Widening the Circle: Hmong and Native American Communities Unite for Education and Cultural Revitalization

Explore the powerful collaboration between Hmong and Native American communities at the Widening the Circle Indigenous Education Symposium, fostering unity and cultural revitalization.

Widening the Circle: Hmong and Native American Communities Unite for Education

In La Crosse, WI, a unique collaboration has brought together two vibrant communities: the Hmong and Native American peoples. Despite their distinct histories, these groups are finding common ground in their shared cultural values and social challenges. The Widening the Circle Indigenous Education Symposium, held from November 8–11, 2012, serves as a beacon for education, language preservation, and cultural revitalization.

A Gathering of Traditions

The symposium provides a space for educators, community members, and leaders to explore Indigenous education practices and build bridges between cultures. This year’s event features keynote speaker Dr. Gregory Cajete presenting “An Ecology of Indigenous Education” and highlights over 40 workshops led by notable advocates like Dr. Anton Treuer, Patty Loew, and Tou Saiko Lee.

Language and Culture Revitalization

Workshops cover essential topics such as language revitalization and crafting a Hmong Education Bill, offering actionable insights for teachers and future educators. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of preserving linguistic heritage and traditions, ensuring their transmission to future generations.

A Celebration of Community

The event also features artistic performances by regional hip-hop and spoken word artists like Tall Paul and Tou Saiko Lee, providing creative outlets for youth and fostering cultural pride. Attendees can also participate in unique activities, including a Rethinking Thanksgiving traditional foods dinner, a historic trauma training, and a Young Artists Workshop for youth empowerment.

Building Lasting Connections

Widening the Circle is more than a symposium — it is a consortium formed by partnerships between the La Crosse Hmong Mutual Assistance Association, the Ho-Chunk Nation, UW-La Crosse, and other institutions. Together, they work to bridge cultures, deepen understanding, and address contemporary issues impacting Indigenous communities.

Why This Matters

As the only national collaboration between Hmong and Native American communities, Widening the Circle is a powerful reminder of the potential for unity and shared growth. Through mutual respect and education, these communities are paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.

For more information, visit Wisbusiness.com or contact Matthew Stewart at Indigenouseducation@gmail.com.

References and Further Reading

• Widening the Circle Indigenous Education Symposium: A Gathering of Traditions: Hmong And Native American Communities Come Together to Teach Critical Education | 10/29/2012 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Contact: Matthew Stewart | Phone: 608-781-5744 | E-mail: Indigenouseducation@Gmail.Com | Www.Wisbusiness.Com | The La Crosse area Hmong and Native American communities have increasingly started to recognize that despite broad differences in their respective histories, they share many similarities in culture and social issues as Indigenous Peoples.