Every ten years the U.S. Department of Commerce conducts a Census.The information collected from this Census is vital to centers such as SEMII to apply for funding to deliver services to our community.
Historically, Native people have feared participating in the Census AND with good reason!Information collected in the 1800’s was used to forcibly remove and relocate many Native villages from their homelands.Information was also used to remove Native children from their homes and place them in boarding schools.
Today, we have been assured that the information collected by the Census Bureau is confidential.Whether we choose to believe that or not, our survival depends on accurate population counts.Funding to our urban centers is based on how many people are in our service areas.
When you receive the Census form, there is a section asking if you are Native American only with box to check and another box to check if you identify as Native American and another nationality.We urge you to check the Native American box.In addition, this Census is asking you to identify your tribe.We urge you to identify only your tribe.For instance, if you are an enrolled member of the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, we ask you to write in only “Chippewa.”
If you have any questions whatsoever, please do not hesitate to call for more information at 586-756-1350
