The Ute Indian Tribe is working to increase Tribal Self Response for the 2020 Census. According to Coralys M. Ruiz Jimenez, Denver Region Tribal Media Specialist, “The overall Self Response rate for the Tribe, as of August 3rd, is 29.2%, with their highest tract showing a 32.8% Self Response Rate. The Uintah and Ouray tract facing the biggest challenge is the western region, which includes areas around Duchesne pacing at just 14.2% Self Response. Currently 18.1% of the respondents did so via the www.My2020Census.gov website. Their 2010 Self Response rate concluded at 33.3%.” To help increase efforts, the tribe has organized two drive thru events. One will take place at the Ute Plaza Supermarket in Fort Duchesne today, August 6th, from 11am to 2pm. The second will take place on Friday, August 7th, from 10am to 12pm. Bring a smart phone and the Census Code from the Census Packet if you have it. Members of the Emergency Management team and Census employees will be on site to answer questions and to help people complete the 2020 Census questionnaire. The Tribe reminds all respondents to list all Tribal Affiliations on the form and to list the full name of the Tribe(s), for example, “Ute Indian Tribe of Utah.” Census Enumerators will begin visiting homes that have not responded by August 11th. The best way to avoid a visit from the Census is to respond to the questionnaire using your Census Code. All members are urged to respond online, by phone at 844-330-2020, or at locations like the Drive Thru events on August 6th & 7th.
