Helping Tell the Story of Our Community
Each month, a small number of households across the Port Gamble S’Klallam Reservation are randomly selected to participate in the American Community Survey (ACS). If your household receives an invitation, we encourage you to respond.
The ACS is conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau and provides important information about our communities, including housing, employment, education, transportation, and other demographic information. While answering a survey may feel like a small act, the data collected helps shape decisions that affect tribal communities across the country, including grant funding, infrastructure investments, housing programs, and educational opportunities. Information from the ACS helps tell the story of who we are today and what resources our community needs tomorrow.
As Grants Director and Tribal Census Liaison for the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, I regularly use census and ACS data to support grant applications and demonstrate community need. Whether we are seeking funding for housing, transportation, education, health services, or economic development, reliable data helps strengthen our applications and improve our chances of receiving resources for our community.
Meet Our Tribal Relations Specialist
The Census Bureau’s Regional Tribal Relations Specialist for our area is Alaina Capoeman-Davis, a citizen of the Quinault Nation. Alaina has served two Decennial Census tours with the Tribal Partnership Program and currently works with Tribal Nations throughout Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, California, Nevada, and Hawaii. She holds a bachelor’s degree from The Evergreen State College and an MBA in American Indian Entrepreneurship from Gonzaga University. In addition to her professional work, she is active in her canoe family and is a regalia maker. Alaina works closely with local Census Bureau field representatives, including Chuck Perry, who assists with ACS outreach and in-person follow-up visits for selected households.
Is the Survey Legitimate?
Yes. The American Community Survey is an official U.S. Census Bureau survey. Households are selected through a random sampling process and may be contacted by mail, online invitation, telephone, or an in-person Census Bureau representative. Participation helps ensure the information used to make funding and planning decisions accurately reflects our community.
Understanding Community Concerns
As Tribal Nations, we have valid reasons to be cautious about government data collection. At the same time, we know that decisions about funding, housing, infrastructure, education, and community services are often made using the data available. By participating in the American Community Survey and asking questions when we have them, we can help ensure that the story being told about our community is accurate. We encourage community members to connect with Census Bureau representatives Chuck Perry and Alaina Capoeman-Davis, who are committed to working respectfully with Tribal communities and helping residents understand the importance of the survey.
Together, we can ensure Port Gamble S’Klallam is accurately represented and positioned to receive the resources and opportunities our community deserves.
Questions about the ACS?
Contact Roxanne Hockett
Grants Director & Tribal Census Liaison
Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe