- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
#CherokeeNationCounts campaign will help ensure tribe receives crucial funding and grant opportunities
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation has kicked off its 2020 Census efforts by introducing its #CherokeeNationCounts campaign. The Cherokee Nation is urging all tribal citizens to make sure they completely fill out the Census form.
The Cherokee Nation says filling out the Census form will help to ensure the tribe receives key funding for programs including Indian Health Service and housing allocations through Housing and Urban Development during this new decade.
Cherokee Nation officials cite the 2010 Census, saying some of its tribal communities in Sequoyah and Adair Counties had a lower Census participation rate. Nationally, there was also under-reporting of children under the age of 5.
“We’re launching a #CherokeeNationCounts campaign to tell our tribal citizens to fill out the 2020 US Census, because if we aren’t all counted, we leave money on the table,” Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said. “The Cherokee Nation estimates for every one Cherokee Nation citizen who doesn’t get counted, it’s a loss of about $50,000 in federal funding over the course of a decade that helps our tribal programs and services.”
By April 1, each home will receive an invitation to participate in 2020 Census either online, by mail or telephone.
Aside from its impact on funding, an accurate count in the Census helps Cherokee Nation better understand the demographics and needs of tribal communities — not only in Oklahoma, but across the United States.
The tribe has established a Complete Count Committee, made up of tribal departments staff, to educate tribal committees about the 2020 Census and how to accurately complete it.
The Complete Count Committee wants to assure tribal citizens that information submitted as part of the 2020 Census is confidential and protected by federal law, and will not impact tribal citizens’ housing, income or custody arrangements.
More information is also available at 2020census.gov.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsNative News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Native News Online Post-Election Survey Shows Trump-Harris Split, Reservation Divide
Six Native American Women Making a Difference in Indian Country
Google Celebrates Native American Heritage Month with a Doodle Using a Kayak
Support Independent Indigenous Journalism That Holds Power to Account
With the election now decided, Native News Online is recommitting to our core mission: rigorous oversight of federal Indian policy and its impact on tribal communities.
The previous Trump administration’s record on Indian Country — from the reduction of sacred sites to aggressive energy development on tribal lands — demands heightened vigilance as we enter this new term. Our Indigenous-centered newsroom will provide unflinching coverage of policies affecting tribal sovereignty, sacred site protection, MMIR issues, water rights, Indian health, and economic sovereignty.
This critical watchdog journalism requires resources. Your support, in any amount, helps maintain our independent, Native-serving news coverage. Every contribution helps keep our news free for all of our relatives. Please donate today to ensure Native News Online can thrive and deliver impactful, independent journalism.
