In order to ensure an accurate count of the American Indian population nationwide in 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau will be testing new counting methods on the Cheyenne River Reservation this spring.

     Between March and May 2006, census workers will conduct the 2006 Census Test. Census staff with official census identification will visit every home within the reservation boundaries to update addresses and interview residents to fill out a census questionnaire.

     “We are playing a very important role in the design of the 2010 Census,” said Harold Frazier, tribal chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. “As a census test site, we are setting the standard for how the Census Bureau counts American Indians all over the United States.”

     Census operational tests like the one being conducted on the Cheyenne River Reservation are vital to properly prepare for the decennial census. An accurate and complete count of the population in 2010 will enable American Indians to receive the correct share of federal and state resources that are based on census data.

     The Census Bureau will gain insight into how to improve enumeration methods on an American Indian reservation and will become more aware of tribal and cultural issues that may affect future census operations at the local level.

     “American Indians have been undercounted in previous censuses, and the mutual goal of the Census Bureau and the American Indian community is to reverse that trend in 2010,” said Susan Lavin, director of the Census Bureau’s Denver Regional Office. “By answering the questionnaire completely and accurately during this test, the Cheyenne River Reservation is helping to shape the 2010 Census.”

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

     Respondent information is protected and identities cannot be shared with any person or organization outside of the Census Bureau.

     To apply for 2006 Census Test jobs, call the Cheyenne River Census Field Office at (605) 964-1990 or toll-free
at (877) 744-1522.