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Care
Page The Hmong came to the United States as refugees of the Vietnam War. Today, it is more widely known that the Hmong fought a “Secret War” in Laos during that time on behalf of the United States’ Central Intelligence Agency. After the war, some Hmong families immigrated directly to Minnesota. Others arrived through secondary migration from other states, such as Wisconsin and California. Many elders came to America so that their children could have a chance at a new life, without knowing how this move would dramatically affect their lives. While many of their children have thrived in this country, the elders feel far away from home. For them, their modest farmland and villages back in Laos were home. Families made a living by helping one another on the farm with crops and livestock. Elders were constantly surrounded by family members. Now, they have been transplanted from their familiar surroundings and expected to live in a completely different environment, taste unfamiliar foods, and learn a new language. The Hmong brought with them a belief system that is more of a way of life than a religion. Hmong Animism is based on the belief in helper spirits who protect one’s family from harm and illness. This set of beliefs guides many aspects of Hmong life, from birth to death. It is so integral to Hmong life that it also provides guidance as to where elders should live, namely with their sons. However, as the Hmong culture continues to adjust, as subsequent generations of Hmong become influenced by Western society, and as more Hmong turn to Christianity and other religions, some of the animist beliefs may change along with these trends. It is also important to know about Hmong seniors’ experiences with literacy and how that affects their situation today. Most Hmong elders are not able to read and write their own language, which makes it even more difficult to learn English. The written Hmong language was not developed until the 1950s. Many seniors did not have opportunities to attend school in their home country, so learning to read and write is difficult. Despite the specificity of this report to the Hmong community, readers may find to varying degrees, that many other cultures struggle with similar issues. However, we invite readers to try and understand that the issues that Hmong seniors and their adult children face are exacerbated by immigration to a completely different country. The way they live, work, and interact with one another have changed drastically in the last 25 years. Excerpts
from and modification of: New Country, New Home: Exploring Housing Preferences
of Hmong Seniors, Focus Groups with Hmong Seniors and Adult Children,
Aging Initiative, Minnesota Department of Human Services, April 2000.
For the original publication, contact the Minnesota Department of Human
Services, 444 Lafayette Road North, Saint Paul, MN 55155. Information
Desk phone: 651-297-3933. www.dhs.state.mn.us
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