After the trauma of the Secret War in Laos, Hmong women in refugee camps began stitching their history onto cloth. This traditional art, called paj ndao or flower cloth, had been used for generations to record traditions and cultural identity, passed from mother to daughter. In the late 1970s in Thailand, the art took on a new purpose as women created story cloths that depicted their escape from Laos, the dangerous crossing of the Mekong River, and their life in the camps. These textiles became

Immerse yourself in the Hmong New Year celebration in the La Crosse Region on September 20-21, 2025! 🎉 Located in 📍West Salem, WI at the Veterans Memorial Park this full day celebration is a tribute to tradition, community, and renewal. Rooted in centuries-old customs, this gathering honors the ancestors by giving thanks for the past year’s blessings, and welcome a future of hope and opportunity. Listen to traditional music, lively dance shows, taste delicious Hmong food and watch their high i

See how Duabcii Crystal Vang (Duabci Vang) is helping connect traditions of the past to the present day in the Fox Valley in the new episode of Wisconsin Life! This Duab Ci Dance Academy coach teaches Hmong dance to youth, blending traditional styles with modern influences. Watch the full episode 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, on PBS Wisconsin, pbswisconsin.org/wilife, the free PBS app on all digital devices and smart TVs or right here on Facebook! | PBS Wisconsin