The United States Census Bureau held a Tribal consultation last week on proposed regulation changes governing residence criteria and demographic questions for the 2030 census. If adopted, the rule would fundamentally change how the 2030 census counts every person in the U.S.
In one example, the proposed rule would remove the race/ethnicity questions—erasing all data about American Indian and Alaska Native populations across the country. This change would significantly impact funding for Tribal Nations and Tribal organizations related to housing, transportation, childcare, and other services that protect Native children and strengthen Native families.
Census data is essential to shaping political representation, federal funding decisions, policy development, and planning essential programs and services for Native children and families.
NICWA encourages Tribal Nations to review these regulation proposals and provide written comments on these critical changes.
Tribal leaders and their designated representatives can
submit written comments for the official record until November 2, 2026.
Tribal serving organizations and urban Native organizations are also encouraged to submit comments before the November deadline.
You can submit comments electronically by visiting
Please share this notice with other Tribal leaders, staff, and Tribal partners. You can view NICWA's draft comments below, that will be updated after the Tribal consultation on October 2, 2026.
