Are Santa Clara County’s American Indians disappearing?

The 2020 census shows a 20% decrease in American Indians across Santa Clara County, perplexing city officials and fueling advocates’ concerns. 

For some, the decrease  – which amounts to over 800 individuals – is a surprise. But for those in the indigenous community, the drop raises questions of identity, not of departure. In fact, some believe the decrease is only happening on paper, and may be born from a struggle for recognition and identity.