U.S. Census Bureau- Tribal Relations Program
The Census Bureau collects data for the AIAN population and publishes specific counts, estimates, and statistics. This data drives billions of dollars to tribal communities. In 2021 the Tribal Relations Program was created, there are four Tribal Relations Specialists and a Coordinator building relationships with each tribal nation in the country. They focus on key areas:
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Liaison Program: Each Tribal Nation has been asked to appoint a Liaison as the main point of contact to support accessing tribal lands for survey interviews, eg. provide protocols for accessing tribal lands, receive email updates and attend quarterly virtual Liaison meetings.
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Free Training: Your Tribal Relations Specialist will provide a one-hour Tribal Census 101 virtual training. Data training with a census data expert using tribe specific examples is also available. Great free resource for Grant Writers, Tribal Planners, etc.
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Ongoing surveys: The American Community Survey happens each month, a sample of tribal housing units are randomly selected. Please encourage your community to participate! American Community Survey Resources for AIANHow to Identify a Census Employee: Tribal members can confirm the legitimacy of a survey and field representative visiting homes for surveys through a few verification methods. Click Here
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Preparing for the Decennial Census: Tribal Consultations have begun and more events are planned. Stay up to date here: 2030 Census
The Tribal Relations Specialist for Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Nevada and California:
Alaina Capoeman (Quinault), MBA
Tribal Relations Specialist
Los Angeles Regional Office | Field Division | Los Angeles Region
U.S. Census Bureau
E: alaina.j.capoeman@census.gov
M: 818.319.7437
census.gov | @uscensusbureau
