Across Native American reservations, housing shortages and overcrowding continue to worsen. Families often live with 15 to 20 people in a single home, sharing one bathroom and limited resources. These conditions make it harder for children to focus on school, for elders to stay safe, and for families to build a stable future. Without enough housing, many communities struggle to break the cycle of poverty and overcrowding.
Federal funding for tribal housing depends on census data. However, inaccurate census counts often undercount Native populations, leading to fewer resources and fewer homes being built. In Dewey and Ziebach counties, the 2010 Census reported 8,100 residents, but local leaders estimate the real number is closer to 10,000 or 12,000. This gap reduces funding, worsens overcrowding, and makes it nearly impossible for tribal housing programs to meet demand.
Federal census methods often fail to reflect the realities of tribal communities. Many Native households include multiple generations under one roof, but standard census questions do not account for that. In addition, mistrust of federal surveys discourages participation, leaving many families uncounted. As a result, population figures remain inaccurate, and the funding formulas based on those numbers fail to meet actual needs.
To address this issue, five tribes launched the Dakota Housing Needs Assessment Project, a tribal-led census project focused on collecting accurate data about population and housing conditions. Unlike federal surveys, this project is led by tribal members who understand their communities. Local researchers go door to door, gathering detailed information to create a more trustworthy and complete count of residents.
This census project offers a more effective approach to data collection. By involving local researchers, it builds trust within communities and encourages greater participation. The survey methods are designed to capture the realities of tribal households, including extended families living together. By replacing outdated census figures with real numbers, this project provides the evidence tribes need to secure proper funding for housing programs.
More accurate census data leads to stronger housing solutions. With better population counts, tribes can advocate for fairer funding, improve housing availability, and reduce overcrowding. Accurate data is the foundation for lasting change, ensuring Native communities receive the resources they deserve.
Watch the video to see how this project is making a difference.
