Census Bureau focuses on American Indian count

EAGLE BUTTE, S.D. The U-S Census Bureau wants to get a more accurate count of American Indians who live on reservations.

To do that, it's started a project in South Dakota to test new counting methods.

An accurate count is important because it means a tribe gets all the federal money it's entitled to.

Census Bureau Director Louis Kincannon says Indians have been difficult to count because they often live in remote areas without regular addresses, and many are reluctant to answer questions from strangers.

The new counting method will emphasize door-to-door visits by local people to get information rather than sending a form in the mail. Tribal officials also will try to make sure people know the importance of cooperating.

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March 2006 Reports

Last updated on March 20, 2006