​Hmong History and Cultural Studies Model Curriculum Project

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Hmong History and Cultural Studies Model Curriculum  hhcsmc.ucdavis.edu  

The Hmong History and Cultural Studies Model Curriculum (HHCSMC) is a set of open-source lesson plans, primary source documents, planning resources, teaching strategies, and professional development activities designed to enhance existing courses or support educators in course development. Curriculum development was driven by community voices as per Assembly Bill 167 and Senate Bill 369. Collaborators included researchers, writers, and community members, many of whom are Hmong. The curriculum is designed to assist K–12 educators in teaching about the histories and cultures of Hmong people. This includes:  

• The history of the Hmong people who lived in Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and China

• The history of the Hmong migration to the United States and California, as well as other parts of the world

• The cultural beliefs, practices, and traditions of the Hmong people, including, among other things, Hmong New Year​ celebrations, marriages, newborns, and funerals

• The contributions of the Hmong people to California and the United States

• The contributions and sacrifices of the Lao-Hmong and other Southeast Asians who served in the “Secret Army” in Laos, which the United States Central Intelligence Agency funded

Hmong Oral Histories

Oral histories constitute an essential part of this project. In May 2025, The Fresno Center (TFC), a non-profit organization that serves Southeast Asian communities, conducted oral interviews with three local Hmong Americans as part of the “Refugees of the Secret War” panel at the Hmong History and Cultural Studies Model Curriculum Conference in Fresno, California. Moualia Vu, Kao Lee Vang, and Cher Teng Yia Thao bravely shared their stories as “a Widow of War,” “a Hmong Woman of War,” and “an Interpreter of War.” The overwhelming response to this session inspired these panelists and the Fresno Center to conduct a more expansive oral history project with additional members from the Hmong community. Many community members wished to preserve and share their life stories and memories, which included the daily life and trauma endured to escape Laos; the time spent in refugee camps in Thailand; and the journey to, and settlement in, the United States, particularly California.

The purpose of this section is to showcase Hmong stories and perspectives, and for these interviews to be used as a set of resources for the Hmong History and Cultural Studies Model Curriculum. To view additional oral history videos, visit the Fresno Center YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@thefresnocenter6529

“Widow of War,” Interview with Moulia Vue
https://youtu.be/cRgH394Ju9c?si=m6sGzKOWcmuIb14C
Widow of War

“Hmong Women of War,” Interview with Kao Lee Vang 
https://youtu.be/yFh_8_a2Usc?si=QE8bn3VmQ75asijY
Hmong Women of War

“Interpreter of War,” Interview with Cher Yia Theng Thao
https://youtu.be/m7XVqk0dx8w?si=gn7iaYkRvmXdekRA