Nída’haa níídzin dóó Níjaanídizin, We are Important and We Matter

By: Roger Beyal, Navajo Nation, Generation Indigenous Ambassador

“Yá’át’ééh, My name is Roger Beyal Jr, Ádóone’é nishłínígíí’éí (My Clans are) Tó Dich’ii’nii (Bitter Water Clan) nishłí. Kin łichii’nii (Red House Clan) ‘éí bá shíshchíín. Naneesht’ézhí Táchii’nii (Charcoal streaked of the red running into water Clan) dashicheii aadóó Ma’ii deeshgiizhnii (Coyote Pass Clan) dashinálí. I am Diné from the Navajo Nation and I reside in Brimhall, NM. 

Why is the 2020 Census Important? 

The 2020 census is important because if we’re able to provide the adequate numbers of Indigenous youth across the country, it will enable us to have proper representation and visibility for our people.

It will ensure that all nations receive adequate funding for housing, education, and health care. So that indigenous communities will have a sustainable and better future.

The Census also provides proper representation for all Native nations to ensure we will have visibility in the decision-making process.

Being counted will show that we are still here and have not faded into history because we as Indigenous people have been faced with many endeavors to erase our existence and to take the remainder of our lands.

It only takes 10 minutes to complete, but it will define who we are for the next 10 years. 

The census is a way to show that we will not be forgotten and the resilience of our ancestors will remain for future generations to come, because Nída’haa níídzin dóó Níjaanídizin, We are important and We Matter.