INTRODUCING THE HMONG PEOPLE

Can Cau market Flower Hmong (By Arian Zwegers )

On February 7th, several members from the Minneapolis WFWP chapter attended a workshop given by the Hmong Nationalities Organization (HNO). For those of you who may not be familiar with the Hmong people, they are a distinct ethnic group with ancient roots in China. They are generally from the hilly mountainous areas just south of modern China and currently consider Laos their country.

During destructive wars in Laos, many Hmong people migrated all over the world. There are about 200,000 Hmong people in the United States, with heavy concentrations in Minnesota, California, and areas of Wisconsin. From 1975, Hmong refugees have come and made the Twin Cities metro area of Minnesota their home. They now number around 66,000. The largest populations of Hmong people live in China, an estimated two to three million.

At the workshop, Dr. Xoua Thao, MD who is the current president of HNO spoke about human rights issues, affirming that all humans have the right to live, the right to be treated as equals, and the right to freedom of religion. Then Mrs. See Thao, an attorney, talked about human trafficking. Finally, Mai Ker Vang gave a synopsis of her recent trip to Laos. She also introduced WFWP with a lot of heart and highlighted how WFWP works to solve human rights issues including human trafficking.

After the workshop, many people were very interested in learning more about WFWP and wanted to see how they can get more information and help with WFWP's cause. The WFWP chapter distributed flyers inviting people to an event on March 21st.

Currently and coincidentally, there is an exhibit at the Minnesota Historical Society called "Hmong in Minnesota". To find out more about the Hmong People, you can visit their website:

http://www.minnesotahistorycenter.org/exhibits/we-are-hmong-minnesota

Hmong men's traditional clothing

Contemporary Hmong Clothing in America

Flower Hmong Rammed Earth Building Technique in Northern Vietnam