Census bureau to conduct 2026 field test in Cherokee
In 2026, the United States Census Bureau is conducting three field tests in “American Indian Areas” to prepare for unique challenges presented in those areas ahead of the 2030 census. Last week, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Council voted to approve the field test.
“Due to unique challenges surrounding data collection in American Indian Areas, the Census Bureau is particularly focused on improving engagement and outreach practices with tribal nations to increase participation,” the approved resolution reads.
Three representatives from the Census Bureau were present to discuss what people can expect from the field test. They were introduced by EBCI Public Health and Human Services Director Anita Lossiah, who headed up a recent EBCI internal census project. Lossiah told council that she was happy with the results of that effort.
“The online and electronic participation was higher than the state and national average so we’re very proud of that,” Lossiah said.
Unlike the U.S. Census, which is mailed to individual homes in addition to being accessible online, the EBCI Census was administered solely online. In a Smoky Mountain News story published last year, Lossiah said her team was not doing any door-to-door outreach to connect people with resources to complete the census but has been working to get the message out on multiple channels.
The results of the tribe’s census will be used to determine the weighted votes for council members based on the populations of the communities represented. Voting outcomes on the 12-person Tribal Council are calculated using a weighted voting system, with the value of each member’s vote ranging from six to 12, depending on the population of the community they represent.
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Along with complying with tribal law and determining the weighted vote, the census also collected a wide array of data, including members’ housing situations, health, personal priorities and even Cherokee language proficiency.
“I think that might be one of the reasons they’re interested in us is because we’ve been active in doing our own census,” Lossiah said last week.
Daniel P. Doyle from the Census Bureau noted that the 2026 field test will look to those living on the Qualla Boundary and other EBCI lands like a “traditional census.”
“We will send enumerators and field staff out and they’ll be knocking on doors,” he said, adding that completion of the census can be done using a paper form or online. “We will offer multiple modes of participation.”
Principal Chief Michell Hicks asked what benefits the tribe may see from its participation in the field test. The trio explained that helping the census bureau hone its practices helps all federally recognized tribes in the long run.
“An accurate count helps with funding for the tribes… so getting an accurate count is important,” said one of the Census Bureau representatives who identified herself as a Tribal Relations Specialist and member of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. “We apply for different grants through tribal nations, whether through HUD or other agencies, and they use whatever data when it comes to funding and handing out grants. We’ll see what works in Indian country before 2030.”
Test sites will be announced July 22.
