A brief history of Indigenous data with the U.S. Census Bureau: An ongoing commitment to reaching the American Indian and Alaska Native community.

This article outlines the U.S. Census Bureau’s longstanding efforts to accurately count the American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) population, emphasizing collaboration with AIAN communities through tribal consultations, partnerships, and culturally informed methodologies. It traces the history of AIAN data collection from the 1790 census to recent innovations such as self-identification, tribal enrollment questions, and the establishment of the Tribal Affairs team and Tribal Relations Program. The Bureau also provides various data tools and resources, including My Tribal Area and Narrative Profiles, to support access to AIAN demographic and socioeconomic information. Key statistics from the 2020 Census highlight the size and diversity of AIAN populations, including federally recognized tribes, reservations, and veterans.