This document was created as a tool to help tribal leaders prepare for the U.S. Census Bureau’s consultations on the 2020 Census. This tool contains background materials and information on the following elements of the upcoming census:

• Enumeration (the act of counting a population)
• Communications
• Partnerships
• Classification and tabulation of response data
• Geography
• Recruitment for census jobs

Each section related to the above topics contains discussion questions. Your input on these discussion questions or other issues is requested both before and during the consultation meetings.

This document also responds to common concerns about participation in the census, provides a brief history of the census within American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) populations, identifies the changes that are planned for the 2020 Census, introduces the American Community Survey (ACS) and the Data Dissemination Program, and provides contact information for Census Bureau regional offices.

All tribal governments are encouraged to share insights, make recommendations, and discuss issues or concerns about the 2020 Census at the upcoming consultations. Your input will help the Census Bureau prepare for a more effective, accurate 2020 Census for AIANs. This document provides information to help tribal leaders make informed decisions and join the discussion about census operations in preparation for the 2020 Census.

Tribal leaders are encouraged to submit comments and feedback about the topics covered
in this document by February 2015, using one or more of the three options below:

• Submit your comments by mail. Send comments to:
  Dee Alexander
  Intergovernmental Tribal Affairs Specialist
  c/o U.S. Census Bureau
  4600 Silver Hill Road, Room 8H160A
  Washington, DC 20233
• Submit your comments by email. Send comments to:
  dee.a.alexander@census.gov
• Bring your comments to the consultation meeting.