less feasible.

In 2017, the Census Bureau will test self-response with 34 housing units on the Colville 

Reservation and 2,800 units on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. Test objectives 

include examining the feasibility of collecting tribal enrollment status information.

Ms. Chapin posed four questions to tribal delegates.

u How can we ensure every person in a household is counted, especially if there is 

more than one family or multiple generations of the same family living in the home?

u In 2020 the Census Bureau plans for self-response via the Internet to be the primary 

response option. Is connectivity an issue in your area?

u Would your tribal citizens be willing to complete the census over the phone?

u Could you share with the Census Bureau your preferred enumeration approach for 

the 2020 Census?

Nancy Carnley

In 2010, people not originally from the Ma-Chis Lower Creek area were hired as 

enumerators and they told citizens of the Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe of Alabama 

they could not identify as AIAN since the tribe is not federally recognized. Ms. Carnley 

reported this issue to the Census Bureau, but nothing was done. In hiring locally, the 

Census Bureau must hire at the grassroots level. Simply hiring people who currently live in 

the area does not mean they will be right for the job.

Dee Alexander 

The Census Bureau will ask tribes to appoint a tribal government liaison to work with 

Census Bureau staff. The Census Bureau will need guidance in recruiting and hiring locally, 

and the liaison can help with that.

Tim Olson 

Mr. Olson offered apologies for the experience Ms. Carnley described. He expressed that 

he would like the Census Bureau Atlanta Region to work directly with her tribe to ensure 

that tribal enumerators are hired so the problem does not reoccur.

George Grandy, Jr.

The Atlanta Regional Office has contact information for all attendees and will reach out to 

them since the tribal delegates will be critical in helping recruit local enumerators.
48 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

Brenda Moore

Ms. Moore commended the enumerators who enumerated the Waccamaw Siouan 

Tribe during the 2010 Census because they partnered closely with the tribal office. The 

enumerators often contacted the tribal office to inquire about whether a certain residence 

was vacant. The hiring of local, tribal enumerators probably helped, but non-tribal 

enumerators also collaborated with the tribal office.

Geneva LeBeouf

The in-person enumerators worked well for the Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribe. The tribe 

needs one translator who speaks French, due to the community’s French roots.

Duane Everhart

On the paper form, there is insufficient space to write in a tribe name. Because they didn’t 

have enough letter blocks to spell out MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians, enumerators 

simply wrote in Choctaw.

Tim Olson

Enumerators who conduct in-person enumeration will use smartphones, rather than paper 

questionnaires, to write in the responses, so the expanded 200-character limit will apply to 

in-person enumeration.

Roberto Ramirez

There are currently some space limitations on the paper form. The Census Bureau is 

exploring the possibility of collecting multiple write-ins through other data collection 

modes.

Maryann Chapin

Eighty percent of the nation will be invited to participate online. Households that do not 

respond will be contacted via mail. In the fourth mailing for non-response follow-up, the 

paper questionnaire will be mailed.

Duane Everhart

Some sort of code for each specific tribe could help ensure the correct response. If a tribal 

citizen types the code in and the specific tribe name automatically populates and prompts 

the user to indicate if this is the tribe with which he or she identifies, that leaves less room 

for non-specific responses being tabulated to the wrong place (e.g., MOWA Choctaw 

citizens being tabulated as Choctaw of Oklahoma or Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians). 
State-Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultation Final Report: Appendix • 49

Roberto Ramirez

The concern with that is, if there were a drop-down menu, there would be thousands of 

options for the respondent to choose from. If each possible response was assigned a code, 

there would be thousands of codes.

Nancy Carnley

Perhaps the user could begin by selecting the state and then choose from a drop-down 

menu listing the tribes in the selected state.

Tanya Norwood

Elders of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation hold regular meetings, so the tribe had 

the idea to project the electronic questionnaire onto a wall at one such meeting, and census 

enumerators could review the questions with them. Is that a possibility? 

Albert Fontenot

Mr. Grandy was talking with Mr. Fontenot about how to assist groups in completing the

census and ensure Atlanta Region field staff are conducting in-person enumeration in a 

way that works for the tribes. The Atlanta Region is looking at implementing something 

like this as an in-person enumeration approach. Sydnee Chattin will later discuss how the 

partnership program can help with this type of enumeration.

Stan Long

How long would it take to respond over the phone?

Maryann Chapin

In 2010, it took about 10 minutes to answer 10 questions, but it depends somewhat on the 

size of the household.

2020 Communications Discussion

Kendall Johnson

Counting everyone in a country as large and diverse as the United States is a significant 

challenge. To minimize barriers and maximize participation, the Census Bureau will conduct 

a communications campaign and partnership program.
50 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

Review of the 2010 Communications Campaign

In the fall of 2008, we conducted the Census Barriers, Attitudes, and Motivators Survey, 

which examined audience awareness of and favorability toward the census and told us how 

people consume media.

Also in 2008, the Census Bureau conducted audience segmentation, which is the process 

of dividing a large target audience into more similar groupings, which allows us to tailor 

advertising.

From the 2010 Census, the Census Bureau learned that the most effective messages 

empowered tribal audiences, encouraged a sense of census ownership, and promoted 

confidentiality. “It’s easy, it’s effective, and it’s safe” was a successful message. “We can’t

move forward until you mail it back” did not perform as well, so it was changed to have a 

more positive focus: “We move forward when you participate.”

Communication strategies leading up to the 2010 Census included:

u hiring an American Indian-owned advertising firm;

u posting downloadable, customizable materials on the Census Bureau website; 

u advertising on billboards in visible places; and

u advertising in publications, on websites, and through radio and television programs 

that are popular among Natives.

The Statistics in Schools program, which was originally called Census in Schools when it 

launched in 2000, was so successful that the Census Bureau decided to make it an ongoing 

program. Statistics in Schools provides statistical literacy education and outreach to 

students in kindergarten, middle school, and high school, including those in tribal schools, 

home schools, and the Head Start program. Statistics in Schools offers grade-appropriate 

lessons in math and history that complement existing lesson plans. The program also 

encourages kids to tell their parents about the importance of the census, since children are 

powerful motivators of their parents. 

2020 Communications Campaign

The Census Bureau will use media relations, earned media, and social media as part of the 

integrated communications plan. Social media is evolving rapidly. For 2020 Census, it will 

play a more predominant role in the campaign than it did for the 2010 Census. The 2020 

Census provides opportunities to innovate. Messages will be culturally relevant and will run 

in media outlets most watched, listened to, and read by AIANs. The Census Bureau will run 

ads on websites most often visited by AIANs. Clicking on these ads will take users directly 

to the online census form. If the ads do not receive enough clicks, they can be switched out 

for new ads. The Census Bureau will again provide downloadable, customizable materials 

for tribal use.
State-Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultation Final Report: Appendix • 51

Ms. Johnson posed three questions to the delegates.

u What is the best way to reach your tribal citizens who live on and off the 

reservation? 

u What types of messages work best? Is it best to emphasize the role the census 

plays in securing federal funding for AIAN programs?

u How big of an influence is social media in your community?

Many tribal leaders affirmed that social media has a significant influence within their 

communities.

Duane “Yellowfeather” Shepard, III

The younger generations of AIANs are growing more diverse. The Census Bureau may need 

to reach out to them with additional images, beyond the traditional images, to let them 

know they are acknowledged.

Tony Press

Younger tribal citizens are a possible resource in assisting tribal elders with the census 

since they are frequently on the Internet and on social media. There needs to be targeted 

outreach efforts to adults in their 20s. If the Census Bureau made completing the census 

into a social media contest, younger adults would contribute more responses than ever.

Charles Scott

Just put the Census Bureau logo on one of those Pokémon characters.

Duane “Yellowfeather” Shepard, III

Facebook would be effective for outreach to tribes. Many tribes have tribal pages on 

Facebook. Many Facebook pages are tribal in nature, and elders are involved with some of 

those pages. There are more elders on social media than people often realize; elders often 

disseminate genealogical information, which is frequently done online.

Martha Williams

The Southeastern Mvskoke Nation of Alabama produces a monthly newsletter and tries to 

disseminate it via email, but there is a long list of tribal citizens who lack Internet access, 

computers, and smartphones. To get carriers to provide service in the tribe’s area is so 

expensive that the tribe cannot afford it. Advertising to the Southeastern Mvskoke Nation of 

Alabama people through traditional media, such as magazines, would be more effective. 

Jeannie Shiffer

Are local radio stations a good way to conduct outreach?
52 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

Martha Williams

That would work, too.

Tanya Norwood

Northeast Tribes are often forgotten, so letting tribal people in this area know that they 

count is an important message. The Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation distributed 

t-shirts leading up to the 2010 Census. On the front they said, “I’m Nanticoke LenniLenape,” and on the back they said, “and we count.” This was a powerful way to 

communicate the message to tribal citizens.

Susan Hayes-Hatcher

In 2009, a Census Bureau representative attended the Waccamaw Indians powwow and set 

up a booth. This outreach was effective in getting the word out to the community. If anyone

has powwows the year before the census, Ms. Hayes-Hatcher recommended sharing 

information about the census that way.

Tony Press

The Cherokee of Georgia see more of its tribal citizens at the powwows than at any other 

time of the year. The Census Bureau could reach a lot of people by providing materials for 

tribal representatives to set out at the powwows.

Tribal Delegate

A tribal delegate recalled hearing from several delegates that their tribes lack Internet 

access, but, perhaps, satellite is an option. Tribal citizens may also be able to visit a 

nearby library to access computer services.

Elk Richardson 

A lot of the tribes in North Carolina have, and have historically had, identity crises, and 

youth among these tribes have identity crises. Mr. Richardson encouraged the Census 

Bureau and tribal delegates to use AIAN forums to do outreach about the census to tribal 

communities. Seeking tribal forums, such as powwows, tribal churches, and Boys and 

Girls Clubs located in tribal communities, would help promote culture, rather than further 

encouraging the loss of culture.

Duane “Yellowfeather” Shepard, III

It is still unclear to many people how important census data are to all people in the 

United States and, especially, to tribal nations. This message needs to reach tribal youth.

Emphasizing how the data support things important to youth, like financial aid for higher 

education, could be an effective strategy for reaching this demographic.
State-Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultation Final Report: Appendix • 53

Partnership Discussion

Sydnee Chattin

The AIAN Partnership Program includes three facets: 

u the Tribal Governments Liaison Program, 

u Tribal Complete Count Committees (TCCCs), and 

u partnering with AIAN organizations.

Tribal Governments Liaison Program

The Census Bureau asks tribal leaders to designate contacts who can work with the 

Census Bureau. Many tribes continued to employ the tribal liaison position because it was 

so successful in conducting the 2010 Census. Because the tribal liaison is a trusted voice, 

he or she helps the Census Bureau more effectively get the word out about the census, 

for example at powwows, like Mr. Press mentioned. The tribal liaisons can also encourage 

tribal citizens to apply for Census Bureau jobs.

Tribal Complete Count Committees

TCCCs have been very successful since their development in 2000. TCCCs are volunteer 

committees established by the tribal government. Tribal leadership can designate 

those who would best represent the tribe to develop outreach efforts. A Census Bureau 

tribal partnership specialist would be available to answer questions. An example of 

communications developed by a TCCC is a video created by the Red Lake Band of 

Chippewa Indians that played on a loop in a local clinic’s waiting room. You know what’s 

best for your communities, so the TCCC helps make that a reality. The Census Bureau will

reach out to tribes about TCCCs in 2017.

Partnership with AIAN Organizations

Tribal delegates suggested the following potential partners during the tribal consultations 

leading up to the 2010 Census:

u senior centers,

u community centers,

u museums,

u enrollment offices,

u ICWA staff,

u schools,

u casinos,

u Indian Health Service, and

u The Bureau of Indian Affairs.
54 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

Attendee packets include a copy of a newsletter from the Denver regional office. Tribes 

often take information like this that the Census Bureau sends them and posts it on their 

own websites or social media pages. In 2010, an entire newsletter issue was published 

on how to complete the census form. That newsletter issue could be used to start a 

conversation in which a tribe explains to tribal citizens how they should complete the form 

and how they should indicate their tribal affiliation.

How can Census Bureau staff who are devoted to working with tribal governments most 

effectively improve participation in the 2020 Census?

Nancy Carnley

In rural areas, traveling around to fulfill tribal liaison or TCCC tasks can be expensive. These 

should be paid positions.

Larry Townsend

The best ways to encourage participation are understanding tribal culture and building trust 

so those living in rural areas are not afraid to open their doors for enumerators.

John Norwood

What the Census Bureau is currently doing—consulting with tribes—makes a lot of 

difference. When it comes to tribal consultation, state-recognized tribes or non-recognized 

tribes are often pushed to the back of the room or not invited. Mr. Norwood commended

the Census Bureau for observing the rights of all Indigenous groups, not just those who 

are federally recognized. Because the Census Bureau took its responsibility to consult with 

tribes seriously, Mr. Norwood indicated the information would be taken seriously when he

brings it to his community.

Ms. Chattin posed two additional questions to tribal delegates.

u How does the Census Bureau build trust with tribal governments?

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

Census within your reservation or area?

Gregory Richardson 

To build trust, the Census Bureau should continue what it is doing—being at the table.

The Census Bureau should visit the tribal communities to discuss census issues. Mr.

Richardson expressed his gratitude to Director Thompson for engaging in the tribal 

consultation process.
State-Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultation Final Report: Appendix • 55

John H. Thompson 

Director Thompson made his closing comment at this time. He thanked the tribal delegates 

for their time and energy. The fact that all delegates were still at the table after a long day

shows how serious they are about the census, and the Census Bureau is also serious 

about listening to tribal input. This consultation is not the end of conversations between the 

Census Bureau and the tribal delegates—it is the beginning. The Census Bureau would like 

to keep the dialogue going.

Job Recruitment Discussion

Sydnee Chattin

Many tribal leaders have worked for the Census Bureau to help ensure an accurate count.

To see what types of positions the Census Bureau offers and to apply, people can visit 

the Census Bureau website. Candidates must pass an employment assessment to be 

considered. The Census Bureau will pay for training once a person is hired. Some of the 

trainings will help those hired develop new skills and enhance their resumes. The Census 

Bureau conducts training through e-learning, hands-on training, and performance support.

Many different types of positions will become available as the 2020 Census approaches.

Enumerators will be hired in the highest numbers. Enumerators are based from their homes 

and they work directly in their communities.

If the enumerators need to drive to access their work assignments, they need to have valid 

driver’s licenses and ensure they can get to their work assignments.

Tribal governments that would like to assist the Census Bureau with recruiting efforts can 

do so through community organizations. Communities without Internet services should 

inform the Census Bureau about whether there is a library in a nearby town or somewhere 

else people can go to apply online. Please think about what the Census Bureau can do 

to make it easier for people to apply online. Tribes can also help by providing space for 

training and by providing a point of contact to form a bridge of communication between the 

Census Bureau and the tribe. Typically, the contact is the tribal liaison. The Census Bureau 

will keep the tribal contact aware of current events and upcoming activities. Working for 

the Census Bureau is a great opportunity to give back to the community by ensuring the 

community achieves a complete count.

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

affect recruiting?
56 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

Tony Press

The Cherokee of Georgia have many unemployed young adults due to the recent economic 

downturn. In the application process, how much weight does the Census Bureau give 

to the age of the applicant? This seems like a good opportunity for younger adults to be 

employed for a while and learn skills that will help them compete in the job market. One 

of our biggest problems of many tribes who attended this consultation is unemployment 

among younger adults.

Sydnee Chattin 

Applicants must be 18 and above. If an applicant is not yet 18, he or she will be 

automatically added to the pool of applicants upon turning 18. Younger adults could 

have the benefit of knowing how to use the handheld and automated devices used by the 

enumeration.

Furnie Lambert, Jr.

What are the wages and the timeline?

Sydnee Chattin 

Employment could range from temporary employment at Census Bureau headquarters, 

lasting up to four years, or could be as short as a week or a few days. Wages vary according 

to the type of job and where the position is located. The Census Bureau follows a rigid 

process to determine wages. That information will be available within the next year and a 

half.

Tony Press 

What is the ballpark wage for an enumerator?

Tim Olson

It varies by area, but can be thought of as somewhat equivalent to McDonalds wages. The 

wages are intended to be competitive, though benefits are not provided. The usual length 

of employment is three to six weeks. Ninety-five percent of the jobs for the 2020 Census 

will be at the enumeration level when the Census Bureau follows up with households that 

have not responded. There is no age preference. Veteran preference does apply.

Tony Press

What does the background check for employment look like? Some of the Cherokee of 

Georgia’s younger tribal citizens have gotten into trouble in the past, but are still good 

candidates.
State-Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultation Final Report: Appendix • 57

Tim Olson 

It’s a name check to see if the applicant is on an FBI list. Things that would disqualify an 

applicant include a felony and certain misdemeanors that could indicate the person may be 

perceived as a threat when knocking on doors. The background check is done to ensure 

the safety of the people being enumerated and the community’s trust.

Gregory Richardson

A lot of Census Bureau hiring could be achieved through the network in place with the 

Department of Labor workforce program or by partnering with national youth councils. 

Duane “Yellowfeather” Shepard, III

Many young people work through ride sharing apps. The apps run advertisements, so 

the Census Bureau could run a recruitment ad there. Lots of youth seek part-time job 

opportunities that involve driving around, and this seems like a good way to reach that 

specific audience.

Rico Newman

Where should people go online to apply? 

Sydnee Chattin 

Go to the Census Bureau website and pull up the Regional Offices page. Select a state to 

see open positions within that state. Open Census jobs will increase as 2020 approaches.

Tim Olson 

The first big field operation will occur in the fall of 2019. Advertising and social media 

pushes regarding enumerator jobs will increase leading up to this.

Rico Newman

To what extent will tribal offices affect Census Bureau decisions on who gets hired? It 

would be difficult to choose a culturally competent candidate who is right for the position 

without an understanding of the community customs.

Tim Olson 

The Census Bureau adheres to high standards in terms of non-discrimination. Within 

the regulations the Census Bureau follows, there is no allowance for a referral system or 

anything that could be considered hand-picking by another party. Filling the applicant pool

at the smallest possible geographic level is important to helping ensure the selection of 

appropriate candidates.
58 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

CLOSING REMARKS

Wrap-Up, Overview, Clarification, and Next Steps

Dee Alexander

Tribal delegates should email any questions or concerns to Ms. Alexander. The Census 

Bureau Office of Intergovernmental and Congressional Affairs and regional offices will 

continue the dialogue with the tribal delegates. More consultations will be sought at the 

regional level.

Tribal delegates around the table thanked the Census Bureau. Additional comments made 

at this time are indicated below.

Martha Williams

Trust has been a recurring theme in this consultation. Trust and respect of tribal people 

must be earned.

Stan Long

Mr. Long expressed feeling encouraged to work hard, promote the census, and rally his 

leadership and tribal council to do the same.

Duane “Yellowfeather” Shepard, III

This consultation went a long way toward building trust between the Census Bureau and 

tribes.

Randy Crummie

Mr. Crummie expressed that achieving an accurate count of Santee Indians is not possible,

because some tribal citizens will refuse to respond. A more accurate count could be 

achieved by asking the tribal leadership for numbers, because full numbers will not be 

achieved through enumeration.

Larry Townsend

Mr. Townsend expressed his appreciation that the census will not include the term Native 

American, as he feels it is inaccurate.

Charles Scott

Isolation has characterized tribal existence for years. The census is a chance for tribes to 

proudly take their places.

Gregory Richardson

Failing to achieve an accurate count means some programs will be cut. Engaging youth is 

important.
State-Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultation Final Report: Appendix • 59

Closing Prayer

John Norwood

ACTION ITEMS

u The Census Bureau will review tribal responses and questions from the consultation.

Ms. Alexander will send meeting notes and the PowerPoint presentations to 

attendees two weeks after the meeting.

u The Census Bureau requested tribal feedback on the code list. The Census Bureau 

will contact attendees to collect further feedback on code and classification 

preferences.

u Mr. Ramirez will follow up with Mr. Yellowfeather regarding why the term Algonquin 

is not listed under Wampanoag in the code list.

u The Census Bureau will update the code list to reflect the name change of the 

Southeastern Mvskoke Nation of Alabama. Mr. Ramirez will follow up with Ms.

Williams about the change.

u The Atlanta Regional Office will reach out to attendees who fall within that region 

regarding tribal assistance in recruiting local enumerators.

u Ms. Waggoner requested to discuss with Mr. Evans the designation of a school 

district as a statistical area. Depending on the outcome of this conversation, she 

may also work with the state department of education to learn more.

u Ms. Waggoner will work to identify contacts in Virginia with whom the Sappony 

should coordinate in designating an SDTSA for the tribe.

u Ms. Waggoner will confirm whether federally recognized tribes with SDTSAs 

crossing state or county boundaries are recognized as a contiguous area and follow 

up with Mr. Evans.


TM

Prepared for the U.S. Census Bureau by:

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