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HNA NEWSLETTER
A newsletter from
the Hmong Nationality Archives for it's friends.
Vol 1, Issue 1, Spring 2001 PAGE 1 |
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| Preserving Our Heritage |
| What would a Hmong person from 200 years ago tell you about
life? How about someone from 4,000 years ago? What did they
think about? How did they live? What were their biggest problems?
What were their biggest dreams? Now, what would you tell a Hmong person from the future about your life today? How would you want them to remember you or your friends and family? What would you use to show them what Hmong life was like? The Hmong Nationality Archives in St. Paul, Minnesota is taking the first major steps to help our people answer these questions. We have formed the first international institution dedicated to collecting and preserving Hmong history around the world. It’s a big task, because many of the most important clues to the Hmong history are now scattered over five different continents, nearly a dozen countries, and fifty states, in the hands of individuals, families, governments, and private collectors. The Hmong Nationality Archives is working with scholars, community leaders, and Hmong families to assemble one of the most complete records of our history that will provide a lasting legacy for future generations. “It won’t be easy,” said Executive Director Bryan Thao Worra. “Many Hmong don’t realize how unique and important many of their possession are. Many items that would be good to help people understand the Hmong culture are poorly preserved or extremely fragile. If we are going to preserve Hmong culture, everyone needs to help.” Among the special projects the Hmong Nationality Archives are undertaking this year is promoting oral history in the community. Board members and volunteers like Yuepheng Xiong, Chor Yang and Tzianeng Vang have been very busy interviewing Hmong to record their stories. |
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