Hmong Times Posted Article: Uniting Hmongs And Native Americans

Uniting Hmong and Native Americans: A Cultural and Educational Collaboration

Explore the powerful collaboration between Hmong and Native American communities at the Widening the Circle Indigenous Education Symposium, uniting cultures for education and healing.

Uniting Hmong and Native Americans: A Cultural and Educational Collaboration – In November 2012, the Widening the Circle Indigenous Education Symposium brought together Hmong and Native American communities in La Crosse, WI. Hosted by the Widening the Circle Indigenous Education Institute and its many partners, this groundbreaking event emphasized cultural exchange, education, and healing.

The symposium celebrated the shared values and challenges of Hmong and Native American peoples, highlighting topics like language revitalization, historical trauma, and multicultural education. Over 40 workshops provided attendees, including educators, students, and community members, an opportunity to connect with Native and Hmong elders, artists, and leaders.

The four main goals of the symposium were to:

Foster culturally responsive and Indigenous-focused education models.
Build relationships to deepen understanding of Indigenous communities.
Challenge biases and stereotypes in education systems.
Inspire inclusive teaching methodologies rooted in Indigenous histories and values.

Participants also enjoyed a vibrant celebration of arts featuring hip-hop and spoken word performances by Tall Paul and Tou Saiko Lee, showcasing the resilience and creativity of Indigenous cultures.

This event, the only collaborative effort of its kind between Hmong and Native American communities, exemplifies how uniting diverse cultures can address social issues and promote healing. Learn more about the Widening the Circle symposium and its ongoing mission at www.act31.weebly.com or contact Mai Xiong at 608-433-6958.

By building bridges of understanding and shared purpose, the Hmong and Native American communities continue to inspire others to embrace collaboration and cultural appreciation.