My current about was about an article I read, "Census Bureau Tackles Undercount of Native Americans." It explains that the bureau has been trying to get more Native Americans to fill out the census. Native Americans were first added onto the census in 1870; although before then some Indians were counted if they gave up their cultures and followed assimilation. In 2000, a little more than half of the Tulilip Reservation residents took part in the census. Since then people like Roberta Belinich, a resident of the tribe, have been going door to door around the reservation. She found that one person was ill and didn't want to be troubled, but everyone else was very cooperative about filling it out. Most people didn't even know what the census was, or they just didn't realize it's importance. Getting an accurate population count helps tribes to recieve their fair share of federal funds. This helps with infrastructure. Other ways of getting people to do their census is by putting up fliers and having census parties to spread the word. This year 72% of households mailed in their census forms, so these efforts have been working. Some Native Americans are skeptical when it comes to working with the government because there are still issues with trust. The Tulalip chairman says, "We do not forget our history, but we're looking forward with optimism."
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2011962971_nativecensus27m.html
PROBING QUESTION: How is the census related to power in America?
I think that the census is related to power in America because by having an actual count of the Native Americans they can be equally represented and get the resources that need. As Jess mentioned, "getting an accurate population count helps tribes to receive their fair share of federal funds. This helps with infrastructure." So by getting an accurate count the Native Americans will receive more power and better resources.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Cassia. The census will give Native Americans some power because it tells the government details like how widespread poverty is and other similar problems. Contrary to the trust issues some Native Americans have, the government has no intention to take more power from the tribes. By filling out the census for the government, much needed federal funds will come in more abundant supply, as needed by the numbers gathered by the census. With more money in the tribes' hands, they have more power to decide what to do. For example, the tribes could invest in more alcoholism prevention programs as it seems to be a prevalent problem. And in a chain, if alcoholism is subdued, other problems may begin to fall in a domino effect. Ultimately, the census is one of the beginnings for more power among the tribe.
ReplyDeleteI definetely agree with Cassia and Christian. The funds they would receive if they properly filled out the census would increase largely and this could allow them to lower the unemployment rates and allow the tribes to be in better conditions. Christian's example of the domino effect is a great example. Once they can eliminate major problems, they can then go on to succeed at creating local jobs on the reservation for me people. If there are more available jobs on the rez, I think the people that people will not have to resort to leaving the rez to find jobs, and that way the rez has a chance to prosper.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone, if they start participating in the census more often, they can be equally represented and be given more money that they need to jump start their issues. The census relates to power because if they start filling out the census, and receive more funds, they can start to deal with issues they are dealing with and soon get a better way of life going to give them some sort of power, more than they have now.
ReplyDeleteThe Census is related to power because it directly affects who is in control of the country and who isn't.It directly effects who can get funding to better themselves, and who is in office to make that funding happen.
ReplyDeleteThe census is really directly related to power in America. The number of representatives in government is selected by the amount of people in a given area. Also it shows how many Native Americans are on each reservation. More people would most likely result in more funding. Like Christian said it would basically fall into a domino effect.
ReplyDeleteThe census is related to the power in America because it shows who exactly has more power in the country and who is lower class just like Justin has said. I also agree with cassia's response if the Native Americans had filled out the census they would be able to get the founding they wanted and would be able to get help with everything. The census is very important to the world and without its actual effect on the Native Americans they technically don’t exist in the world.
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