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Ensuring Accurate Tribal Counts In 2010 Census
By Norman Arriola & Lee Wallace

 

March 16, 2010
Tuesday


Ketchikan Indian Community (KIC) and Organized Village of Saxman (OVS) are proud partners with the 2010 Census. The 2010 Census will provide us with a snapshot of our nation and tribal communities. By being counted, tribal citizens will help paint a clearer picture of Alaska Native peoples.

The federal government distributes more than $400 billion annually to state, local and tribal governments based on census data. Tribes and other funding agencies utilize census data to plan for construction of new roads, housing, hospitals, schools and more. Both KIC and OVS have new elder housing complexes underway. These projects are funded by formula grants based on tribal counts derived from the 2000 Census. Having an accurate count of our tribal memberships is imperative if we are to expand services and opportunities for our communities.

The 2010 Census form asks 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete. It is one of the shortest forms in history. Question 9 asks about your race and allows you to list your principal tribe. To ensure our tribal counts are accurate, we strongly encourage you to list the name of your federally-recognized tribe:

If you reside in the City of Saxman, please list: "Organized Village of Saxman."

If you reside on Revillagagedo Island, excluding Saxman, please list: "Ketchikan Indian Community." Additional note: Enrolled KIC members who live elsewhere (Seattle, Phoenix, New York) can still list "Ketchikan Indian Community" as their principal tribe.

Tribal citizens are discouraged from listing our cultural identities like Haida, Tlingit, Tsimshian, Aleut, Cherokee, etc. In doing so, neither KIC or OVS will have an accurate count. For example: if you list "Tlingit" your count will go toward Central Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. If you have questions, we are happy to discuss the importance of the census and our tribal count with you.

By participating in the census, tribal citizens can help create a better future for our communities. Complete your form and mail it back. It's easy, important and safe. Make a difference.

Sincerely,

Norman Arriola, President
Ketchikan Indian Community

Lee Wallace, President
Organized Village of Saxman

 

Received March 16, 2009 - Published March 16, 2010

 

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