Immigrants

Thalia Estrada was five years old when she left her native Peru. Fearful that terrorism in Lima could kill them, her parents arranged for Thalia and her brother to fly to the United States. Thalia started school within a few days. She learned a new language, got used to a new culture. Over time, Minnesota became home.

Sandy'Ci Moua and Kuoa Fong Lo, coming from different cities and without knowing one another, each proposed panel discussions on the new wave of shamanism for the 2013 Hmong National Development [HND] conference in Fresno, CA from April 5-7. HND, a national, non-profit organization, advocates national policy for a united, thriving Hmong-American community. Every other year, they hold a conference to bring together members of the community to network and dialogue and to celebrate their accomplishments. This year's conference, the 20th annual conference, is a three-day affair and events are held to educate and promote discussion amongst the attendees about pressing issues for the Hmong community.

Shamanism is alive and well in the Hmong community today: a typical weekend for any Hmong person in this day and age is usually booked with family engagements. Whether it’s a spirit calling for a newly born baby, a weekend-long funeral guiding of a soul into the afterlife, or a ceremony to heal, protect, and bless a family, Hmong shamanistic engagements are commonplace. However, due increasingly to the fact that younger generation Hmong have had to assimilate into American culture, many elements of the culture have begun to diminish, including the understanding of shamanism and its very central role to Hmong culture. Furthermore, there is a severe lack of resources for the younger generation to tap into the spiritual side of their heritage. Enter Sandy’Ci Moua and Kuoa Fong Lo—two individuals willing to share their stories and help anyone who may need the support along the way.