Finally tonight, the next major U.S. national census is in 2030,

but this year the Census Bureau will be conducting field tests to try to come up with better ways

to count the most hard-to-reach populations.

Places like remote Alaska where during the last census, officials came up with an innovative plan

to count one of the most remote villages in that state.

Here's Matt Phobian from PBS Alaska.

Alaska is known as the last frontier for its harsh winters and vast remote landscapes.

But for more than 150 years, it's also been, by tradition, the first place Americans are counted

in the national census.

Oh, great.

You're the school principal.

In 2020, it all began in the small town of Nunukoyek, known in English as Tukesuk Bay,

located along the state's southwest coast by the Bering Sea. That year, the U.S. census counted just 672 people.

Most of them are Alaska natives, members of the Upeg people.

Including James Sipri, whose family has lived in this area for generations.

This village used to be a fishing camp and my grandfather's camp winter and summer for the

survival of his families.

Today, survival for many in Tuxik Bay depends on federal and state funding.

Get the rest of the stuff.

Vital resources that help cover the cost of housing, health clinics,

and supplies for the only school here.

But as state demographer David Howell explains,

...