The U.S. Census Bureau will spend nearly a year to conduct field testing for the 2010 Census on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota.

From July through August 2005, census workers will travel through the reservation to identify every housing unit. Between March and May 2006, census workers will visit every residence to conduct the actual count.

"This project is designed to evaluate many systems and procedures planned to be used in conducting the 2010 Census on reservations," said Louis Kincannon, the director of the Census Bureau.

The Census is conducted every 10 years. The 2000 count showed 2.5 million American Indians and Alaska Natives in the U.S. The figure grows to 4.2 million when people who claimed multiple races are included.

The Census typically undercounts American Indians living on reservations. The 2000 undercount ranged between 2.77 percent and 6.71 percent, the highest in the nation except for Native Hawaiians.

To apply for 2006 Census Test jobs, call the Cheyenne River Census Field Office at (605) 964-1990 or toll-free at (877) 744-1522.

Relevant Links:
U.S. Census Bureau - http://www.census.gov
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe - http://www.sioux.org

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