Overview
Title
2020 Census Tribal Consultation; Virtual Public Meeting
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government people from the U.S. Census are having an online meeting to talk with Native American tribes on February 18, 2021, so they can share important numbers and ask for tribe opinions. This is to make sure they listen to and work well with the tribes they recognize officially.
Summary AI
The Bureau of the Census, part of the Department of Commerce, is holding a virtual public meeting on February 18, 2021, to consult with tribal governments. This meeting is part of their effort to build strong relationships with federally recognized tribes and will cover updates on the 2020 Census Disclosure Avoidance System. Tribes are encouraged to share comments and provide input on how they use census data before the meeting. The Census Bureau prioritizes tribal involvement in decision-making processes affecting tribal governments, in accordance with Executive Order 13175.
Abstract
The Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau) will conduct its first calendar year 2021 tribal consultation meeting on February 18 via national webinar. The tribal consultation meeting reflects the Census Bureau's commitment to strengthen government-to-government relationships with federally recognized tribes. The Census Bureau will provide updates and seek input on the 2020 Census Disclosure Avoidance System (DAS). In preparation for the webinar, the Census Bureau request comments on various questions related to tribes' use of decennial census data.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document at hand announces a virtual public meeting scheduled by the Bureau of the Census, an agency within the Department of Commerce. This meeting, set for February 18, 2021, is part of the Census Bureau's ongoing efforts to consult with tribal governments. The primary objective is to strengthen government-to-government relationships with federally recognized tribes and discuss updates regarding the 2020 Census Disclosure Avoidance System. Comments and input from tribes on the usage of census data are invited to ensure their representation in decision-making processes that may impact them.
Summary of the Document
The virtual meeting is a platform for tribes to engage with the Census Bureau and voice their perspectives on the 2020 Census methods and data privacy measures. This forum will focus on how census data is utilized by tribes and aims to gather feedback to enhance data systems. The meeting indicates the Census Bureau's commitment to working closely with tribal governments, in line with Executive Order 13175, which mandates consultation and coordination with Indian Tribal Governments.
Issues and Concerns
There are several issues to unpack within this document:
Exclusivity in Consultation: The meeting targets only federally recognized tribes, which are given the consultation forum to express their views. While this satisfies the federal obligation to consult these tribes, it inadvertently leaves out non-federally recognized tribes that may also rely on census data but have no formalized channel for input.
Technical Language: The text includes terms like the "2020 Census Disclosure Avoidance System" and "American Indian and Alaska Native Geography Hierarchy" which may be challenging for those without specialized knowledge. This complexity limits accessibility for stakeholders who are not intimately familiar with census data or methodologies.
Assumptions on Data Proficiency: The document includes detailed questions aimed at understanding how tribes use census data. These questions presume an existing and precise understanding of various census data products, which may not be universally comprehensible without prior experience or knowledge.
Impact on the Public
For the general public, this document might appear relatively obscure, given its focus on specific tribal consultation processes. It affects those indirectly by potentially altering how census data is managed, especially in contexts where those data inform policy or resource allocation.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Positive Impact on Federally Recognized Tribes: These stakeholders stand to benefit significantly as the meeting offers a direct channel to communicate their concerns and preferences regarding census data usage. It could lead to more accurate data reflection and consequently, more tailored support or resources.
Negative Impact on Non-Federally Recognized Tribes: The absence of their inclusion means potential oversight of unique challenges or needs that these groups might face. It might also perpetuate a divide in how different tribal communities can leverage census data for their benefit.
In conclusion, while the meeting represents a focused effort by the Bureau of the Census to collaborate with federally recognized tribes, it also exposes gaps regarding inclusivity and comprehensibility. Addressing these issues could enhance the usefulness and fairness of census consultations across a broader range of stakeholders.
Issues
• The document does not specify any financial expenditures or budget allocations, making it difficult to identify potential wasteful spending.
• The document may appear to favor federally recognized tribes by specifically consulting them, but this aligns with the government's obligation to engage with these groups, potentially overlooking non-federally recognized tribes.
• Some language could be considered complex due to technical jargon, such as '2020 Census Disclosure Avoidance System (DAS)' and 'American Indian and Alaska Native Geography Hierarchy'.
• The example questions are specific but assume prior understanding of detailed Census data products, which may not be accessible to all readers without specialized knowledge.