Support for Census 2000.

WHEREAS, the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) was established in 1969 for the purpose of advocating, planning, and promoting the unique and special education needs of American Indian and Alaska Native people; and

WHEREAS, NIEA, as the largest national organization of American Indian and Alaska Native educators, administrators, parents, and students in the United States, provides a forum to discuss and act upon issues affecting the education of Native people; and

WHEREAS, through its unique political relationship with Indian nations and tribes, the federal government has established education program resources to meet the educational needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives residing both on and off their reserved or non-reserved homelands; and

WHEREAS, the United States Census Bureau is required by the Constitution of the United States to conduct a census of the population every 10 years; and

WHEREAS, Census data are used for reapportionment of seats in the Congress, drawing federal, state, and local legislative districts, and monitoring and enforcing civil rights statutes, including the Voting Rights Act of 1965;and

WHEREAS, Census data are used for making decisions at all levels of government, that the federal government uses Census data to allocate billions of dollars in federal funds annually for community programs and services including education programs, housing and community development, health care, services for the elderly, and many more; and

WHEREAS, state, local, and tribal governments use Census data for planning and allocating funds for school construction, public buildings such as libraries, highway safety and public transportation systems, new roads and bridges, location of police and fire departments, and many others; and

WHEREAS, community organizations use Census data for developing social service programs, community action projects, and child care center locations; and

WHEREAS, Census data are held confidential for 72 years and, by law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual’s records with any other government agency, including welfare agencies, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), courts, police, and the military.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE NATIONAL INDIAN EDUCATION ASSOCIATION joins the U.S. Census Bureau in its goal of achieving a complete and accurate count in Census 2000, particularly among population groups who have been traditionally undercounted in past census counts;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT THE NATIONAL INDIAN EDUCATION ASSOCIATION will publicize its endorsement of Census 2000 through its own publications, urging its full membership and the public to cooperate;

AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED THAT THE NATIONAL INDIAN EDUCATION ASSOCIATION will assist the Census Bureau with recruiting and promotion efforts, and will encourage local chapters and affiliates to work with the local Census staff in their areas to obtain a full and accurate count for Census 2000.

SUBMITTED BY: The NIEA Board of Directors.

CERTIFICATION

I do hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was duly considered and passed by the NIEA Board of Directors at its October 16, 1999 meeting in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at which a quorum was present.