TULALIP — U.S. Census data provides the basis for how more than $1 billion in annual federal aid is sent to American Indians, paying for homes, roads and job programs.

The Tulalip Tribes want to make sure locals get their fair share.

The group is putting on its own census event for American Indians from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today, giving away prizes to encourage people to turn in their census forms.

“It’s an example of how a community — in this case, the Tulalip nation — is going outside the box to make sure their folks are counted,” said Leland Dart, manager of the Everett census office.

Census forms arrived in mailboxes across the country in mid-March. Every household has been asked to mail them back by Thursday — National Census Day.

During the Tulalip event, people who turn in completed forms may win small digital cameras, iPods and more. People with questions about the census also can get help at the event.

George White, spokesman for the Tulalip Tribes, said American Indians historically have been undercounted during the census. Outreach events like today’s seek to right that wrong.

“We’re basically looking at a certain target audience that’s under-represented in the census,” White said. “And we’re providing the additional assistance to get them to come out, fill it out and turn it in.”

Andy Rathbun: 425-339-3455, arathbun@heraldnet.com.

Tulalip event

The Tulalip Tribe will host a census event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the Tulalip Tribal Gym, 6700 Totem Beach Road, Tulalip.

More info: 360-716-4525