Census Bureau Issues Policy Statement Regarding Interactions with American Indian and Alaska Native Communities WASHINGTON, Nov. 10 - The Bureau of the Census, part of the Commerce Department, has issued a new policy statement governing how the government handles Native American population counts. A notice published in the Federal Register states that the policy statement issued this month differs from original drafts by changing the definition of a federally recognized Indian tribe - in response to comments; deletes the definition of the U.S. trust responsibility to Native Americans, after concerns were raised by the agency, and re-defines a number of policy principals. The new policy, developed in preparation for the 2010 census, goes into effect on Dec. 1. It was developed by Dee Alexander, program analyst, Decennial Management Division, Outreach and Promotions Branch, U.S. Census Bureau, Room 3H166, 4600 Silver Hill Road, Stop 7100, Washington, DC 20233-7100, telephone 301/763-9335. In the document, Census Director Steve H. Murdock wrote: "The government-to-government relationship with Native American tribal governments (adopted by previous administrations) was reaffirmed by President George W. Bush in a White House Memorandum dated September 23, 2004. Among other things, this memorandum directs the heads of executive agencies to continue to ensure that, to the greatest extent practicable and permitted by U.S. law, the agency's working relationship with federally recognized tribal governments fully respect the rights of self-government and self-determination due tribal governments." The policy statement is focused on how the Census Bureau will act, and the agency noted that it does not "create any right, benefit, or trust responsibility enforceable against the United States, its agencies, entities, or instrumentalities, its officers or employees, or any other person." The goal was to enhance the accuracy of the 2010 Decennial Census "by improving communications and encouraging greater cooperation with difficult-to-count populations." The following policy statements provide general guidelines to Census Bureau employees for actions dealing with AIAN governments. (1) The Census Bureau recognizes the unique government-to- government relationship between the United States and federally recognized AIAN tribal governments, as affirmed by the September 23, 2004, White House Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies and the AIAN policy of the DOC. (2) The Census Bureau acknowledges the trust relationship between the federal government and AIAN tribes as established by specific statutes, treaties, court decisions, executive orders, regulation, and policies. The Census Bureau's procedures for outreach, notice, and consultation will ensure involvement of AIAN tribal [[Page 64600]] governments, to the extent practicable and permitted by law, before making decisions or implementing policies, rules, or programs that affect federally recognized tribal governments. (3) The Census Bureau will consult and work with AIAN tribal governments before making decisions and throughout the planning and implementation of policy, rules, or programs that may affect tribes to ensure that tribal rights and concerns are addressed. Consultation will provide for, but is not limited to, mutually agreed-upon protocols for timely communication, coordination, cooperation, and collaboration. (4) The Census Bureau recognizes each tribal government as a functioning governing body that the Census Bureau will work with to count and collect data, as accurately as possible, of all residents living in AIAN areas. (5) The Census Bureau recognizes and invites tribal governments' involvement in the Census Bureau planning and implementation for censuses and surveys toward ensuring the most accurate counts and data for the AIAN population. (6) The Census Bureau will continue its partnerships with tribal governments to enhance awareness of all censuses, surveys, and geography programs, particularly those including residents living in AIAN areas. (7) The Census Bureau recognizes that there are distinct tribal protocols, cultural values, practices, religious beliefs, traditions, and climate conditions, as well as a tribe's authority over its land areas, that must be considered and abided by when conducting any census or survey in AIAN areas. (8) The Census Bureau recognizes the importance of effective and efficient coordination with other federal agencies in the planning process of any census or survey that will include AIAN tribal governments. (9) The Census Bureau acknowledges its responsibility to provide accurate demographic and economic data on AIAN populations and their businesses. The Census Bureau will work with tribal governments and other partners to encourage the participation of every resident living in AIAN areas. Federal Register Notice http://www.newswatchnativeamerica.com/FRNotices/081031.Census.pdf For further information, contact Dee Alexander, 301/763-9335.