United States Census 2010
A VOICE FOR THE GENERATIONS TO
COME AND FOR THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE
ABOUT THE 2010 CENSUS
The foundation of our constitutional republic here in America is based soundly on the fair and equitable representation of the peoples at the municipal, county, state, and federal levels. To achieve this endeavor, the government often relies on a census. The census dates back to the Romans and has been used as an accurate way to assess the number and location of the people living within the nation’s borders. The U.S. Constitution mandates that the government conduct a census of the population every 10 years.
Based on the particular make up, government incentive programs can be launched to reach targeted demographics. Health agencies can launch awareness campaigns to thwart the progression of certain chronic ailments known to pervade certain demographics. The same can be said for educational assistance campaigns so that historically poorer demographics may have access to the information that they need in order to get the education that they need to compete in our ever-changing globalization-based market. Of course, these are only a few, small examples of how the census is used. In total, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, some $400 billion in government aid, grants, and other support will be doled out according to the results from the 2010 Census..
The 2010 Census is unique in that it includes questions now that assess how we are living in America. Moreover, it is the second only of its kind in U.S. history to allow the citizenry to list multiple racial groups. Already, thanks to the 2000 Census, the growth of the American Indian population in Florida outpaced real growth rates in Florida. The Florida Tribe of Cherokee Indians, based on our own data, believe that this trend will increase as more accurate methods are developed to take the census. And, unlike other government programs, where you often have to show a pedigree chart, go through an enrollment process into a tribe, etc. the US Census doesn’t make you show proof of your claim. You are simply to be honest, answer 10 little questions, and accurately state your race. So, if you are of mixed heritage, just list every racial group that comprises your mix. Specifically, if you are of Native American mixed blood, list that as well (i.e., Cherokee/Tsalagi, Choctaw, Creek/Muscogee, etc.).
INTERESTING AMERICAN INDIAN DEMOGRAPHIC FACTS
| 8.6 Million | The number of American Indians estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau to be living in America by July 1, 2050. Many in this number will include people of multiple race heritage who claim some sort of American Indian tribal affiliation in addition to other racial history. |
| 29% | The percentage of American Indians in America, age 5 and older, who speak a language, other than English, at home. |
| 11 | Some 61% of the American Indian population live in only 11 U.S. states. These states hold more than 100,000 American Indians each. Florida is one of these 11 states along with Alaska, Arizona, California, Michigan, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Texas. |
| 545,403 | The number of American Indian families reported in 2008. Of these, only 321,430 were married. Of that number, 2008 reports indicate that 145,691 were married with their own children, under the age of 18, living at home with them. |
| 29.7 | The median age for the typical American Indian reported in 2008. The median age for the U.S. population, as a whole, was 36.8. Approximately 30% of all American Indians are under the age of 18 while only about 8% are older than 65. |
| 76% | The percentage of American Indians, age 25 and older, with at least a high school diploma. Only 13% had at least a bachelor’s degree. |
(Source: United States Census 2010 Atlanta Region Partnership Program)
LOCAL NEED FOR THE 2010 CENSUS
The 2010 Census information is particularly important for local American Indian populations here in Florida as since a 2001 repeal of Florida’s state recognition laws has effectively cut tribes off, in most circumstances, from having a voice in government decisions. Pockets of Florida, especially Northwest Florida, historically has a higher than usual rate of Native Americans tribes other than Seminole or Miccosukee. By the U.S. Census Bureau employing better data collection techniques, it is our hope that the American Indian population figures for Florida will reflect numbers, appreciable by governmental officials, so that we have proof to show the need for special education programs, special diabetes and other chronic ailment awareness, and special economic growth incentive programs.
Many of these programs would be used by, and help people of, multiple racial groups ranging from Caucasians to African Americans to Hispanics to Asians and more. Certain programs are specifically tied to Native American populations reflected in census data. $3 billion in aid, grants, and other support is specifically allocated to help American Indian communities through the American Recover and Reinvestment Act. The White House has proposed an additional $17 billion in American Indian aid, grants, and other relief for the 2010 fiscal year’s budget. It is crucial, if you are of mixed American Indian blood, specifically if you are of Cherokee, to list that on your census survey. It only takes 10 minutes to answer 10 small questions whose impact on this area could last a lifetime.
For more information, please either visit the US Census Bureau at www.census.gov or contact the Florida Tribe of Cherokee Indians at 850-623-5679 or 850-564-4484.
The Florida Tribe of Cherokee Indians, Inc. is registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services as Registration #CH29301. Pursuant to Florida Statute 496: “A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.”