"the People's Paths!" NAIIP News Path! - Urban American Indian Population

Urban American Indian Population
"Drastically Under-counted in 1990 Census"

From Michelle Garcia, AICCC
Friday, March 17, 2000

LONG BEACH, CA - Los Angeles and Orange Counties are home to the nation's largest urban American Indian population. This population was drastically Under-counted in the 1990 census, resulting in a devastating loss of vital services to American Indians in the Los Angeles area. School-age children and foster children were particularly Under-counted, necessitating Census outreach to educators and foster parents. Outreach to the American Indian community regarding the importance of participation in Census 2000 is essential because the community has a significant distrust of the federal government.
In addition, the American Indian Complete Count Committee (AICCC) must educate American Indians on how to fill out the census form correctly, because the slightest discrepancy can result in individuals not being counted as American Indian when the census data is tabulated. The AICCC recommends that those who identify themselves as American Indian should mark ONLY AMERICAN INDIAN on the race question, NAME THEIR TRIBE, and answer NO to Hispanic Origin.
An accurate count of the urban American Indian population is crucial because Census 2000 affects the entire American Indian community, locally and nationally, especially in terms of funding for programs serving American Indian families and children.
The American Indian Complete Count Committee has been formed to assist in the complete count of Urban American Indians in Los Angeles and Orange counties for Census 2000. The Committee is comprised of American Indian: Social Service Providers; Business Groups; Educators; and leaders from the Entertainment, Arts and Athletic industries. Our purpose is to educate the American Indian community on the importance of the Census and to ensure a better result than the 1990 Census, in which the under-count left our community without many vital services. For more information, see our web site, AICCC.

Contact information:
American Indian Complete Count Committee
"Of Los Angeles & Orange Counties"
Michelle L. Garcia (AICCC)
Manager Leadership Development
Public Affairs, GO-1, Room 312
Phone: 626-302-4886 ~ PAX: 24886 ~ FAX: 26870
Email: garciam2@sce.com

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