Hmong Times Posted Article: Uniting Hmongs And Native Americans

Uniting Hmong And Native Americans

Even the Hmong Times website posted an article about Uniting Hmongs and Native Americans.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012 | By Amy Doeun | Wednesday, November 14, 2012 | Www.Hmongtimes.Com | Discover how the Indigenous Education Symposium fosters unity between Hmong and Native American communities, focusing on cultural exchange, language revitalization, and educational empowerment.

Uniting Hmong and Native American Communities: A Look at the Indigenous Education Symposium

The Indigenous Education Symposium, held annually in La Crosse, WI, has become a beacon of cultural collaboration and understanding between Hmong and Native American communities. From November 8-11, 2012, this symposium brought together educators, community leaders, and students to share knowledge, explore mutual challenges, and strengthen cultural ties. Hosted by Widening the Circle Indigenous Education Institute and supported by organizations like the Ho-Chunk Nation and the University of Wisconsin, this event underscores the shared values, challenges, and aspirations of these two communities.

Bridging Cultures Through Education and Language Revitalization

The Hmong and Native American communities share a unique bond, rooted in both their rich cultural traditions and the challenges of maintaining cultural identity within modern society. During the symposium, leaders from both communities emphasized the importance of language revitalization as a key aspect of preserving their heritage. By crafting a Hmong Education Bill and exploring language retention practices, attendees addressed the pressing need for educational policies that reflect their cultural identities.

Symposium Highlights: Workshops, Celebrations, and Cultural Exchange

The event featured over 40 workshops, with topics ranging from traditional art forms to contemporary issues like historical trauma and cultural bias in education. Presenters like Tou Saiko Lee and Kabzuag Vang led discussions on social and cultural resilience, while hip-hop artist Tall Paul and spoken-word performer Tou Saiko Lee brought a modern touch to cultural celebration. This dynamic mix of traditional and contemporary art forms allowed attendees to experience both the richness of their heritage and the evolution of their cultures.

The Four Pillars of the Indigenous Education Symposium

Widening the Circle, the organization behind the symposium, outlined four central goals for the event:

Culturally Responsive Education: Providing educators and students with a model of multicultural and Indigenous education that values both Native and Hmong perspectives.
Relationship Building: Facilitating connections between educators and community members to foster better understanding and support.
Bias Awareness and Deconstruction: Encouraging educators to examine and challenge their biases, creating a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.
Curriculum Enhancement: Offering strategies to incorporate Indigenous histories, cultures, and contemporary issues into curricula, fostering respect and understanding.

These pillars not only support educational growth but also nurture cross-cultural empathy and mutual respect. Through these workshops and discussions, educators and community members learned how cultural education can become a tool for fighting oppression and promoting inclusivity.

Addressing Historical Trauma and Healing

One of the symposium’s key focuses was “Historical Trauma.” Led by presenters Kabzuag Vang and Christine Munson, discussions centered on how generations of displacement, poverty, and colonization have impacted both Hmong and Native American populations. This approach to healing through cultural understanding is pivotal in helping communities move forward while honoring their pasts.

The Road Ahead for Hmong and Native American Collaboration

As the only collaborative event of its kind between Hmong and Native American communities in the United States, the Indigenous Education Symposium sets a powerful example of unity through education. By sharing resources, histories, and traditions, these communities are crafting a future that honors their heritage while addressing contemporary issues like educational inequities and cultural erasure.

For more information about the symposium and future events, visit ACT 31’s website or contact Mai Xiong at 608-433-6958.

The Indigenous Education Symposium is not just an event but a movement that showcases the strength found in unity, cultural preservation, and education as a force for positive change.