The 2010 Census may be five years away, but the U. S. Census Bureau and the Cheyenne River Reservation already are gearing up.

     The Census Bureau is testing new methods and technologies designed to improve the accuracy and completeness of the 2010 Census. It also will give the Census Bureau insight into how to better conduct the 2010 Census on reservations.

     Developing a close working relationship with tribal and local government officials will enable the tribe, local governments and the Census Bureau to come to a better understanding of the issues surrounding census activities on a reservation.

     “What we learn from being part of this testing will also help the Census Bureau work more effectively with other tribes,” said Tribal Chairman Harold Frazier of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. “Indian Country will depend on an improved count in 2010 to benefit from the federal funding needed to operate the programs vital to the welfare of our tribal communities.”

     During July and August 2005, census workers will visit each address within the reservation boundaries in order to verify and update census address lists and maps. During daylight hours, census workers—wearing official census identification and carrying handheld computers—will travel within reservation boundaries to identify every place where people might live.

     “Hiring census workers who know the reservation will greatly benefit this operation,” said Susan Lavin, director of the Census Bureau’s Denver regional office. “I ask residents within the Cheyenne River Reservation boundaries to please cooperate with census workers who will be visiting them. A complete list of residences is the cornerstone for taking an accurate census.”

     The Census Bureau will continue to uphold its high standard of protecting the confidentiality of all respondents. Every person with access to data is sworn by law to protect confidentiality. Violating this law is a federal crime with serious penalties, including a prison sentence of up to five years and up to a $250,000 fine.

     Respondent information is protected and identities cannot be shared with any person who has not sworn to protect the data.

     To apply for current Census jobs, call the Cheyenne River Census Field Office at (605) 964-1990 or toll-free at (877) 744-1522.

- X -