Having the title of Miss Indian World means Cheyenne Kippenberger carries some clout across Indian Country. The former Miss Florida Seminole, from the Hollywood Reservation, has been helping lead an online movement that stresses the importance of being counted in Indian Country for the 2020 Census.

“I beg you to please complete the 2020 Census. This 9 question questionnaire will be used to determine funding, political representation and data for our community for the next 10 years. 10 minutes of your time provides enough support to uplift our communities and future generations for years to come!,” she posted on Facebook in September.

Kippenberger and other royalty from throughout Indian Country have been posting photos of themselves holding signs such as “Indian Country Counts” and “Be Counted.”

Representation compiled in Census data helps determine federal funding for programs and grants. Questionnaires can be completed online, by phone or mail. For more information, go to 2020census.gov or call (844) 330-2020.