The National Congress of American Indians is encouraging American Indians and Alaska Natives to participate in the 2010 Census.

Historically, American Indians and Alaska Natives have been the most undercounted group. The lack of accurate numbers affects federal funding and political representation.

“We know Indian Country faces many hurdles to an accurate census. The state of New Mexico, which includes Native America, has one of the highest undercounts in the nation. But our future greatly depends on it,” Derek Valdo of Acoma Pueblo, who serves as an area vice president of NCAI, said at an Indian Country Counts press conference, The Cibola Beacon reported.

NCAI is working with tribes and Alaska Native villages to promote more participation in the 2010 Census.

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Tribes urged to participate in 2010 census (The Cibola Beacon 3/30)

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