"Whatever the reasons, past census counts have poorly represented minority populations such as Native Americans, one of the nation's most undercounted groups.

The Native American population was estimated to be undercounted by 12 percent in 1990. But local efforts during Census 2000 and this year's count have greatly reduced that number to less than 1 percent.

This is not only important for improving the relationship between the federal government and Native Americans, but also to get an accurate count for groups to receive federal funds, imperative especially now as budgets continue to tighten

Local campaigns on reservations have proved successful to inform Native Americans of being counted. For Census 2010, the Tulalip Tribes' return rate on the census form hit 70 percent last month, compared with 54 percent in 2000.

The Census Bureau's strategy has been to work with groups like the National Congress of American Indians and to seek out enumerators with tribal roots or residences. Local tribes have held census parties and placed ads on cable channels and billboards."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Getting an accurate tally of the first Americans (The Seattle Times 6/1)

Related Stories:
PBS: Census eyes a better count on California reservations (5/31)
Tulalip Tribes report 70 percent participation in 2010 Census (5/27)
Joe Garcia: Accurate Census count vital for Indian Country (5/20)