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Our Mission

To provide social, educational, and economic development services to Southeast Asian residents in Marathon County, Wisconsin in order to enhance and strengthen their transition and integration into the local communities while preserving their cultural heritage.
 

Hmong Life in Laos

The Hmong migrated from southern China in the nineteenth century to the mountainous areas of Laos, Vietnam and Thailand. During the Vietnam War the Hmong worked with the American CIA in the "secret war" in Laos, and therefore were forced to flee their homeland after the victory of the communists. After spending time in refugee camps in Thailand, many Hmong settled in the United States, with large concentrations in California (ca. 75,000), Minnesota (ca. 40,000), and Wisconsin (ca. 40,000).

Have you ever wondered what life was like for a typical Hmong family in Laos?  The Hmong people were farmers, most living in small villages high in the mountains.  After helping the American CIA during the Vietnam War, the Hmong people were forced to flee for their lives.  Many were resettled in the United States.  The old way of life was very different from their new way of life.

There are only two seasons in Laos, the rainy season and the dry season.  It is warm year around.  Homes and other buildings are made of bamboo and wood.  There is no electricity for the mountain people, no machinery, and no roads.  The Hmong walk to their farms and carry home the produce.  All work is done by hand.  They grow and make everything needed to sustain the family.

Click on the links below to learn more about life in Laos. 
A typical year in the life of a Hmong family.

Hmong traditions such as Ball Tossing or Marriage.

Photo gallery of Hmong story clothes, tapestries and staff of WAHMA.

Message From The President

Many major accomplishments were made in 2002, making it a very successful year for our Wausau Area Hmong Mutual Association  (WAHMA).

In cooperation with the Southeast Asian community, WAHMA organized a 25th anniversary celebration in Marathon County in October.  Governor Scott McCallum, along with numerous community leaders and several hundred people were in attendance.  In November a Hmong New Year was organized with over three thousand people attending.  The celebration was enjoyed by local residents and those traveling from as far as Indiana and the Twin Cites.  The initial stage of securing a building location for a Hmong community center began by forming a committee to study the needs of our Southeast Asian population and its relation to the center.  The Hmong Community Center Feasibility Study Committee is expected to submit a complete report to the WAHMA Board by the end of August 2003.

The WAHMA Board's goal is to continue working on the community center project.  Seeking additional funding sources to support current programs and services also offers the challenge to balance the need to develop long term funding for new programs and services.   The Board will be scheduling planning sessions that strategically involve all levels of the community and it's needs, to aide in the process of identifying future fund development opportunities.

The WAHMA Boards extends its heartfelt appreciation to our Southeast Asian population, community leaders and the community at-large for their cooperation.  We have made a positive difference in the lives of many and with your on-going support we will continue to do so.

Chang Yang - President    

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