We are independent scholars, researchers, students, and community members affiliated with Concordia University and other institutions that are interested in developing a strong understanding of the Hmong people.

Our vision is to create a high academic program of interdisciplinary study on the fundamentals of the Hmong identity, the places and the people who have made us what we are today as a vibrant community of diverse perspectives

In line with the mission of Concordia University, the Center for Hmong Studies believes in preparing students for dedicated service to God and Humanity.  Concordia University has played an important role in the welcoming of the Hmong community to higher education.  The Center for Hmong Studies will work to make Concordia University the University of Choice for Hmong and non-Hmong students and scholars interested in the field of Hmong Study.

• Through our teaching, we will make accessible Hmong history, culture, language, and people.
• We will find the foremost scholars to lecture and teach the courses.
• The Center will work with other universities to find the best resources to enable effective and stimulating dialogue and thought on the crucial components of Hmong in the world.

Our objective is to take Hmong to the world and invite the world to Concordia University Saint Paul.

Beyond a minor degree in Hmong Studies, the Center will offer an international conference every other year on topics that are beneficial and important to the Hmong, the ideas and philosophies, the current conditions and imminent challenges that question and answer who we are as a people, where we will be as integrated identities.  We will initiate scholarly research on topics that have not been studied, that need to be studied more in depth, and whose conclusions will shed light on necessary information that will strengthen the core of an academic and societal understanding of Hmong.  Through research and publication, teaching and curriculum, conference and convening, the Center for Hmong Studies will become a home for Hmong-related scholarship.

Comments from some of our visitors

“Very educational.”

“What a unique, cozy space! I learned a lot about Hmong culture today. Thank you.”

“Thank you. Gorgeous exhibit.”

“Awesome.”

“What a great resource.”

“Great exhibit. Really enjoyed it.”

“Amazing.”

“Very informative.”

“Inspiring and eye opening.”

“Interesting and informative.”

“Very interesting. I learned a lot and it helped me with my research project.”

“Beautiful – with gratitude.”

“Thanks for the education.”

“Thank you for allowing us to view the exhibit.”

“Yay! I finally made it to the Center for Hmong Studies. A dream come true.”

“I love this place, the vibe it gives is unexplainable.”

“Would visit again any day.”

“This place is awesome. It’s great to see the changes of the Hmong from places to places – great visual.”

“What a wonderful testimony to the Hmong culture and tradition.”

“Thank you so much for providing this wonderful center to learn more about the Hmong people. God’s Blessings. “

“This was epic.”

“it was awesome. I love the library.”

Since the establishment of the Center in 2004, it has accomplished the following:

1. Have accumulated over 2,000 books, academic papers, 200,000 documents,  artifacts and audio/video items related to the Hmong people worldwide.
2. Organized and hosted six International Conferences on Hmong Studies, which drew more than 180 presenters/scholars and over 3,000 participants from throughout the world.
3. Provided more than ten lectures and eight film discussions relating to Hmong life; attracting combined audience members exceeding over 3,000.
4. Hosted Dr. Gary Yia Lee, a former faculty member from the University of Sydney, Australia as the Centers’ first Scholar in Residence and Professor Long Yuxiao of Guizhou University as a Fulbright Scholar, and Professor Huang Xiurong of Zhong Qing China as a visiting scholars.
5. Developed and Launched the first Minor in Hmong studies in the world.
6. Facilitated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Concordia University and Guizhou University for Nationalities and Guizhou University in Guizhou Province, China.
7. Conducted five academic tours to China, Laos, and Thailand for staff, student, faculty and community members since 2006.
8. Published selected papers from the First International Conference in Hmong Studies entitled, The Impact of Globalization and Trans-nationalism on the Hmong.  
9. Received over 15,000 guests/visitors from throughout the world.

Hmong Media Coverage

• Hmong Times

Hmong Nonprofit Organizations

• Hmong American Partnership

Hmong Doctoral Websites

• Dr. Gary Yia Lee

Others

• Hmong Community Forum
• Southeast Asian Resource Action Center

Minors in Hmong Studies

In the fall of 2006, the Center for Hmong Studies launched the first Hmong studies minor in the world, with seven core Hmong-specific courses.  The minor offers undergraduate students the opportunity to explore the culture, history and language of the Hmong people throughout the world.  It is a good way to apply methods or ways of thinking from one?s major to a particular part of the world. It also allows students to use the region of Asia as well as the Hmong as a case study for work in their primary discipline.  The minor will also provide a unique opportunity for students to augment their knowledge, language skills and cross-culture expertise in a region and a community that is of strategic and global importance.

Dr. Gary Yia Lee, a world renowned Hmong scholar from Australia, became the Center for Hmong Studies? first Scholar-in-Residence in 2006.  After gathering feedback from Hmong scholars throughout the world as to what courses should be developed, Dr. Gary Yia lee was then asked to develop the minor and taught it until conclusion of his residency in 2007.   The minor is comprised of the following courses:

–         Introduction to Hmong Studies;
–         Introduction to Hmong History;
–         Hmong Culture and Society;
–         Hmong Literature and Art;
–         Hmong Cosmology and Beliefs;
–         Reading and Writing for Hmong;
–         People and Culture of Southeast Asia/China

Non-Concordia University students and community members can audit the courses for a nominal fee.  To learn more about the minor or to find out
what classes will be offered and when, please call Lee Pao Xiong at 651-641-8870 or email at [email protected].

Since its inception, the Center for Hmong Studies has had the privilege of bringing many outstanding scholars of Hmong Studies to Concordia University and the community at large.  We have had guests from around the world:  Dr. Yang Tinghsua of China, Dr. Gary Yia Lee of Australia and Dr. Kou Yang of the USA?to name a few.  The Center has also held book reading for Dr. Chia Youyee Vang as she released her latest book, Hmong American Reconstructing Community in Diaspora.

The Center recenlty recently assisted 2007 World Series of Poker champion, Jerry Yang, launched his book entilted All In: From Refugee Camp to Poker Champ.All of our lectures and symposiums are free and open to the general public.  Check our Calendar of Events link for our latest scheduled lectures and events.

On March 10th and 11th, 2006 the Center for Hmong Studies convened the first international conference on Hmong Studies.  Titled The Impact of Globalization and Trans-nationalism on the Hmong? the Conference brought together over 500 scholars, researchers, and community members from around the world, each from a unique perspective on what it means to be interested in the scholarship around Hmong.

The Center is now planning for the 7th International Conference on Hmong Studies, which will take place from April 6-7, 2018.  Check our conference website for updates and registration information.

The Center for Hmong Studies organizes several tours to Asia each year.

• In November of 2000, 26 individuals participated in a two week tour of China.  They visited the Great Wall, sailed down the Guilin River, and visited the National University of Kunming.  The group experienced an authentic dinner in a Hmong village.  They learned about the Hmong as an ethnicity of wide ranging diversity in China.
• In January of 2005, students and faculty participated in an academic tour of Thailand, the only country in Southeast Asia that has never known the presence of colonial rule.  The group studied the multiple facets of Thai society:  its history, language, culture and people.
• In January of 2007, the Center for Hmong Studies hosted a course in China.  Fifteen students from Concordia University and interested community members attended a two week sojourn through China?s great landscapes and historical grounds.  The course focused on the development of the country and its people, the trajectories of history and modernity, the contentions of place.
• In January of 2010 the Center sponsored a two week tours to Thailand and Laos.
• From December 27, 2011 to January 15, 2012, the Center sponsored a trip to Thailand Laos.

All of tours are open to the public.  If you have interest in joining us, please email to Lee Pao Xiong at [email protected] or 651-641-8870.

These are just some of the exciting opportunities through the Center for Hmong Studies.

The Center spearheaded several community engagement activities.  They include:

1. Haiv Hmong radio, a weekly public affair program about the Hmong people and issues affecting the Hmong community. The radio program is broadcast live every Wednesday night from 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm on KFAI Radio 90.3 FM in Minneapolis and 106.7 FM in St. Paul or Streaming live on the World Wide Web at www.kfai.org.
2. Speakers bureau.  Since 2004, Center staff has been asked to keynote many events within the community.  Activities included keynoting addresses for two Hmong New Year celebrations and countless graduations ceremonies.
3. Non-profit board membership.  Because of expertise, staff have served on several non-profit boards, such as Friends of the St. Paul Public Library and the St. Paul Public School Foundation.

The Center for Hmong Studies takes great pride in the partners that we have within Concordia University, the rest of the country, and the international world in advancing the field of Hmong Studies.

Within Concordia we are working with:  The Southeast Asian Teacher Licensure Program (SEAT), the Hmong Culture and Language Program and the Hmong Oral History Project.  In the St. Paul, we are working with Hmong Academy, General John Vessey Jr. Leadership Academy, Community School of Excellence charter schools (institutions sponsored by Concordia University) and the Hmong Mutual Assistance Association of Minneapolis. The Center for Hmong Studies is also home to the Hmong Arts Connection (formerly known as Hmong American Institute for Learning).

We are proud of our network of resources across the country.  We correspond and actively engage with scholars from all over the United States of America.  We work closely with organizations from other states who are interested in learning more about our mission and our projects.

Internationally, we are working with Guizhou University and Guizhou University for Nationalities in China in the areas of:  research exchanges, student exchanges, faculty exchanges; and publication exchanges.

What we are we able to offer to Students

1.  An international education;
2.  Research skills;
3.  Human relation skills;
4.  International travel opportunities;
5.  Career enhancement opportunities;
6.  A life changing experiences;
7.  Access to over 3,000 books, DVD, CD and 200,000 documents about the Hmong people worldwide

The Center for Hmong Studies provides an important service to the community. We are a forum for thoughts and ideas on Hmong Studies. We have been featured in a variety of media.

The following are a few selected newspaper articles about the Center for Hmong Studies  or where the Center for Hmong Studies’ director was quoted:

• Dr. Lee Discusses Hmong in America at Concordia University
• What’s Next for the Center for Hmong Studies
• Dr. Gary Yia Lee Discusses the Origins of the Hmong
• Dr. Gary Yia Lee
• Hmong Minnesota Student Association Heritage Day
• Roger Warner Discuses Laos War at Concordia University
• Hmong Center Received $50,000 
• Center is first of its’ kind
• Concordia Offers Hmong Language Class
• Jerry Yang, Poker Champ Visits Twin Cities
• NPR Next Generation Radio
• Hmong migration to Minnesota
• Ten things about Hmong culture, history and language
• Film, play explore the generational impact of war
• Hmong Immersion Program in Sacramento
• American Legion Post 1975
• McDonald Sign Translation
• ABC of Hmong
• Celebrating and reflecting on Hmong history and culture
• History through textiles
• Hmong International Film Festival
• Lutheran and Hmong in Minnesota
• Vang Verdict
• Qualities of Leadership
• Confirmation of GVP’s death
• Radio Operator Reunion
• Response to Hmong Country people
• 4th International
• 5th International Conference
• 6th International Conference on Hmong Studies
• 6th International Conference on  Hmong Studies
• Colonel Bill Lair Vigil
• 6th International Conference on Hmong Studies
• http://www.tpt.org/americas-secret-war/
• https://www.mprnews.org/story/2017/06/09/st-paul-hmong-american-gymnast-leaps-toward-olympic-dream-and-history
• http://www.startribune.com/once-secret-cia-records-reveal-gift-of-ancient-stone-jar/448830723/
• https://nonprofitquarterly.org/2017/12/04/nonprofit-strengthens-immigrant-farming-community-common-land-ownership/
• https://www.twincities.com/2017/02/21/super-bowl-host-committee-awards-100000-to-st-paul-parks-and-rec-for-sepak-takraw-courts/
• https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/super-bowl-grant-brings-first-u-s-courts-southeast-asian-n730696
• http://aapress.com/ethnicity/hmong/prof-kou-yang-publishes-the-making-of-hmong-america-forty-years-after-the-secret-war/
• http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-veterans-of-the-cia-s-secret-war-seek-an-honorable-burial/434692633/
• http://www.lillienews.com/articles/2017/02/26/nation%E2%80%99s-first-sepak-takraw-courts-be-built-east-side

The Center for Hmong Studies is home to a rotating display of informative and engaging exhibitions, offering a rare and fascinating insight into the diversity and richness of the Hmong cultures. Our exhibits feature objects from our collection, such as traditional handmade clothing and textiles, jewelry, handicraft and household tools, historical documents, photos as well as ritual and religious artifacts.

Currently, we are displaying some of the panels from the Minnesota Historical Society’s recently closed We Are Hmong Minnesota Exhibit, enhancing it with our collection to make this exhibit informative and educational for those with interest in learning about the Hmong history, culture, and language.

We also have an exhibit about how the Hmong came to know Christ and the many missionaries that came to ministered to the Hmong in Laos.  The exhibits are free and open to the public.  For more information, contact Lee Pao Xiong at 651-641-8870 or [email protected].

Approximately $ 50,000 is needed for program support. Some of these program cost included but not limited to the Scholar in Residence program, the semi-annual International Conference on Hmong Studies, artifact acquisition, preservation and public lectures, book readings,  film showing, the many exhibits that we put together for the general public.

Our goal is to raise $5 million to provide sustaining support for the Center for Hmong Studies well into the future.