2020 Census: Democracy Reform that Supports Tribal Sovereignty

Res #:	Committee:	Submitted by:	Title:         Pass →	Yes	No	Amended/Tabled	To NCAI
19-16	Native Youth	Asa Washines	2020 Census: Democracy Reform that Supports Tribal Sovereignty	X

 2019 Winter Convention 

Portland Oregon 

RESOLUTION #19 – 16 

“2020 CENSUS: DEMOCRACY REFORM THAT SUPPORTS TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY” 

PREAMBLE 

We, the members of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians of the United States, invoking the divine blessing of the Creator upon our efforts and purposes, in order to preserve for ourselves and our descendants rights secured under Indian Treaties and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and constitution of the United States and several states, to enlighten the public toward a better understanding of the Indian people, to preserve Indian cultural values, and otherwise promote the welfare of the Indian people, do hereby establish and submit the following resolution: 

WHEREAS, the Affiliated Tribes of the Northwest Indians (ATNI) are representatives of and advocates for national, regional, and specific tribal concerns; and 

WHEREAS, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians is a regional organization comprised of American Indians in the States of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, and Alaska; and 

WHEREAS, the health, safety, welfare, education, economic and employment opportunity, and preservation of cultural and natural resources are primary goals and objectives of Affiliated Tribes of the Northwest Indians; and 

WHEREAS, the U.S. Census data is used to determine the distribution of Congressional seats to states, used to define legislative districts, school district assignment areas, and other important functional areas of government; and 

WHEREAS, the U.S. Census has become a tool for democracy and democracy reform, improving representation in government; now 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that ATNI hereby commits to work towards democracy reforms within the government system after the U.S. Census data is collected and analyzed; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, these democracy reforms will be more inclusive of Tribal Nations, recognize the existing rights of Tribal Nations, support Tribal sovereignty, and will create more effective representation. 

CERTIFICATION 

The foregoing resolution was adopted at the 2019 Winter Convention of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton – Portland, Oregon, on January 28-31, 2019, with a quorum present. 

______________________________ ______________________________ 

Leonard Forsman, President Norma Jean Louie, Secretary