2020 Census Tribal Consultations 

with Federally Recognized Tribes

FINAL REPORT

Issued Summer 2017

TM
Acknowledgements

Our gratitude is extended to the tribal delegates and other tribal participants who attended 

the 2020 Census tribal consultation meetings and whose input is contained in this report. 

We also appreciate the support and advice of members of the Census Bureau’s National 

Advisory Committee and the tribes and intertribal organizations that assisted with 

coordinating and promoting attendance at the tribal consultations.

Census Bureau executive leadership who participated in the consultations included: John 

H. Thompson, Former U.S. Census Bureau Director; Nancy Potok, U.S. Census Bureau 

Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer; Lisa Blumerman, Associate Director for 

Decennial Census Programs; Tim Olson, Associate Director for Field Operations; and 

Jeannie Shiffer, Associate Director for Communications.

The following Census Bureau staff delivered short presentations at the meetings: Deirdre 

Bishop, Maryann Chapin, Jessica Graber, Bryn Johnson, Alexa Jones-Puthoff, and Evan 

Moffett, Decennial Census Management Division; Dee Alexander, Office of Congressional 

and Intergovernmental Affairs; Mary Bucci, Decennial Communications Coordination Office; 

Shirin Ahmed, Decennial Statistical Studies Division; Sydnee Chattin, Decennial Programs 

Field Division; Vince Osier, Laura Waggoner, and Wendy Hawley, Geography Division; 

Nicholas Jones, Hyon B. Shin, and Roberto Ramirez, Population Division; and Kendall 

Johnson, Customer Liaison and Marketing Services Office.

Three of the tribal consultations included half-day informational sessions where these 

Census Bureau staff delivered presentations: Denise Flanagan-Doyle and Epaphrodite 

Uwimana, Data Acquisition Division; Mark Asiala, Maya Fox, Justin Keller, David Raglin, 

Victoria Velkoff, and Tyson Weister, American Community Survey Office; and Naomi 

Blackman, Elizabeth Goldberg, Andrew Hait, Economy-Wide Statistics Division.

The following regional office directors participated in the tribal consultation meetings: 

Fernando Armstrong, Philadelphia Region; Jeff Behler, New York Region; Jamey Christy, 

Los Angeles Region; Albert Fontenot, Chicago Region; George Grandy, Jr., Atlanta Region; 

and Cathy Lacy, Denver Region. 

Los Angeles Regional Director Jamey Christy moderated the tribal consultation in San 

Diego, CA, and New York Regional Director Jeff Behler moderated the tribal consultation in 

Uncasville, CT. Tim Olson, Associate Director for Field Operations, facilitated the remainder 

of the consultations with federally recognized tribes.

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

had primary responsibility for the tribal consultation meetings and the final report. Special 

thanks to Office of Congressional and 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., an American Indian-owned firm, was contracted to provide 

logistical support for the 2020 Census tribal consultations and develop the final reports.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

Tribal Consultation Topics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Overarching Themes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

The 2020 Census Tribal Consultation Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Consultation Logistics and Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Census Bureau Headquarters Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Partnerships with Tribes and Intertribal Organizations. . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Contractor Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Dates and Locations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Background Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Meeting Agenda and Structure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Consultation Participants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Tribal Participants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Census Bureau Executive Leadership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Census Bureau Regional Office Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Final Report Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Tribal Consultation Themes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Population Statistics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Geography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

2020 Enumeration and Internet Self-Response. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

2020 Communications Campaign. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

AIAN Partnership Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Recruiting for Census Jobs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Overarching Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Affirming Tribal Sovereignty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Addressing Data Discrepancies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Census Bureau Communication to Field Staff and Tribal Census Staff. 34

American Community Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Notifying Tribes about ACS Activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Promoting Accurate ACS Data for Tribal Lands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Raising Awareness About the ACS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Follow-Up Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Morton, MN, Consultation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Anchorage, AK, Consultation (Round 1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

San Diego, CA, Consultation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Choctaw, MS, Consultation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Albuquerque, NM, Consultation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Uncasville, CT, Consultation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Fort Yates, ND, Consultation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Washington, DC, Consultation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Anchorage, AK, Consultation (Round 2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Miami, FL, Consultation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Fort Hall, ID, Consultation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Pala, CA, Consultation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Chandler, AZ, Consultation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Meeting Notes and Written Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
TM

Final Report
1 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

Executive Summary

To design a 2020 Census that will capture a complete, accurate count of American Indians 

and Alaska Natives (AIANs), the Census Bureau gathered input from federally recognized 

tribes. As part of an ongoing, government-to-government relationship with tribal nations, 

the Census Bureau held 13 tribal consultations with federally recognized tribes and Alaska 

Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) regional and village corporations from October 2015 

to November 2016. These tribal consultation meetings sought to: 

u encourage open communication between the Census Bureau and tribal nations;

u gather tribal input on effectively implementing programmatic and operational 

activities;

u record and address outcomes and recommendations, including the publication of a 

final report in 2017; and

u provide information on and answer questions about Census Bureau programs and 

the 2020 Census.

The term tribal delegate is used throughout this report to refer to tribal leaders or their 

designees and the official representatives of tribes and intertribal alliances who attended 

the tribal consultations.

TRIBAL CONSULTATION TOPICS

The meeting agenda was structured around the six tribal consultation topics covered in the 

2020 Census Tribal Consultation Handbook. For each topic discussed, the Census Bureau 

received valuable insight that will aid in designing and executing the 2020 Census to 

capture a complete count of AIANs. The primary recommendations that surfaced across the 

tribal consultations are highlighted below.

Population Statistics

Related to capturing accurate population statistics through the 2020 Census, tribal 

delegates provided the following recommendations. 

u Encourage AIAN people to provide detailed responses about race and tribal 

identities, and construct the question on race with simple wording and inclusive 

examples. 

u Leverage the role of tribal leaders as the trusted voices in their communities. 

Support tribal efforts to inform their own citizens about the importance of the 

census and how to respond to the race question to ensure they are counted 

correctly.
Federally Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultations Final Report • 2

u Refrain from inquiring about the enrollment status of AIAN respondents on the 

census form. Instead, work with the specific tribal leaders who have requested their 

enrollment data be gathered through the census and collect data for those tribes 

individually.

u Update the code list used to classify responses provided in the write-in area of the 

race question. Include the various ways in which tribal members may report their 

tribe names. Examples include listing the name in tribes’ Native languages and 

including unique racial identifiers used by Alaska Natives.

Geography

Tribal delegates offered the following suggestions for mapping tribal geography.

u Work with tribes individually to map additional geographies as needed, such as 

chapters or districts.

u Reassess Alaska Native Village Statistical Area boundaries in partnership with 

villages, regional tribes, regional corporations, and regional housing authorities. 

Consider redefining these areas using uniform criteria.

Enumeration

Tribal delegates recommended the following approaches for successfully enumerating 

AIANs on tribal lands.

u Collaborate with tribal governments to determine the best ways to reach and count 

tribal citizens.

u Hire tribal enumerators who have local expertise. Enumerators should be familiar 

with their community’s people and geographic layout and fluent in the tribe’s Native 

language.

u Work with individual tribes to determine how they would like their citizens to be 

counted. Many tribes expressed a preference for in-person enumeration, but ideal 

enumeration approaches vary from tribe to tribe. 

u Design the online census form to function despite connectivity challenges, such as 

slow or spotty Internet. Ensure other enumeration options are widely available for 

communities or individual households without connectivity.

2020 Communications Campaign

Tribal delegates suggested the following outreach strategies.

u Partner with tribes to place messaging in tribal media channels, such as tribal 

websites, radio stations, and newspapers.

u Empower tribal governments to conduct outreach to their own citizens by providing 

them with customizable materials and sufficient information.
3 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

u Incorporate a social media campaign into outreach, while retaining effective 

traditional media approaches.

u Create culturally appropriate messaging tailored to the local level that emphasizes 

confidentiality, cultural continuity, and the role the census plays in securing funding 

for community programs.

2020 AIAN Partnership Program

To strengthen partnerships between the Census Bureau and tribal nations, tribal delegates 

recommended the following.

u Continue to engage with tribes through face-to-face consultation. 

u Partner with tribal governments and a variety of tribal and intertribal organizations to 

build trust among AIANs. 

u Promote and continually improve the Tribal Governments Liaison Program, through 

which tribal leaders establish points of contact between their tribes and the Census 

Bureau.

Recruiting for Census Jobs

Tribal delegates offered the following advice related to recruitment for Census jobs.

u Partner with tribal departments and local organizations to recruit tribal citizens for 

Census jobs.

OVERARCHING THEMES

Through discussion about the tribal consultation topics, three overarching issues arose. 

These themes and their related recommendations are outlined below.

Affirming Tribal Sovereignty

Tribal delegates provided the following guidance for honoring tribal sovereignty in preparing 

for and conducting the 2020 Census.

u Recognize that tribal leaders are experts on how to reach their own communities. 

Engage them as active partners in census outreach and activities.

u Continue the tribal consultation process by consulting with tribes individually 

to gather tribal input and incorporate it into the Census Bureau’s decisions and 

approaches.
Federally Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultations Final Report • 4

Addressing Data Discrepancies

To enhance the completeness and accuracy of census data for AIANs in the 2020 Census, 

tribal delegates recommended the following.

u Educate data users about how to tabulate AIAN data to avoid skewed or inaccurate 

tabulations.

u Partner with tribes to engage tribal citizens in the census and ensure everyone is 

counted correctly.

Census Bureau Communication to Field Staff

Tribal delegates offered the following suggestions related to collaboration between tribes 

and Census Bureau field staff.

u Provide clear guidance and training to Census Bureau field offices about working 

effectively with tribes.

u Communicate specific tribal preferences and challenges to field staff.

This report will be shared with Census Bureau field staff in preparation for the 2020 census.
5 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU

The 2020 Census Tribal Consultation 

Process

In the context of the government-to-government relationship between the federal 

government and tribal nations, tribal consultation emphasizes meaningful dialogue around 

upcoming decisions, policies, or actions that may impact federally recognized tribes. To 

ensure an effective 2020 Census, tribal input must be built into the design of the census 

and must shape the way the census is conducted on tribal lands. 

The Census Bureau recognizes the importance of engaging with tribal nations to achieve 

accurate counts of tribal citizens, which help ensure adequate funding, fair representation, 

and useful data products for tribal communities. To gather input from federally recognized 

tribes and Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) regional and village corporations 

in guiding the 2020 Census design, the Census Bureau conducted a series of tribal 

consultations from October 2015 to November 2016. Tribal consultation regarding the 

upcoming 2020 Census helped to:

u involve tribes in decision-making,

u provide tribal governments with an open forum for raising issues or concerns,

u enhance communication between the Census Bureau and tribal leaders,

u strengthen partnerships between the Census Bureau and tribes, and

u identify action items and issues that need further exploration or input.

Under its Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs, the Census Bureau began

consulting with leaders of tribal nations five years in advance of the 2020 Census through

two rounds of tribal consultations. Consultations were guided by the Census Bureau tribal

consultation policy and the overarching Department of Commerce tribal consultation

policy. The initial installment of tribal consultations included eight meetings and a national

webinar. The Census Bureau held a second round of tribal consultations, which included

five tribal consultations with federally recognized tribes and ANCSA regional corporations.

The Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs is part of an inter-agency team 

that coordinates requests and data resources available to tribal communities. 

Since 2010, the Census Bureau’s data dissemination staff have continued outreach and 

census data trainings in between decennial censuses to tribal nations, tribal citizens and 

tribal organizations. The 2020 AIAN Partnership Program emphasizes outreach to AIANs 

who live on tribal lands—a historically undercounted population—to promote a complete, 

accurate count of tribal populations in the 2020 Census. The 2020 AIAN Partnership 

Program leads the Census Bureau’s tribal consultation process and works to raise 

awareness of the purpose and importance of the census among tribal audiences. 
Federally Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultations Final Report • 6

Consultation Logistics and Preparation

The 2020 Census tribal consultations were coordinated by the Census Bureau with 

assistance from Kauffman & Associates, Inc., the supporting contractor, and numerous 

tribal and intertribal partners.

CENSUS BUREAU HEADQUARTERS SUPPORT

In July 2015, the Census Bureau initiated the tribal consultation process by sending a letter 

from Former Census Bureau Director John H. Thompson to the leadership of all federally 

recognized tribes. The letter notified them of the tribal consultations and invited them to 

attend. Census Bureau staff continued to actively engage with tribal leaders throughout the 

consultation process, with Census Bureau executive leadership represented at 12 of the 13 

tribal consultations. 

PARTNERSHIPS WITH TRIBES AND INTERTRIBAL ORGANIZATIONS

To maximize tribal participation in the consultations, the Census Bureau partnered with 

tribes, intertribal alliances, and AIAN organizations in planning and promoting each tribal 

consultation. 

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 

consultations. 

KAI assisted the Census Bureau in connecting with tribal and intertribal partners, sent 

electronic invitation letters to tribal leaders, arranged travel for tribal attendees, and 

developed the meeting agenda. Onsite, KAI provided logistic, registration, and notetaking services. Following each tribal consultation, KAI developed summary notes for each 

meeting and created this report. 
7 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU

DATES AND LOCATIONS

Table 1 overviews the locations and dates of the 13 tribal consultations and the national 

webinar. 

Table 1. Tribal Consultation Locations and Dates

Location Date(s)

Morton, MN October 7, 2015

Anchorage, AK (Round 1) October 14–15, 2015

San Diego, CA October 23–24, 2015

Choctaw, MS October 29, 2015

Albuquerque, NM November 18, 2015

Uncasville, CT December 14, 2015

Fort Yates, ND February 5, 2016

Washington, DC March 24, 2016

National Webinar April 6–7, 2016

Anchorage, AK (Round 2) September 27, 2016

Miami, FL* October 4–5, 2016

Fort Hall, ID* October 19–20, 2016

Pala, CA November 4, 2016

Chandler, AZ* November 17–18, 2016

*included an informational session on other Census Bureau surveys and initiatives
Federally Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultations Final Report • 8

BACKGROUND MATERIALS

The Census Bureau developed and KAI produced the 2020 Census Tribal Consultation 

Handbook and sent it to tribes prior to the 2020 Census tribal consultations. The handbook 

presented six topics for tribal consideration, each of which was accompanied by 

discussion questions to promote discussion with tribal leaders. The background materials 

also included a copy of the “Dear Tribal Leader” letter from Former Director Thompson, 

clarifications to several frequently asked questions, and a summarized history of the 

decennial census as it relates to AIANs. Instructions for alternative ways of submitting 

comments were also outlined in the handbook to ensure an opportunity to provide feedback 

from those who could not travel to the tribal consultations. 

MEETING AGENDA AND STRUCTURE

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, 

and questions related to the 2020 Census.

The tribal consultations opened with introductions and an open discussion period, followed 

by a brief presentation from the Census Bureau that summarized planning for the 2020 

Census. For each discussion topic, Census Bureau staff delivered brief presentations and 

posed questions that reflected the discussion questions from the handbook. While these 

questions sought to promote conversations on certain topics, the discussions were not 

limited to them. Each presentation was followed by a discussion period. 

Although the American Community Survey (ACS) was not a formal consultation topic, it 

surfaces frequently during dialogue with tribes. The Census Bureau regularly conducts the 

ACS on tribal lands, and tribes often use ACS data in addition to census data for funding 

applications and planning. Information regarding the ACS was included in the background 

materials. Three of the tribal consultations included half-day informational sessions about 

the other Census Bureau surveys and initiatives, including the ACS. The informational 

sessions also covered economic surveys and the Census Bureau’s initiative to improve data 

through the use of administrative records. The tribal consultations that included the halfday session were those held in:

u Miami, FL;

u Fort Hall, ID; and

u Chandler, AZ.

The topic of the ACS arose during discussions about the decennial census at many of the 

tribal consultations. This report contains a section on tribal feedback regarding the ACS.
9 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU

Consultation Participants

Participants at the consultations included tribal leaders (including leadership from federally 

recognized ANCSA regional and village corporations), official tribal delegates, and 

representatives of tribes; representatives of intertribal or AIAN organizations; and Census 

Bureau executive leadership, regional leadership, and headquarters and regional staff. 

TRIBAL PARTICIPANTS

In total, 317 tribal attendees participated in the 2020 Census tribal consultations with 

federally recognized tribes. Some tribal delegates attended in multiple capacities by 

representing a tribe and an organization. Of those participants, 274 attended primarily in 

representation of a federally recognized tribe or ANCSA regional or village corporation, and 

43 attended primarily to represent an intertribal alliance or AIAN organization. Across the 13 

tribal consultations and national webinar, 168 federally recognized tribes and Alaska Native 

regional or village corporations and 40 AIAN organizations were represented.

Table 2 breaks down the number of participants at each tribal consultation and the number 

of tribes and AIAN organizations represented at each meeting. Some individuals attended 

more than one tribal consultation, and some tribes or organizations sent multiple delegates 

to a tribal consultation or were represented across more than one consultation. In each of 

these cases, the people, tribes, and organizations were counted at each consultation they 

attended, resulting in some attendees, tribes, and organizations being counted more than 

once in Table 2.

Table 2. Number of Attendees, Tribes, and Organizations

Location Tribal 

Delegates

AIAN Organization 

Representatives

Tribes 

Represented

Organizations 

or Intertribal 

Alliances 

Represented

Morton, MN 19 2 15 1

Anchorage, AK 

(Round 1) 11 14 11 8

San Diego, CA 10 1 8 1
Federally Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultations Final Report • 10

Location Tribal 

Delegates

AIAN Organization 

Representatives

Tribes 

Represented

Organizations 

or Intertribal 

Alliances 

Represented

Choctaw, MS 4 — 2 —

Albuquerque, NM 32 1 25 1

Uncasville, CT 6 1 3 1

Fort Yates, ND 27 2 19 2

Washington, DC 30 3 26 3

National Webinar 9 2 9 2

Anchorage, AK 

(Round 2) 22 5 19 6

Miami, FL 2 — 1 —

Fort Hall, ID 28 1 9 2

Pala, CA 54 21 35 16

Chandler, AZ 39 1 24 1
11 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU

CENSUS BUREAU EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Census Bureau executive leaders were well represented at the consultations. Table 3 lists 

the top-level officials who participated and the consultations they attended.

Table 3. Census Bureau Executive Leaders by Consultation

Census Bureau Official Consultations Attended

John H. Thompson, Former U.S. 

Census Bureau Director

Anchorage, AK (Round 1); Albuquerque, 

NM; Fort Yates, ND; Washington, DC; 

National Webinar; Fort Hall, ID; Pala, 

CA; Chandler, AZ

Nancy Potok, U.S. Census Bureau 

Deputy Director and Chief Operating 

Officer

San Diego, CA; Anchorage, AK (Round 

2)

Lisa Blumerman, Associate Director 

for Decennial Census Programs

Anchorage, AK (Round 1); Fort Yates, 

ND; Washington, DC; National Webinar; 

Chandler, AZ

Tim Olson, Associate Director for Field 

Operations

Morton, MN; Anchorage, AK (Rounds 1 

and 2); Albuquerque, NM; Fort Yates, 

ND; Washington, DC; Miami, FL; Fort 

Hall, ID; Pala, CA; Chandler, AZ 

Jeannie Shiffer, Associate Director for 

Communications

Anchorage, AK (Round 1); Fort 

Yates, ND; Fort Hall, ID; Pala, CA; 

Albuquerque, NM
Federally Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultations Final Report • 12

CENSUS BUREAU REGIONAL OFFICE DIRECTORS

Directors from all six Census Bureau Regional Offices participated in the tribal consultation 

process. Table 4 lists the regional directors and the consultations they attended.

Table 4. Census Bureau Regional Directors and Consultations Attended

Regional Director Consultations Attended

Fernando Armstrong, Philadelphia 

Region

Washington, DC

Jeff Behler, New York Region Choctaw, MS; Uncasville, CT

Jamey Christy, Los Angeles Region Anchorage, AK (Round 1); San 

Diego, CA; Pala, CA

Albert Fontenot, Chicago Region Morton, MN

George Grandy, Jr., Atlanta Region Choctaw, MS; Miami, FL

Cathy Lacy, Denver Region Fort Yates, ND; Albuquerque, NM; 

Chandler, AZ
13 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU

Final Report Organization

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

Census Tribal Consultation Handbook, which cover:

u population statistics,

u geography,

u enumeration,

u the 2020 Communications Campaign,

u the AIAN Partnership Program, and

u recruiting for Census Bureau jobs.

This report summarizes, by topic, the input gathered from tribal delegates and AIAN 

organization representatives throughout the series of consultations, as well as written input 

received from tribal leaders. Subsections under each topic summarize tribal responses 

to a specific discussion question. Next, the report explores several overarching issues 

that emerged during the consultations and transcend the agenda topics. The report also 

contains summarized tribal feedback about the ACS. It concludes by outlining next steps 

based on follow-up items identified during the tribal consultations.
Federally Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultations Final Report • 14

Tribal Consultation Themes

This portion of the report summarizes, by topic, the guidance, suggestions, and comments 

from tribal delegates. The sections below correspond with each of the six tribal consultation 

discussion topics from the 2020 Census Tribal Consultation Handbook listed above. Census 

Bureau staff delivered brief presentations on each topic and concluded each presentation 

with discussion questions reflecting those contained in the handbook. Subsections under 

each topic below summarize tribal responses to a particular discussion question related to 

that topic.

POPULATION STATISTICS

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

collects information on race following the guidance of the U.S. Office of Management and 

Budget’s (OMB) 1997 Revisions to the Standards for the Classification of Federal Data on 

Race and Ethnicity. This definition 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. A respondent is counted as AIAN if they check the 

AIAN box under the census race question and/or write the name of any tribal identities in 

the write-in space that accompanies the question. Each AIAN response, including write-in 

responses, counts toward the total AIAN count for that tribe.

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. To 

ensure the coding and classification list is inclusive of the various ways in which American 

Indians and Alaska Natives may self-identify, 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 those who respond 

as AIAN. 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. 

The collection of the data would be treated as a separate and distinct concept from racially 

identifying as AIAN. To fulfill a commitment to test a potential tribal enrollment question for 

the 2020 Census, the Census Bureau explored the possibility of collecting tribal enrollment 

data. 
15 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU

Throughout the 2020 Census tribal consultations, many tribes, as well as the National 

Congress of American Indians, 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. However, the Census Bureau will finish the tribal enrollment testing via the 2017 

Census Test 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

While some tribes support the collection of tribal enrollment data through the census, the 

majority of tribal delegates opposed the idea, citing the following reasons.

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

tribal rolls.

u Tribal enrollment records are proprietary information safeguarded by tribal

sovereignty.

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 Self-reported tribal enrollment data cannot be verified by tribes, due to the

confidential nature of census data, which are protected under Title 13, and tribal

enrollment rolls.

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

agencies asking 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 to defend

their own enrollment numbers.

u An additional question about a person’s identity on the census form may contribute

to a respondent’s sense that the survey is intrusive.

u The mission of the decennial census is to count everyone, not to gather detailed

programmatic information, like tribal enrollment numbers.

u Many people who fit the federal government’s definition of being racially AIAN may

not be enrolled tribal citizens, often due to blood quantum requirements that some

tribes follow. Further, tribes sometimes cap enrollment at a certain number and stop

allowing new citizens to enroll, and occasionally disenroll tribal citizens. Alternately,

tribes occasionally grant citizenship to people of other races.
Federally Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultations Final Report • 16

u Some tribes offer other levels of affiliation to people with insufficient blood quantum

to fully enroll as tribal citizens, and asking only for tribal enrollment information does

not acknowledge these individuals.

u Some federal agencies’ definitions of AIAN exclude citizens of state-recognized

tribes or ANCSA regional corporation shareholders. If a respondent reports being

enrolled in an ANCSA regional corporation, he or she would be counted as an

enrolled tribal citizen by some, but not by all federal agencies.

u A question on tribal enrollment would likely result in a drastic undercount of

Alaska Natives, since there are multiple ways in which Alaska Natives may identify,

including their ethnic classification, ethnic subgrouping, village corporation, regional

corporation, or federally recognized tribe name. Some data users, including some

federal agencies, may tabulate data according to only one of these identifiers—that

is, the federally recognized tribe name.

u If the census specifically asks for a person’s enrolled tribe, this could discourage

respondents from including the names of tribes with which they are affiliated but not

enrolled.

Many tribal delegates recommended that the Census Bureau refrain from a large-scale 

collection of tribal enrollment data through the census form. Instead, they recommended 

that tribal enrollment data be collected through individual consultation with tribes that 

request to have the data published. 

The Census Question on Race

In preparation for the 2020 Census, the Census Bureau has been testing new formats 

for the race question, to capture greater detail and improve data for all racial and ethnic 

groups. The Census Bureau has explored approaches to capture detailed write-in 

responses from American Indians and Alaska Natives. For example, the Census Bureau has 

tested the approach of listing examples of tribal affiliations that respondents can write in. 

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

Tribal Response

Tribal delegates offered the following recommendations regarding the question on race. 

u Thoroughly test specific tribal affiliation examples that would be provided as part of

the race question.

u Use inclusive terminology that pertains to different regions, such as pueblo, and to

Alaska Native villages or corporations, such as IRA (which indicates that the village

has organized itself under the 1934 Indian Reorganization Act).

u In the online version of the census, consider including specific follow-up questions

for those who self-identify as Alaska Native to help them hone in on which of their

many racial identifiers to include in the write-in space.
17 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU

u Phrase the question on race with clear, specific wording.

u Tribal delegates affirmed the need for the write-in space to capture a larger number

of characters.

u The Census Bureau has been testing variations of the race question that include

Central and South American Indian groups under the AIAN race category, since

this component is included in the OMB definition of AIAN. Several of the tribal

delegates expressed that Central and South American Indian groups should not

be encompassed within the AIAN definition, as these groups do not have the same

unique trust relationship with the federal government as AIAN groups have.

Coding and Classification of AIAN Responses

People often write in varying responses when referring to the same identity. For example, 

tribal citizens may write the acronym for their tribe’s official name, or they may write the 

tribe’s name using their Native language. The Census Bureau maintains a coding and 

classification list that includes known names for all tribal entities to inform the classification 

and tabulation of AIAN responses. The Census Bureau works to collect tribal feedback 

on the coding and classification list, which is essential to ensure responses are tabulated 

correctly.

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

coding and classification preference for the 2020 Census.

Tribal Response

Tribal delegates recommended that the Census Bureau ensure tribe names in Native 

languages are included in the code list. Consultation attendees frequently discussed the 

importance of tribal leaders educating their own citizens about how to respond to the race 

question to ensure their responses will be coded and tabulated correctly. Tribal delegates 

also suggested that the Census Bureau consult with tribes before adding new terms to the 

code list to ensure those terms are categorized correctly.

Several of the tribal delegates requested specific changes to the code list. Some examples 

of requested updates are listed below.

u List the eight communities within the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and

the five districts on Northern Cheyenne lands under their respective tribes on the

classification list since some tribal citizens use these as identifiers.

u Tabulate responses for the Village of Saxman separately from the Central Council of

the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska.

u Ensure that responses for the Oneida Tribe of Wisconsin are tabulated separately

from responses for the Oneida Tribe of New York.
Federally Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultations Final Report • 18

Tribal Groupings

Sometimes, several tribes or bands deemed to be similar or related are included under a 

larger tribal grouping within the code list. During discussion about changes to the code list, 

several tribal delegates also requested the following changes to the structure of the tribal 

groupings.

u Tribal citizens from Thlopthlocco Tribal Town are considered dual-enrolled citizens

of two federally recognized tribes: Muskogee Creek Indians and Thlopthlocco Tribal

Town. These responses should be tabulated for both tribes, rather than one being

classified under the other.

u The Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana is listed alongside the Point-au-Chien Indian

Tribe under a grouping called “Chitimacha.” However, Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana

delegates noted that the two tribes are not related and requested that they no

longer be grouped together. Further, there are several non-federally recognized tribal

groups that are unrelated to the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana, but they have the

term Chitimacha in their group names. To avoid responses from those groups being

tabulated toward the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana, tribal delegates requested that

only responses including the full tribe name be counted as Chitimacha Tribe of

Louisiana.

Other code list updates were discussed in one-on-one discussions between Census Bureau 

staff and tribal delegates. The Census Bureau has noted these requests and will continue to 

seek feedback on the code list as the 2020 Census approaches.

Special Considerations for Alaska

Coding and classifying Alaska Native responses presents a unique set of challenges. Not all 

Alaska Natives are shareholders of an Alaska Native corporation. Further, through reasons 

such as marriage or inheritance, it is possible to be a shareholder without being racially 

Alaska Native.

ANCSA established regional corporations and village corporations, which instituted 

new racial identifiers for Alaska Native people. Many people are unaccustomed to selfidentifying with these terms. There are many ways in which Alaska Natives may selfidentify—by federally recognized tribe, regional or village corporation, ethnicity, or ethnic 

subgrouping. It is also common for Alaska Natives to self-identify by place. Upon seeing 

instructions to “print name of enrolled or principal tribe,” many Alaska Natives are unclear 

about which identifier to use and might leave the write-in space blank or write in ethnic 

groups like Yupik or Athabascan, rather than tribal affiliations.
19 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU

Based on these challenges, Alaska Native tribal and corporation leaders offered the 

following recommendations.

u The code list must account for the unique ways in which Alaska Natives

may identify, such as place names, ethnic groupings, and regional or village

corporations.

u Inform data users about the complexity of Alaska Native identifiers to help ensure

their tabulations do not exclude Alaska Natives who self-identify in certain ways,

such as by regional or village corporation.

Tabulation of AIAN Responses

To ensure accurate data that are useful for tribal funding applications and planning, the 

Census Bureau must produce tabulations for each tribe of those who report being AIAN 

alone, as well as those who report being AIAN in combination with other races.

In addition to producing data on individuals, the Census Bureau also tabulates data at the 

household level. For household-level data, the race of the household is determined by the 

race of the household member who reports as Person 1 on the census form. If that person 

is not AIAN, that household will not be counted as AIAN, even if others in the household are 

tribal citizens. Many tribal governments have addressed this complexity by notifying tribal 

citizens who live in mixed-race households that the person who responds to the census 

should put the tribal citizen as Person 1 to ensure all households containing tribal citizens 

are tabulated as such. Several tribal delegates recommended that the Census Bureau 

continue exploring ways to tabulate household-level data that more effectively reflect tribal 

communities.

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. 

Through the Boundary Annexation Survey, the Census Bureau asks tribes to review their 

boundaries and provide updates. The Census Bureau also works with tribes to identify 

housing unit locations on tribal lands. Through the Local Update of Census Addresses, 

federally recognized tribal governments can review and update the Census Bureau’s 

address list to ensure the Census Bureau enumerates tribal lands according to a complete, 

accurate address list.
Federally Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultations Final Report • 20

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.

Mapping Tribal Boundaries

In recognition of tribal sovereignty, the Census Bureau works with tribes directly to update 

tribal geographic boundaries and ensure useful data are returned to tribes.

Discussion questions: Does the Census Bureau map and publish data for the most 

useful areas for tribes? Are there geographic areas that the Census Bureau does not 

currently map that would be helpful to your tribe?

Tribal Response

Accurately mapping tribal lands helps provide useful data for tribes and legally reinforces 

tribal boundaries. However, reservation-level data do not necessarily capture the true 

population of a tribe’s service area, since many tribes serve AIANs who live in surrounding 

counties. Several tribal delegates requested that the Census Bureau map tribal service 

areas so tribes can present the actual number of people served when applying for funding. 

Some tribes also need data for smaller geographies within their tribal lands, such as 

districts or chapters within a reservation. Consultation with individual tribes is key to 

understanding their unique geographic situations and data needs.

Special Considerations for Alaska

Many ANCSA regional and village nonprofit corporations delegate the management of 

housing needs to other entities, such as regional housing authorities. The Census Bureau 

should provide formal notice about Census Bureau geography programs to these entities, 

as well as the regional and village nonprofit corporations, to ensure their input is included 

in geographic updates. The Census Bureau can determine these points of contact through 

consultation with regional and village corporations.

Tribal delegates recommended updating the title of the Census Bureau’s Alaska map to 

Alaska Natives and American Indians in Alaska.
21 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU

Statistical Boundaries

Tribes without trust lands or reservations can define statistical areas in which to count their 

populations. Statistical areas can also be used to capture a concentrated population of 

tribal citizens living off tribal lands.

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

as State Designated Tribal Statistical Areas (SDTSAs) or Census Designated Places 

(CDPs)? 

Tribal Response

Many tribes face a variety of challenges in defining geographies within which to count 

their citizens. Often, designating a statistical area is an effective solution for capturing the 

populations of tribes with unique geographic situations, such as those with the following 

challenges or unique data needs:

u Checkerboard reservations (where tribally owned land is intermixed with land under

other ownership)

u Communities, segments, chapters, districts, or other sub-geographies within tribal

lands for which a tribe needs distinct counts

u Tribes without a land base

u Off-reservation lands associated with a tribe

u A concentrated population of tribal citizens who reside outside of reservation

boundaries

Alaska Native Village Statistical Areas

During tribal consultation with Alaska Native delegates, concern was raised about a lack 

of standard criteria for defining Alaska Native Village Statistical Area (ANVSA) boundaries. 

Uniform criteria for defining ANVSA boundaries are key to promoting consistent datasets 

for Alaska Native populations. For this reason, tribal consultation attendees provided the 

following recommendations.

u Reevaluate ANVSA boundaries, especially for the largest and most populous

ANVSAs.

u To define ANVSA boundaries, confer with the village first, and then confer with the

appropriate regional tribe (if applicable), regional corporation, and regional housing

authority.
Federally Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultations Final Report • 22

2020 ENUMERATION AND INTERNET SELF-RESPONSE

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

an online version of the census form. 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 respond, the Census Bureau will conduct in-person enumeration by sending 

interviewers to knock on doors. The Census Bureau plans to hire local enumerators to 

conduct in-person enumeration. In recognition of the unique considerations for enumerating 

tribal communities, the Census Bureau would like individual tribal input on the best way to 

enumerate each tribal community.

Enumeration Challenges

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. Each enumeration method also has associated 

challenges. For example, challenges with mail delivery can complicate the mailing of 

paper questionnaires to households. For in-person enumeration, some challenges include 

difficulty accessing or locating housing units, especially those in remote areas or without 

physical addresses. Counting all residents in a multi-family home can also present a 

challenge. Despite 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

Many tribal communities face challenges with mail delivery and Internet connectivity, and 

should be enumerated in person. However, even in-person enumeration can be challenging 

in tribal settings. Tribal delegates articulated specific challenges the Census Bureau will 

likely face in enumerating AIAN populations, including:

u remote locations that may be difficult to access,

u hesitance to report the true number of residents in a household due to fear of being

penalized for overcrowded housing,

u counting homeless individuals or community members who frequently move from

residence to residence,

u a distrust of strangers and federal agencies,

u language barriers,
23 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU

u a lack of physical addresses and/or street names,

u permission requirements for entering tribal lands, and

u counting AIANs who live in urban settings.

Across each of the tribal consultations, tribal delegates emphasized the importance of 

hiring local enumerators to capitalize on local knowledge about where households are 

located and how to encourage residents to respond. Familiar, local enumerators are 

most likely to be trusted by community members. For tribes with districts or chapters, 

enumerators from each of those sub-geographies should be hired to enumerate their own 

communities. Local enumerators who speak the tribe’s language are key to overcoming 

language barriers. 

Tribal delegates also advised that the Census Bureau partner closely with each tribe to 

understand their unique challenges, including environmental or safety concerns in remote 

areas; obtain permission to enter tribal lands; and effectively enumerate tribal citizens. 

Additional recommendations for enumerating residents on tribal lands are listed below.

u Emphasize the confidentiality of information provided to the Census Bureau, and

clearly communicate the purpose and the importance of responding to the census.

Ensure that education efforts about the purpose and importance of the census are

communicated in Native languages, as well as in English.

u Assure tribal citizens that census responses are completely confidential, even in

situations of overcrowding. Conduct outreach on this topic specifically targeted to

people who live in multi-family dwellings.

u Census Bureau regional offices should work with tribes to understand the best

locations and times to count the transient or migratory populations.

u Continue to hire local enumerators who understand their communities, know the

community members, and speak the local language.

u For remote areas, plan to equip enumerators with alternatives to handheld devices

or ensure their devices can operate offline. Connectivity will be a challenge in many

rural areas, and in some areas, extreme weather may interfere with the functioning

of handheld devices.

u Comply with tribal regulations for entering tribal lands.

u Set up Census Day events at community buildings, such as tribal offices or health

clinics, where people can gather to complete the census.

u Work with tribal governments to identify inhabitable residences.

u Coordinate with tribal social services to learn about unique living arrangements

within a community.

u Assign tribal partnership specialists to work with urban Indian organizations to reach

out to urban Indians specifically.
Federally Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultations Final Report • 24

Feasibility of Internet Self-Response

Though the 2020 Census will primarily use the Internet to gather responses, the Census 

Bureau acknowledges that this response option may not be feasible for every community 

or every household within a community. The Census Bureau would like to work with tribes 

to understand their individual situations and learn their preferences for how their citizens 

should be enumerated.

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

Tribal Response

While a few tribal delegates expressed that self-response over the Internet would be 

feasible for their communities, the majority of tribal delegates reported at least some 

limitations to connectivity, such as frequent outages or slow download speeds. Terrain, 

weather, and a lack of infrastructure were cited as common barriers to connectivity. Some 

tribes reported having no Internet access in homes or, in some cases, no Internet access at 

all. 

Most of the tribes without connectivity in homes reported having Internet access at the 

tribal offices or other central locations. Some tribes described computer labs, schools, and 

libraries where tribal citizens could respond to the census online. However, asking tribal 

citizens to travel to a central location may not be an ideal solution for tribes with widely 

dispersed populations. Some tribal delegates reported that some tribal citizens, particularly 

elders, may not be comfortable completing the census online. Tribal delegates provided the 

following recommendations related to Internet self-response.

u Ensure other enumeration options are available to communities with Internet access

issues.

u Require as low of a broadband speed as possible to complete the census.

u Provide onsite and chat support to help with questions and navigation of the survey.

u Provide clear confirmation when the census is complete, as low Internet speeds can

make it difficult for a user to tell if something has been submitted.

u Design the survey so that a user’s progress is saved if connectivity is lost

unexpectedly.

u Ensure the online survey is compatible with various operating systems and browsers

so tribes can easily access the survey and assist citizens with completion.
25 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU

Feasibility of Self-Response over the Phone

The Census Bureau will add a new enumeration option for the 2020 Census that allows 

people to call a toll-free number and complete the census over the phone.

Discussion question: Would your tribal citizens be willing to contact a census 

telephone center to complete their census questionnaires over the phone?

Tribal Response

Most tribal delegates who responded to this question expressed doubt that many of their 

tribal citizens would respond to the census over the phone. Many of the tribal delegates 

reported that, while a few tribal citizens may respond this way, the majority would likely 

prefer other response options. Deterrents from calling in to complete the census include 

spotty cell phone service or a lack of landline phones in some areas, distrust, and language 

barriers. In many communities, for enumeration over the phone to be successful, the 

enumerator would need to be fluent in the tribal language and capable of explaining what is 

being asked and why.

Preferred Enumeration Approaches

In recognition of the government-to-government relationships between the Census Bureau 

and each tribal nation, the Census Bureau would like individual tribal input on the best way 

to enumerate each tribal community.

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

enumeration approach for the 2020 Census?

Tribal Response 

Most of the tribal delegates who responded to this question stated a preference for inperson enumeration. The Census Bureau should continue to work with tribes individually 

to determine which approaches work best. Several tribal delegates emphasized the 

importance of making a variety of response options available to tribal citizens regardless of 

which primary approach is used. 

Special Considerations for Alaska

The Census Bureau conducts a special enumeration operation for remote Alaska, which is 

the first place the Census Bureau will visit in 2020. By Census Day, many Alaska Natives 

have left home for subsistence activities, like hunting. Further, ice break-up often renders 

places in Alaska inaccessible by Census Day, so the Census Bureau begins census 

enumeration there in January. The Census Bureau plans to tailor enumeration approaches 

to tribal preferences, but anticipates using in-person enumeration for much of Alaska.
Federally Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultations Final Report • 26

2020 COMMUNICATIONS CAMPAIGN

The Census Bureau will conduct an integrated communications campaign to raise 

awareness about the census and encourage people to respond. The campaign will involve 

partnerships and traditional media, as well as modern outreach channels like social media. 

Culturally relevant messages targeted toward AIAN audiences will run in the media outlets 

that AIAN populations most frequently watch, listen to, and read, as well as on the websites 

they visit most often. The Census Bureau will provide customizable materials that tribes can 

use to educate their own citizens about the census.

Recommended Communication Channels

Since each tribal nation is culturally unique, an effective communications strategy for the 

2020 Census will incorporate multiple communications channels, use culturally appropriate 

messaging themes, and be tailored to specific regions, tribes, and communities.

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

off tribal lands?

Tribal Response

Across the tribal consultations, tribal delegates emphasized the importance of 

communication from tribal leaders, as trusted voices, to their tribal citizens about the 

importance of the census. The Census Bureau should partner closely with tribes in this 

effort and supply materials, scripts, tools, and technical assistance. Tribal delegates 

also advised that the Census Bureau use a combination of communication channels and 

messaging themes. 

In addition, tribal delegates suggested the following communication avenues for reaching 

AIAN audiences:

u booths or kiosks at regional and community events, such as powwows, fairs, and

festivals;

u tribal newspapers and newsletters, including publications from ANCSA regional and

village corporations;

u social media;

u tribal websites;

u public service announcements on radio and television stations that are tribally run or

popular among AIANs, including online radio stations;

u flyers, posters, or brochures placed at community gathering places;

u videos played on closed circuit TV systems at community gathering places or

shared through the tribal website or social media platforms;
27 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU

u inserts that can be included in tribal mailings;

u billboards;

u text messages;

u delivery of presentations at community meetings;

u contests, such as poster contests for youth; and

u the Census Portrait of America Road Tour, a mobile exhibit that successfully

promoted the 2010 Census.

In addition to working closely with tribal governments, other recommendations for 

partnerships in promoting the census include:

u community centers,

u local tribal programs,

u youth programs,

u schools,

u health clinics,

u tribal community development and workforce development departments,

u tribal public information offices,

u libraries, and

u elder care centers.

Messaging Themes

To encourage self-response, it is crucial to develop culturally appropriate messages 

designed to appeal to AIAN communities.

Discussion question: What types of messages work best?

Tribal Response

The following messaging themes were frequently recommended by tribal delegates.

u Emphasize the confidentiality of the census, especially by citing specific

confidentiality laws and leveraging trusted voices.

u Promote the role census counts play in securing funding for programs.

u Dispel common misconceptions about the census. For example, assure audiences

there will be no repercussions for reporting overcrowded housing on the census and

reiterate the importance of counting every person in a household.

u Emphasize the continuity of AIAN cultures by sharing AIAN data and Native voices

with the rest of the nation.
Federally Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultations Final Report • 28

Messaging should emphasize the importance of the census from a perspective relevant 

to tribal citizens. Messages should be presented in plain language. Another important 

consideration involves avoiding straight-across translations in messaging so that messages 

can be easily tailored at the local level.

Tribal delegates also emphasized the importance of engaging tribal youth with census 

messaging, such as by highlighting how census data justify funding for programs relevant 

to youth, like financial aid for higher education.

Social Media Outreach to Tribal Communities

The reach of social media has expanded significantly since the previous decennial census. 

The Census Bureau plans to capitalize on this communication approach in promoting the 

2020 Census. 

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

Tribal Response

Many tribal delegates reported that social media significantly influences tribal citizens and 

is often the fastest way to reach all corners of a community, including tribal citizens who 

may live off-reservation. Many tribes operate their own Facebook pages. However, the 

reach of social media varies from community to community. In some communities, tribal 

citizens of all ages are active on social media; in others, there is a generational divide. 

Further, some communities experience connectivity issues, such as a lack of Internet 

access or spotty phone service. Therefore, it is important to use a blended approach of 

online and print media to reach every demographic in all tribal communities.

AIAN PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

The Census Bureau’s AIAN Partnership Program is designed to honor the government-togovernment relationship between the federal government and tribes, in order to increase 

the response rate by reaching AIAN audiences on and off tribal lands. It leverages the 

trusted voices of tribal leaders to promote tribal participation in the census. The program 

comprises three components, which are described below.

u Through the Tribal Governments Liaison Program, 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 (TCCCs) are created by tribal leaders to conduct

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

should self-identify.

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

enrollment offices, are key to raising awareness of and promoting participation in

the census.
29 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU

Building Trust

To engage tribes as active partners in counting tribal citizens across the United States, the 

Census Bureau recognizes a need to build trust with tribal communities. However, given the 

complex history of the federal government’s relationship with tribes, overcoming distrust 

will be a significant challenge.

Discussion question: How does the Census Bureau build trust with tribal 

governments?

Tribal Response

Tribal delegates recommended a variety of approaches for building trust and strengthening 

relationships with tribes, as follows.

u Continue to seek face-to-face meetings with tribes as the primary method of

communication.

u Encourage tribal leaders to be actively involved in the census. Make ongoing efforts

to engage with them.

u Seek tribal consultation with tribes individually to discuss each tribe’s unique

culture, challenges, and preferences.

u In addition to Census Bureau leadership maintaining a government-to-government

relationship with tribes, ensure Census Bureau field staff maintain relationships and

communication with tribes.

Many of the tribal delegates thanked the Census Bureau for beginning the tribal 

consultation process early in relation to the decennial census, noting that these efforts have 

begun to build trust between the Census Bureau and tribes.

Partnering with AIAN Organizations

Tribal delegates recommended partnering with national, regional, and local AIAN 

organizations as an effective strategy for the Census Bureau to build trust in Indian 

Country and communicate the importance of the census to tribes. Several of the delegates 

mentioned the success of the National Congress of American Indians’ 2010 “Indian Country 

Counts” campaign. This campaign was done in partnership with the Census Bureau to 

encourage AIANs to complete the census. They expressed a desire to see this campaign, 

along with a “Native Alaska Counts” campaign, implemented for the 2020 Census.
Federally Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultations Final Report • 30

Tribal delegates advised that the Census Bureau work with a variety of intertribal 

organizations, recognizing that no single organization has the membership of every tribe. 

Face-to-face interaction with intertribal organizations should be prioritized. Organizations 

recommended for partnership for the 2020 Census included, but were not limited to:

u National Congress of

American Indians,

u Alaska Federation of Natives,

u regional housing authorities,

u Alaska regional corporations,

u Alaska village corporations,

u Indian Health Service tribal 

epidemiology centers,

u tribal transportation

departments,

u regional intertribal alliances,

u youth councils,

u districts and communities

within tribal nations,

u tribal health programs, and

u tribal workforce development

programs.

Tribal Complete Count Committees

TCCCs are another successful tool for informing tribal communities about the census. Tribal 

leaders have the opportunity to create these committees and appoint committee members 

to conduct specialized outreach. Several tribal delegates suggested that the Census 

Bureau compile best practices and examples of successful TCCC outreach activities and 

share that information with tribes to guide future TCCCs in promoting the 2020 Census. 

Tribal Governments Liaison Program

One of the Census Bureau’s most successful partnership efforts in Indian Country is the 

Tribal Governments Liaison Program, which asks tribal leaders to appoint a tribal liaison 

whose primary role is to serve as a point of contact between the Census Bureau and the 

tribal community regarding census activities. 

Discussion question: How can the Census Bureau improve the Tribal Governments 

Liaison Program?

Tribal Response

Many of the tribal delegates who attended the consultations had served as tribal liaisons 

for the 2010 Census. They reiterated the importance and effectiveness of the Tribal 

Governments Liaison Program, and some made the following recommendations to further 

enhance the program for the 2020 Census.

u The tribal liaisons should be treated as the consistent points of contact for tribes,

since many tribes will experience turnover in leadership before the 2020 Census.

The Census Bureau should copy the tribal liaison on communication to tribal leaders

about the census.
31 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU

u The tribal liaisons could be encouraged to assist with online enumeration if the tribe

provides a central location for completing the census.

RECRUITING FOR CENSUS JOBS

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

to assist with conducting the census. The Census Bureau intends to hire local, tribal 

enumerators to the greatest extent possible to ensure in-person enumeration is done 

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.

Avenues for Recruitment

The Census Bureau intends to hire local, tribal enumerators wherever possible to ensure 

enumerators are familiar with navigating tribal communities and are trusted by community 

members. The Census Bureau plans to work closely with tribes to promote available 

positions to tribal citizens.

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

census jobs?

Tribal Response

Tribal delegates reiterated the importance of close partnership with tribes in recruiting tribal 

citizens for census jobs. Details about the position should be shared with tribes as soon as 

possible. Tribal delegates recommended potential partners to help raise awareness in tribal 

communities about census jobs, including:

u tribal leaders;

u housing authorities;

u regional nonprofits, such

as Indian Child Welfare Act 

programs and Head Start;

u ANCSA regional corporations;

u ANCSA village corporations;

u community job centers;

u tribal human resources

departments;

u tribal career services

departments;

u tribal websites;

u individual communities or

district offices;

u tribal newsletters;

u tribal liaisons;

u tribal Employment Rights

Ordinance departments;

u tribal communication

departments;
Federally Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultations Final Report • 32

u tribal workforce development

departments;

u tribal vocational rehabilitation

programs;

u intertribal councils;

u job training programs;

u education departments (to

recruit students); and

u temporary or surplus labor

pools.

Feasibility of Online Job Applications

The Census Bureau typically uses online employment applications. However, the Census 

Bureau also acknowledges the Internet access disparities often experienced in Indian 

Country. 

Discussion question: How willing would your tribal citizens be to fill out a job 

application via the Internet?

Tribal Response

Tribal leaders responded that many tribal citizens are familiar with completing applications 

online. However, some may need assistance navigating the online application. Most tribes 

reported having central locations, such as libraries or tribal offices, where citizens without 

Internet access at home can visit to complete an online employment application.
33 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU

Overarching Issues

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

topics. Throughout the tribal consultation process and within tribes’ written responses, the 

following themes surfaced frequently.

u Affirming tribal sovereignty

u Addressing data discrepancies

u Communication with Census Bureau field offices

AFFIRMING TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY

To engage tribes early and allow sufficient time to incorporate tribal input into the Census 

Bureau’s decisions and approaches, the tribal consultation process for the 2020 Census 

began five years before the census, which is two years earlier than it began in the leadup to the 2010 Census. Many tribal delegates who attended the consultations expressed 

appreciation for the Census Bureau’s proactive approach to honoring the government-togovernment relationship through meaningful and timely consultation. They reiterated the 

importance of tribal involvement throughout the decision-making process and requested 

that the Census Bureau continue to consult with federally recognized tribes throughout the 

design and implementation of the 2020 Census. Tribal delegates highlighted the importance 

of consulting with tribes individually as a next step in the tribal consultation process.

With the right resources and information, tribes can accomplish much independently. Tribal 

nations understand their own tribal citizens and how to reach them. Outreach to tribal 

citizens and education efforts about the census begin with tribal leader involvement. For 

example, tribal leaders may choose to create a TCCC to conduct targeted outreach to tribal 

citizens about the purpose and importance of the census. As sovereign nations, tribes can 

strongly encourage their own citizens to complete the census and educate them about how 

to self-identify. Continued partnership from the Census Bureau will be important to ensuring 

tribes have the tools and information they need to motivate their citizens to participate in 

the census.

Verifying Data with Tribal Enrollment Offices

In acknowledgement of tribal sovereignty and expertise about a tribe’s own citizens, several 

of the tribal delegates recommended following up with tribes after the census to verify the 

data gathered and inquire about the accuracy of the count. This approach would promote 

accurate data and strengthened partnerships moving forward.
Federally Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultations Final Report • 34

ADDRESSING DATA DISCREPANCIES

Census data are used by other federal agencies to create formulas for determining how 

much funding tribes should receive for crucial programs, such as housing, health, and 

education programs. Accurate census data are also useful for tribal planning and decisionmaking. Census data reflect tribal numbers and needs at national, state, and local levels, 

playing a critical role in Congressional representation and apportionment.

Tribal delegates voiced a strong need to improve the accuracy of AIAN counts. Many tribal 

leaders pointed to undercounts of their tribal citizens in previous censuses to underscore 

the need for improved enumeration approaches for Indian Country. 

Undercounts can result in insufficient allocation of funds to tribes for services such as 

housing, health, and education programs. Inaccurate data undermine tribal planning and 

representation in legislative districts and voting precincts. Data inaccuracies may also 

negatively influence tribal perspectives of the census and other Census Bureau surveys.

Phrasing the race question appropriately and working with tribes to determine the best 

enumeration approaches for each tribal community will help improve the accuracy of the 

data collected. The tribal delegates also provided the following recommendations for 

ensuring accurate counts for Indian Country.

u Advise data users, including other federal agencies, about data complexities that

could result in undercounts or skewed data products if tabulated inappropriately.

u Enhance the accessibility of contact and other information needed for tribes to

inquire about or challenge data inaccuracies.

CENSUS BUREAU COMMUNICATION TO FIELD STAFF AND TRIBAL 

CENSUS STAFF

Several tribal delegates reported challenges when working with Census Bureau field offices. 

Some field offices seemed unaware of the tribes’ presence, while others seemed unclear 

about how to work with tribes in the area. Tribal delegates recommended that the Census 

Bureau provide clear guidance and training to field offices, as well as states, about working 

effectively with tribes, including capitalizing on the value of local, tribal enumerators. 

The Census Bureau should also share with field staff the insights gained during tribal 

consultation regarding specific tribal enumeration preferences and challenges.
35 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU

American Community Survey

Experiences with the ACS may translate to tribes’ perceptions of other Census Bureau 

surveys, which influence their levels of engagement with the decennial census. Tribal 

delegates raised several issues specific to the ACS during the consultation meetings, 

including:

u notifying tribes about ACS activities conducted on tribal lands,

u partnering with tribes to ensure representative sampling and accurate data, and

u working with tribes to raise awareness about the ACS among tribal citizens.

NOTIFYING TRIBES ABOUT ACS ACTIVITIES

When conducting the ACS on tribal lands, it is crucial that the Census Bureau partner 

closely with tribes. Tribal government offices must be alerted that the Census Bureau will 

enter tribal lands to conduct the ACS. Several tribal delegates reported their offices were 

not notified about ACS activities on their tribal lands, even though notification is required.

PROMOTING ACCURATE ACS DATA FOR TRIBAL LANDS

The ACS is a sample-based survey, rather than a full enumeration of the population. 

Reliability issues with the data can result from incorrectly sampling tribal communities. This 

concern was mentioned by several tribal delegates. Working closely with tribes can help 

ensure that the Census Bureau understands the geography and structure of each tribe well 

enough to sample tribal households appropriately, such as by ensuring that all individual 

districts or communities within large tribal land bases are represented in the samples. In 

addition to hiring tribal enumerators for the census, some tribal delegates recommended 

that the Census Bureau hire field workers with local expertise to sample tribal areas to help 

the Census Bureau navigate the area and encourage tribal citizens to respond.

The ACS is designed so that small geographic areas, particularly tribal lands, are 

oversampled to prevent skewed data. Tribal delegates reiterated the importance of this 

oversampling, expressing that small tribal communities would be susceptible to incorrect 

data without it.

RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT THE ACS

There is often a lack of awareness among tribal citizens about the ACS. Sometimes, they 

may doubt the legitimacy of the survey and decline to respond. To address this uncertainty, 

tribal delegates recommended that the Census Bureau provide field staff to assist tribal 

citizens in completing the survey at tribal offices. They also recommended that the Census 

Bureau partner with tribes to raise awareness of the purpose and benefits of the ACS, such 

as by publishing ACS data and information about the survey in tribal newsletters.
Federally Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultations Final Report • 36

Conclusion

The Census Bureau appreciates the tribes who participated in these meetings and provided 

valuable input in preparation for the 2020 Census. The 13 tribal consultations and the 

national webinar held in preparation for the 2020 Census strengthened partnerships 

between the Census Bureau and federally recognized tribes. Dialogue with tribes, including 

written feedback from tribal leaders, provided valuable input that has informed planning as 

the 2020 Census moves forward. The consultations offered a forum for tribes to learn about 

census processes and planned changes for 2020, while the Census Bureau gained insight 

into strategies to improve the AIAN counts and help overcome the unique challenges of 

conducting the decennial census in Indian Country. 

Beginning the tribal consultation process two years earlier for the 2020 Census than for 

previous censuses provided the Census Bureau with sufficient time to implement many of 

the suggestions received. The success of these initial consultations created momentum 

toward further partnership efforts. The Census Bureau is committed to continuing the 

dialogue by meeting with tribes individually to discuss various concerns and help shape a 

2020 Census that will provide a complete, accurate count of American Indians and Alaska 

Natives.
37 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU

Follow-Up Items

This section lists follow-up items or commitments made by the Census Bureau during the

tribal consultations and indicates the actions the Census Bureau has taken and will take to

follow up with tribal questions, comments, and concerns.

Across many of the tribal consultations, the Census Bureau received requests for one-onone tribal consultation. To ensure continued dialogue following the initial series of tribal

consultations, Census Bureau Regions will begin meeting with tribes individually. During

some of the tribal consultations and in one-on-one discussions with Census Bureau staff,

several tribes requested changes to the Census Bureau’s classification and coding list. 

The changes requested on record during the tribal consultations are listed in the Coding 

and Classification of AIAN Responses section of this report. The Census Bureau will work 

to make all feasible changes to the list. 

Specific follow-up items from each tribal consultation are described in the following

sections.

MORTON, MN, CONSULTATION

This section lists the actions the Census Bureau has taken and will take to follow up with

questions and concerns raised at the 2015 tribal consultation held in Morton, MN.

Completed Follow-Up Items

The Census Bureau has fulfilled the following commitment made during the consultation.

u The Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs sent to the legislative

director for the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe a report produced by ACS staff that lists

selected AIAN-related uses of ACS data by federal agencies.

Next Steps

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

do the following.

u In accordance with tribes’ request that the Census Bureau notify them about the

timeline for hiring tribal liaisons, Census Bureau regional directors will formally issue

this request to each tribal leader in their respective regions. The tribal governments

liaison program will begin when these requests are made. The tribal government

liaison position is normally a voluntary, unpaid position. The need for a liaison or

time spent on liaison duties will vary from tribe to tribe.
Federally Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultations Final Report • 38

u Tribes will have the opportunity to view the draft census questionnaire during the 

OMB clearance process in 2018. The Census Bureau will submit to Congress 

the planned questions for the 2020 Census and ACS by March 31, 2018. The 

actual 2020 Census questionnaire will be included when submitting the full OMB 

package for OMB’s approval. The OMB clearance process is planned to occur 

in 2018, following the submission of the planned questions to Congress, and 

the questionnaire will become final upon OMB approval. The public will have an 

opportunity to request a copy of the draft questionnaire during the OMB clearance 

process.

ANCHORAGE, AK, CONSULTATION (ROUND 1)

The Census Bureau has fulfilled the following commitment made during the 2015 tribal 

consultation held in Anchorage, AK.

u In response to an inquiry about why the Census Bureau uses the ANCSA definition 

for regional corporations, but not the ANCSA definition for village corporations, the 

Census Bureau provided the following response.

ANCSA did provide a way for those Alaska Native Villages (ANVs) recognized as such 

under the act to acquire clear legal ownership of lands within their villages if the 

ownership of the land had not already been legally documented. This process was 

created in Section 14(c) of ANCSA. 

Although this 14(c) process was created in 1971, most ANVs have still not completed 

the process, and for those that have, much of the Alaska Native population does not live 

on those 14(c) lands. The state of Alaska has an online map that shows the ANVs that 

have completed the 14(c) process at: 

http://dcced.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.

htmlid=24427049328b40cdab001cae38883d7a

The primary goal of the Census Bureau in creating geographic areas is to be able to 

provide reliable statistical data for the people, housing, and/or economic activities 

located within those areas. These geographic areas need to be useful for as many data 

users as possible, including the ANVs and tribes, as well as for state, local, and federal 

governments for planning and providing services. 

As far back as the late 1970s, the Census Bureau has been in consultation with the 

ANVs, federally recognized tribes, and federal agencies. The state of Alaska and 

other data users concluded that they would not be able to provide reliable and useful 

statistical data for the ANVs and tribes if they used only the lands that had completed 

the ANCSA 14(c) process. 
39 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

As a result of these consultations, the Alaska Native Village Statistical Areas were 

created in partnership with the ANVs, federally recognized tribes, and the ANCSA 

regional corporations with the goal of providing reliable and useful statistical data for 

the ANVs and tribes they represented. For more information on ANVSAs, please see the 

Federal Register, Volume 72, Number 214 from November 4, 2008:

https://www2.census.gov/geo/pdfs/reference/fedreg/e8-26234.pdf

SAN DIEGO, CA, CONSULTATION

The Census Bureau has fulfilled the following commitment made during the 2015 tribal 

consultation held in San Diego, CA.

u Based on a request for onsite tribal consultation from the Shoshone-Bannock 

Tribes, the Census Bureau conducted a 2020 Census tribal consultation hosted 

by the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes from October 19 through 20, 2016. The Census 

Bureau Los Angeles regional director agreed to meet with the Shoshone-Bannock 

Tribal Council for further consultation on the programs and protocols for conducting 

the 2020 Census on tribal lands.

CHOCTAW, MS, CONSULTATION

This section lists the actions the Census Bureau has taken and will take to follow up with 

questions and concerns raised at the 2015 tribal consultation held in Choctaw, MS.

Completed Follow-Up Items

The Census Bureau has fulfilled the following commitments made during the consultation. 

u As follow-up to a question about how college students are counted in the United 

States and overseas, the Census Bureau provided the following response.

College students are counted at the college/university student housing where they 

are living or staying at the time of the Census on April 1. College/university student 

housing contact persons will be given several enumeration options for their residents 

(students). (1) Contact persons can send facility administrative records via e-response. 

(2) Enumerators can drop off the census questionnaires and return to pick them up 

once completed. (3) Enumerators can conduct interviews with residents to complete 

the census form. (4) Facility self-enumeration: where the census forms are dropped 

off with the contact person and he/she distributes the questionnaires to the residents 

and the enumerator returns later to pick them up. (5) Contact persons can provide the 

enumerator with a roster printout containing basic demographic information for each 

resident. 
Federally Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultations Final Report • 40

Per residence criteria, U.S. college students living outside the United States while 

attending college outside the United States are not counted in the census. 

u The Census Bureau Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs sent a 

2020 Census operational timeline and AIAN key milestone schedule to tribal leaders 

and the tribal consultation participants.

Next Steps

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

do the following.

u The Census Bureau Atlanta Regional Office will hire partnership specialists with 

whom tribes can coordinate efforts. Their role is to engage in outreach activities 

with various groups and communities, including tribes.

ALBUQUERQUE, NM, CONSULTATION

Based on follow-up items identified during the 2015 tribal consultation in Albuquerque, NM, 

the Census Bureau will do the following.

u Based on a request from the tribe, the Denver Regional Office plans to meet oneon-one with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. The meeting will occur in early December 

2017, provided that the timeline works for the tribe’s leadership. 

u The Census Bureau will inform the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe about a promotional 

video to play on the tribe’s closed-circuit television system, as it becomes available.

UNCASVILLE, CT, CONSULTATION

Based on follow-up items identified during the 2015 tribal consultation in Uncasville, CT, 

the Census Bureau will do the following.

u The Census Bureau has provided the following response regarding the United Tribes 

of Michigan’s interest in partnership for the 2020 Census.

The Tribal Governments Liaison Program is an AIAN partnership program. The program 

is kicked into action when requests are made to tribal governments to appoint a liaison 

so census staff can have a point of contact with whom to coordinate census activities. 

A formal request will come from the Census Bureau regional director to each tribal 

government leader in their respective regions. The tribal government liaison position 

is normally a voluntary, unpaid position. The need for a liaison or time spent on liaison 

duties will vary from tribe to tribe based on their needs.
41 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

In addition, the Census regional office will begin outreach efforts to tribal communities 

leading up to the 2020 Census, so tribes will have an opportunity to establish 

partnerships with the Census Bureau in various ways. 

u In response to a request from the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, the Census Bureau 

Chicago Regional Office will provide outreach material templates that have language 

targeted to college students, which the tribe can use to develop its own outreach 

materials.

FORT YATES, ND, CONSULTATION

This section lists the actions the Census Bureau has taken and will take to follow up with 

questions and concerns raised at the 2016 tribal consultation held in Fort Yates, ND.

Completed Follow-Up Items

The Census Bureau has fulfilled the following commitment made during the consultation.

u The Census Bureau Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs sent a 

2020 Census operational timeline and AIAN key milestone schedule to tribal leaders 

and the meeting participants.

Next Steps

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

do the following.

u The Census Bureau plans to provide public service announcements that tribes can 

share with their citizens. The Census Bureau will work with G&G, the subcontractor 

responsible for outreach to the AIAN populations, to ensure the PSAs created 

are informative and culturally relevant. Whenever possible, the PSAs will be 

customizable at the local level.

u In response to a request from the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, the Census Bureau has 

provided the following response regarding the feasibility of defining a tribe’s service 

area as a legal geography. 

The Census Bureau implements a national program for the collection of legal boundaries 

through the Boundary and Annexation Survey. This survey sets the requirements 

of identifying a consistent methodology for the collection and delineation of legal 

boundaries throughout the country, including the collection of supporting legal 

documentation from the authoritative source. The Census Bureau contacts each 

federally recognized tribal government directly for the collection of their geographic 

data, but we must also work with the Bureau of Indian Affairs as the federal agency 

charged with legal authority over tribal legal boundaries. This is consistent in that the 

Census Bureau has to verify the legal boundaries and documentation provided by local 

governments with the state governments. Although the boundaries for a few tribal 
Federally Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultations Final Report • 42

service areas, including the Ponca Tribe’s service area, are defined in legislation, your 

tribe’s request to implement their service area as a legal geography is not currently 

possible because the Census Bureau has to develop and implement a program that 

would have nationally consistent criteria and guidelines vetted and offered to all 

qualifying federally recognized tribes. Currently, there is not a single clear and consistent 

definition or implementation of a service area for tribes. 

The Census Bureau and other federal agencies do recognize the value and importance 

of using tribal service areas to provide data, so it continues to be a topic of consultation 

and research with the tribes, states, federal agencies, and other data users. In 

September 2017, the Census Bureau plans on hosting a federal interagency meeting 

to explore service area boundaries and potential data provided by them on American 

Indian populations and housing. The meeting will touch on definitions, data gaps, and 

touch points for collaboration with our federal partners. The Census Bureau heard 

the request of delineating service area boundaries during our 2020 tribal consultation 

meetings, and so we are taking steps to formally initiate the conversation of how we can 

partner with the federal funding agencies in moving forward on the possibility of having 

universal definitions of tribal service areas, to be used by the federal agencies. This will 

be a continual, in-depth, and lengthy process, but the Census Bureau continues to look 

into this issue of tribal service areas. 

WASHINGTON, DC, CONSULTATION

The Census Bureau has fulfilled the following commitment made during the 2016 tribal 

consultation held in Washington, DC.

u The Census Bureau has provided the following response to tribal comment about 

the adverse effects of ACS data on large, land-based tribes. 

The ACS selects housing unit addresses from all areas using our master address file 

that is maintained by the Census Bureau. Because the sample is drawn from a list of 

addresses, it is not clustered by geographic area. Thus, for the example given where a 

reservation includes many villages, the ACS would select housing unit addresses across 

the entire reservation and across all of the villages. 

Smaller villages may not have addresses in a sample each month, and it may appear 

that they are not included in the ACS for a given month. However, when the ACS 

forms the 5-year estimates, it pools data across 60 months to provide a large enough 

representative sample to make reliable estimates for the entire reservation and includes 

samples from all areas of the reservation.
43 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

ANCHORAGE, AK, CONSULTATION (ROUND 2)

Based on follow-up items identified during the 2016 tribal consultation in Anchorage, AK, 

the Census Bureau will do the following.

u The Census Bureau will address all issues and concerns about the American Indian 

and Alaska Native populations through the National Advisory Committee and the 

Integrated Partnership and Communication Working Group.

MIAMI, FL, CONSULTATION

The Census Bureau has fulfilled the following commitments made during the 2016 tribal 

consultation held in Miami, FL.

u The Census Bureau has researched an address issue on the Chitimacha 

Reservation: addresses within the city of Charenton are not recognized, so mail has 

to be addressed to the city of Jeanerette instead. The Census Bureau has followed 

up with the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana by phone and has provided the following 

guidance.

The tribe should verify if the structures have all been assigned physical street addresses 

for E911 purposes. If they have not, the tribe should start to work with St. Mary Parish 

to set up physical street addresses for all the structures on their reservation. For more 

information, please check the St. Mary Parish 911 Communications information on 

addressing: http://www.stmary911.com/addressing.htm.

Once physical addresses exist for the structures, if the tribe is interested in the U.S. 

Postal Service using those addresses for mail delivery, they should contact the heads 

of both post offices covering the reservation to determine if and how this can be done. 

Also, once physical addresses exist for the structures, the tribe would need to contact 

each mapping service provider separately and provide them with the physical street 

addresses so that they can use them for navigation purposes. For example, if updating 

Google Maps please review Nextdoor.com’s article, Locate Your Address on a Google 

Map: https://help.nextdoor.com/customer/portal/articles/1171769-how-to-locateyour-address-on-a-google-map

Finally, once physical addresses exist for the structures on the reservation, the tribe 

should participate in one of the Census Bureau’s geographic partnership programs, 

specifically the Geographic Support System and/or the Local Update of Census 

Addresses, and provide the physical street addresses so they are used by and provided 

in products from the Census Bureau.

u The Racial Statistics Branch, Population Division of the Census Bureau has 

provided the following response to the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana’s question 

about why they are listed alongside the Point-au-Chien Indian Tribe under the 

Chitimacha tribal grouping on the coding and classification list.
Federally Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultations Final Report • 44

The Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana and Pointe Au-Chien Indian Tribe are coded 

separately in our coding and classification list. For example, in 2010, there were 303 

people who reported being Pointe Au-Chien alone and 337 who reported being Pointe 

Au-Chien alone or in any combination. There were 1,036 people who reported being 

Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana alone and 1,552 who reported being Chitimacha Tribe of 

Louisiana alone or in any combination. 

The Chitimacha tribal grouping combines both tribal entities: Chitimacha Tribe of 

Louisiana and Pointe Au-Chien Indian Tribe. These two tribes are grouped together 

under the “Chitimacha” tribal grouping based on self-reported information from the 

Pointe Au-Chien Indian Tribe. In 2010, there were 1,340 people tabulated under 

the Chitimacha tribal grouping alone, and 1,888 people were tabulated under the 

Chitimacha tribal grouping alone or in any combination. 

A tribal grouping is a Census Bureau convention used to present summary data in 

Census products. It is defined by the 2010 Census technical documentation as the 

combining of individual American Indian tribes (e.g. Fort Sill Apache, Mescalero Apache, 

and San Carlos Apache, into the general Apache tribal grouping). Some tribal groupings 

may only include a single tribe if there is no other tribe that would logically fit under the 

same tribal grouping (e.g., Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation).

u Due to severe weather, some registrants were unable to attend the 2016 Miami 

tribal consultation, including a tribal delegate for the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The 

Census Bureau followed up with the Seminole Tribe of Florida to request input on 

the potential tribal enrollment question and received the following response.

At the time of our meeting, Naomi Wilson was new to the staff. She was hired to 

bring her expertise from corporate America to create various systems within the tribal 

structure. One of the systems was to delineate the differences between tribal enrollees 

and tribal dependents. Although dependents are eligible for tribal services, such as 

healthcare and education, only enrollees can vote in tribal elections. However, both 

enrollees and dependents can vote in municipal elections. Tribal members who selfidentify as Seminole on census surveys and during the decennial census cycles are not 

automatically considered tribal members or dependents. 

The participation of the Seminole Tribe of Florida in decennial censuses and census 

surveys is encouraged by the tribal council.
45 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

FORT HALL, ID, CONSULTATION

The Census Bureau has fulfilled the following commitments made during the 2016 tribal 

consultation held in Fort Hall, ID.

u In response to a question about whether data for state-recognized tribes are 

summarized at the same level as data for federally recognized tribes on the 

American FactFinder website, the Census Bureau has confirmed that the data are 

summarized at the same level. The Census Bureau Office of Congressional and 

Intergovernmental Affairs has conveyed this information to the North Carolina 

Commission on Indian Affairs member who requested it.

u The Census Bureau has provided the following response to a question from the 

Shoshone-Bannock Tribes senior planner regarding how Census Designated Places 

(CDPs) are designated on the Fort Hall Reservation.

The Census Bureau implements a national program once a decade named the 

Participant Statistical Areas Program for tribes, regional planning agencies, and 

counties, and includes CDPs as one of the primary statistical geographic areas that 

can be reviewed, updated, and delineated. Through the Participant Statistical Areas 

Program, the tribes may delineate CDPs both on and/or near their reservations. The 

Census Bureau will be contacting and working with the tribes and other partners on 

PSAP in 2018 and 2019.

u The Census Bureau has provided the following response to a question from a North 

Carolina Commission on Indian Affairs member about tribal geographic designations 

for federally recognized tribes versus state-recognized tribes in North Carolina.

The main distinction is the federally recognized tribal governments may participate in 

the geographic programs, such as the Boundary and Annexation Survey, Local Update 

of Census Addresses, and Participant Statistical Areas Program. The state-recognized 

tribes are not eligible to participate in these programs and must work through the 

state governments to view and submit updates. The secondary distinction is the state 

governments may not cross state boundaries, so if two states recognize a tribe, the data 

would be tabulated for two geographic areas, not a single geographic area, as in the 

case for federally recognized tribal governments.

PALA, CA, CONSULTATION

The Census Bureau has fulfilled the following commitment made during the 2016 tribal 

consultation held in Pala, CA.

u The Census Bureau has provided the following response to tribal inquiry about the 

defining factors of a small reservation in determining the sample size that would be 

used to conduct the ACS on a reservation. 
Federally Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultations Final Report • 46

The ACS varies the sampling rate based on the size of the governmental unit and the 

size of the tract. The size of the governmental unit is measured by the estimated number 

of occupied housing units in that area. The ACS would use the size of the governmental 

unit, which includes American Indian reservations, whenever that measure of size (MOS) 

is fewer than 1,200. In general, the ACS uses higher sampling rates for smaller areas, so 

the smaller that this measure of size is, the higher the sample rate will be.

For American Indian areas only, that size is adjusted by the proportion of the 2010 

Census population living on reservation who reported to be American Indian alone or 

in combination. This adjustment helps to ensure that the ACS is able to provide reliable 

estimates for the American Indian population living on the reservation and not just for 

the total population who lives there. For example, if a reservation had an estimated 

2,000 occupied housing units and the proportion of American Indians to the total 

population is 0.5, then the MOS used for assigning the sampling rate would be: 2,000 x 

0.5 = 1,000.

Since this factor is always less than one, this adjustment tends to increase the sampling 

rate in American Indian reservations. The relationship between the MOS of the 

governmental unit and the 1-year sampling rate is as follows:

} 0 < MOS < 200: sample at 15% (fixed)

} 200 ≤ MOS < 400: sample at 10% (fixed)

} 400 ≤ MOS < 800: sample at 7% (fixed)

} 800 ≤ MOS < 1200: sample at 4.35% (rate in 2015)

} 1200 ≤ MOS: sampling rate is determined by the size of the tract instead 

of the governmental unit

Note that for the 5-year ACS, we cumulate the sample over all 5 years so the 5-year 

sampling rate is five times the value of the 1-year. The highest rate is 5 x 15% = 75%. 

For more information, please see the Accuracy of the Data Statement at:

https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/tech_docs/accuracy/ACS_

Accuracy_of_Data_2015.pdf

CHANDLER, AZ, CONSULTATION

This section lists the actions the Census Bureau has taken and will take to follow up with 
47 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

questions and concerns raised at the 2016 tribal consultation held in Chandler, AZ.

Completed Follow-Up Items

The Census Bureau has fulfilled the following commitment made during the 2016 tribal 

consultation held in Chandler, AZ.

u The Census Bureau ACS Office discussed with the executive director of Chickaloon 

Village Traditional Council the challenge of the high number of PO boxes used 

instead of physical mailing addresses in rural Alaska. This means the Census 

Bureau cannot mail these households information on how to respond to the ACS, 

since the Census Bureau does not mail to PO Boxes. The Census Bureau explained 

that, if a household receives mail at a PO Box, the Census Bureau would collect 

data from that household during the personal visit phase. The ACS Office staff will 

gladly discuss with him in greater detail how the Census Bureau samples Alaska for 

the ACS.

u ACS Office staff provided information to the tribal planner for Cowlitz Indian Tribe 

on locating detailed data about the Cowlitz Tribe from the ACS AIAN data products. 

The ACS Office staff will gladly discuss this issue further with the tribal planner.

u In response to a request from the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, the Denver 

regional director researched data on the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe from 

previous censuses. She followed up by phone with the tribal council member who 

requested the information.

u The Census Bureau Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs Office mailed an 

audio recording file of the Census Bureau’s 2016 tribal consultation with Alaska 

Native corporations to the Knik Tribe president.

u The Census Bureau has provided the following response to questions about how the 

Census Bureau samples Alaska geographies for the ACS. 

The ACS does not select housing unit addresses from only a subset of areas of the 

country; rather, the ACS selects addresses from all areas on an annual basis. The 

ACS samples addresses directly from our master address file that is maintained by 

the Census Bureau. That file of addresses builds from the decennial census address 

canvassing results and is updated using input from postal service files, in-house and 

field activities, and partnership files from local governments. 

The ACS does cluster its data collection in remote areas of Alaska into select 4-month 

periods beginning in January or September. However, all areas in Alaska, remote and 

non-remote, are included in our annual sample.

u The Census Bureau has provided the following response to a tribal delegate’s 
Federally Recognized Tribes Tribal Consultations Final Report • 48

request that the Census Bureau provide economic datasets specifically on tribally 

owned businesses. 

The Census Bureau conducts the Survey of Business Owners (SBO) as part of the 

economic census. Included are all nonfarm businesses filing Internal Revenue Service 

tax forms as individual proprietorships, partnerships, or any type of corporation, and 

with receipts of $1,000 or more. The SBO covers both firms with paid employees and 

firms with no paid employees. The SBO does not include government or tribally owned 

businesses.

The data are compiled by combining data collected from businesses and business 

owners through the SBO with data collected from the economic census and 

administrative records. Data results provide estimates on the number of firms; receipts; 

payroll; and employment by gender, ethnicity, race, and veteran status. While tribally 

owned businesses are excluded, data shown by race provide estimates on American 

Indian- or Alaska Native- owned businesses. More detailed information about the SBO 

can be found on the SBO website at https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/sbo.

html

Next Steps

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

do the following.

u The Los Angeles Regional Office is aware of reports from the Knik Tribe about 

Census Bureau field staff failing to contact the tribe regarding survey activities on 

tribal lands. The Census Bureau will inform Los Angeles Regional Office survey 

managers to contact the tribe prior to conducting surveys.

u The Denver Regional Office has reiterated to staff the importance of notifying tribes 

about survey activities conducted on tribal lands, following a statement from a 

delegate of the Tohono O’odham Nation about a lack of communication to the 

tribe about survey activities. The Census Bureau tribal affairs coordinator will send 

information to the appropriate regional directors so they can inform their field staff 

about this issue. 
49 • UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 

Meeting Notes and Written Input

Summaries were developed for each of the tribal consultations, and a transcript was 

developed from the national webinar. The Census Bureau also gathered written input from 

tribal delegates.

Please see Appendix A for written input submitted by tribal delegates. Handwritten 

comments have been transcribed. See Appendices B and C for meeting summaries from 

the 2020 Census tribal consultations with federally recognized tribes.

TM