Native American and Tribal Governments

Historically, individuals residing in California’s Tribal communities are among the least likely to respond to the decennial Census. That is why the state California Complete Count – Census 2020 (Census Office) has woven outreach to Native American and Tribal populations throughout each of its outreach and communication efforts.

The California Census Office Policy

In September 2011, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. issued Executive Order B-10-11 requiring all State of California agencies and departments to encourage communication and consultation with California Indian Tribes. Accordingly, the Census Office adopts the California Government Operations Agency’s Tribal Consultation Policy (attached) which memorializes its commitment to strengthening and sustaining government-to-government relationships between California Indian Tribes and the State of California. 

Open and respectful communication with tribal representatives is essential. The Census Office will engage in early, inclusive and frequent communications with Tribal leaders regarding any issues that may arise pertaining to or potentially impacting Tribes.  In addition, the Census Office will designate a high-level member of executive staff to serve as the California Census Tribal Liaison. This information will be maintained on the Census Office website and the Governor’s Tribal Advisor’s website.

Summary of Tribal Outreach Engagement:

California Census Office – Tribal Government Liaisons  

Kayla Olvera Hilario, Tribal Affairs Specialist 

U.S. Census Bureau Contact

Jessica Imotichey, Partnership Coordinator

Past Webinars and Consultations

2018 Tribal Consultations and Webinars

Statewide Tribal Outreach and Engagement Webinar – January 8, 2019 – Webinar Invitation

Three Tribal Government consultations were conducted in October and November 2018 in Trinidad (Northern California), Sacramento (Central California), and Pala (Southern California).

  • Southern California Regional Consultation – October 10, 2018 at Pala Casino Spa and Resort
  • Northern California Regional Consultation – October 11, 2018 at Trinidad Rancheria
  • Central California Regional Consultation – November 15, 2018 at the Sacramento State Downtown School of Public Affairs

2019 Tribal Consultations and Webinars

Census 2020 – Southern California Regional Tribal Consultation
September 10, 2019
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Pala Spa Resort & Casino 

Summary: 

Census 2020 – Central and Northern California Regional Tribal Consultation
September 25, 2019
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Sierra Health Foundation

Summary:

Funding and FAQ

Tribal Government Funding

The California Complete Count – Census 2020 Office recognizes that Native American and Tribal Communities have historically been undercounted in the U.S. Census Bureau’s decennial census and has set aside funding specifically for outreach and communication efforts targeting these populations.

Tribal Governments will be awarded funding agreements to conduct Census outreach activities in their geographical service areas. Funding tiers are based on housing units ranging from $1,000 funding agreements for Tribal Governments with 25 to 49 housing units to $50,000 for those with more than 10,000 housing units.

  • Tribal Funding Agreements ($316,500)—On Nov. 30, 2018, the Census Office sent letters to 68 Tribal Governments, offering funding agreements to conduct Census outreach activities in their geographical service areas. The deadline for Tribal Governments to respond was March 15, 2019. The Census Office will release all funds directly to Tribal Governments upon approval of their outreach plans.

Any portion of this funding not claimed by Tribal Governments will be diverted to the State’s Statewide Community Based Organization Contract to be used specifically to reach Native American and Tribal Communities.

In addition to these Tribal Funding Agreements, the state Census Office will target Native American and Tribal Communities through the following funding vehicles:

  • County Contracts
  • Regional Administrative Community Based Organization Contracts
  • Statewide Community Based Organizations Contracts
  • Media and Public Relations Contract

Tribal Funding FAQs

How will Tribal Governments be awarded funding?
Tribal Governments will be awarded state funding agreements to conduct Census outreach activities in their geographical service areas.

How much funding will be available to Tribal Governments?
The State has established the following funding tiers based on housing units (HU):
- Less than 25 HU = $0
- 25 to 49 HU = $1,000
- 50 to 99 HU = $2,500
- 100 to 249 HU = $5,000
- 250 to 9,999 HU = $10,000
- More than 10,000 HU = $50,000

What is the timeline for Tribal funding?
Nov. 30, 2018 – State distributed Tribal Funding Agreement letters
March 15, 2019 – Deadline for Tribal Governments to request funding
March 15, 2019 – Outreach Plan due
June 30, 2020 – Final Report due

Are there restrictions for how the funds can be used?
Funding must be utilized for Census outreach efforts within Tribal communities, and Tribal Governments will be required to provide outreach plans for state approval.

What happens if a Tribe does not receive funding and how will Tribal members who live outside of a Tribe’s service area be reached?The State will work with community-based organizations to reach Tribal populations outside of Tribal service areas, specifically targeting American Indian and Alaska Native individuals through statewide community-based organization outreach efforts.