Tribe unsatisfied with the way the U.S. Census Bureau counts their members and other American Indians have recourse under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA).

With undercounts among Native Americans the highest in the nation, the challenges can result in benefits for tribes. The Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria in California was counted as zero in the 2000 Census but after performing its own recount, the tribe saw its federal housing money rise from $25,000 to $69,000.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development approves any tribal recounts. The new numbers don't affect the official Census count, however.

According to published reports, more than 100 tribes have challenged their numbers. But HUD officials say not every tribe finishes the process. Some fail to submit all the necessary information.

Get the Story:
HUD Program Aids Tribes (The Washington Post 3/2)

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