Video Testimonial Transcript Jacqueline Johnson Executive Director National Congress of American Indians
For Native Americans, we really, really want them to participate in the Census because we have small numbers, and every number counts and every person counts. But because we have such a reliance and a relationship with the federal government – as far as our programs, the delivery of our health care services, our housing programs, our education services – it’s absolutely critical that we have this information about the individuals that reside in our communities, or identify themselves as Native Americans. The numbers from the Census data make real differences in tribal communities. I would have to say probably more that any other community in the United States. We want to be able to make sure our numbers count. In order for people to feel comfortable to open up their doors to let somebody in, it’s easier to let in someone from your own community that you know and trust than someone outside in a suit, coming in to visit. And so, we believe, and I think the data proves, that we get a better count when we have our own people working in our own communities. We need tribal leaders to make sure that they get the word of mouth out. Because if people in their communities see the leadership, giving the message that doing this – engaging in and participating in the Census gathering information will be important to us and our future generations – they’ll feel a need to participate.