The information collected by the census is an important tool for federal and tribal government decision making. The United States Constitution mandates a census every 10 years to determine how many seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives. Census data are used to help direct the distribution of billions of dollars in state and federal funding. Accurate data will help ensure equitable allocation of federal resources that are based on census data.

Census data help tribal elders and leaders understand what their communities need. Many tribal communities use census information to attract new business and plan for growth. In fact, many tribes and tribal organizations use the census data to plan new facilities and programs for the communities they serve. It is vital that the 2010 Census has an accurate count of American Indians and Alaska Natives.