In March, all households across Alaska should receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 U.S. Census. The Census, conducted every 10 years, is more than a population count. One use of this information Is for the allocation of federal funding.

In the case of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe, the accuracy and completeness of the demographics gathered in the census process will be essential to ensure that the Tribe receives the appropriate share of the funding in our service area.  The Tribe’s service area includes those beneficiaries (Tribal Members, Alaskan Natives and American Indians) who live on the north side of the Kasilof River to Cooper Landing.

What Can You Do to Help?

The 2020 Census includes 10 questions and can be completed online at www.2020census.gov.  You can also respond by phone or by mail. The whole process takes about 10 minutes, but the data will determine funding for the next 10 years.

Whether you live in the Tribe’s service area or not, please pay special attention to questions 5 and 9 as both are critical to support the Tribe’s funding and we would recommend the following:

• Question 5: List the Alaskan Native/American Indian as “Person 1” if you live in a mixed Native and non-Native household in order that the entire household is counted as one AN/AI head of household.
• Question 9: List the name of the federally recognized Tribe that you are enrolled in.  (e.g. Kenaitze Indian Tribe, Salamatof Tribal Council, etc.)

Alaska receives almost $3.5 billion dollars each year based on census data. If you are an Alaska Native or American Indian, but don’t fill out the form, the community could miss out on almost $3,500 for Tribal programs such as Head Start. If an Alaska Native or American Indian family of four isn’t counted, that could add up to $14,000 annually.

For more information or to respond, go to www.2020census.gov.