The Census Bureau updates the VCNAA

April 2, 2009 - PRLog -- The Census Bureau
Don Stevens
Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs, Chairman

To all Native Leaders and Individuals,
During the March meeting of the commission, Wanda Lyons from the East Syracuse NY Census Bureau was in attendance. She works primarily on Native issues surrounding census statistical information. Wanda suggested that we get the word out to our Native people on how to be properly represented when it comes to statistical data in the State of Vermont.

First, make sure that the Native Person in your household is listed first on the Census Form. The first person listed on the form is what is counted toward race in statistical reporting for the family.

Second, under the Native American spot, there is a write-in block for Natives not listed on the form. The main objective to get an accurate count is to be consistent. If we are identifying ourselves as Abenaki, please make sure that we put in "Abenaki" or "Western Abenaki" so that it is consistent. If we put in whatever we want, including tribal designation, we may be missed in the Statistical reporting. The Census Bureau will not break each tribal faction down into its own parts.

Please get this information out to our people. This information is important to apply for different grants and programs. We need to be able to show our true numbers to the rest of the State and on Grant applications. The statistical information can be used by the Tribal Leaders to show populations in their area when applying for programs like WIC, Employment and Training, and other valuable programs to help our people.

Any information gathered by the Census Bureau is confidential as to who you are or where you live. No one has access to this data except the Census Bureau. They are bound by many rules and regulations about confidentiality. Once the data has been compiled, the Commission or Tribal Leaders can request Statistical Data on how many Abenaki are in the State of Vermont and also the Geographical location.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Census Bureau at 1-866-861-2010 or visit www.2010censusjobs.gov . It is you right to stand up, be counted, and show that we are many....

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