Overview
H.E.M.P Campaign
HEMP is a capital campaign to raise funds to expand the HmongTown Marketplace immersive learning experience, develop a Hmong American Museum, and build a Hemp-to-Hmong textile farm demonstration.
While "hemp" is often misunderstood in the U.S.—wrongfully associated as marijuana—it is, in fact, one of the most essential sustainable plants in many global cultures, including Hmong for its use as paper, natural oil, nutrition, fabric, and building material. For generations, Hmong have used hemp not only for its utilitarian properties but also to craft extraordinary textiles and clothing. Hemp is widely revered and used by Hmong to prepare final garments for loved ones passing into the afterlife.
By claiming the word "hemp," we affirm both the need for a paradigm shift for Hmong to be seen and understood, and the pursuit of a prosperous life seeded in our 1) ancestral power of resilience and ingenuity 2) the strength of our clanship when interwoven together and 3) beauty and wisdom embedded in our language, history and culture.
campaign Projects
"HmongTown 2.0" - Maplewood
Integrating learning programs and community events into the development of Pan Asian Center.
Hmong American Museum
The development of a museum featuring historical and modern-day Hmong accomplishments that honors the past and inspires the future.
Hilltribe Hemp Village
Hilltribe Hemp Village
The development of 20 acres in Afton, MN into a hemp-to-Hmong textile demonstration farm replicating traditional tools and weaving practices found in Southeast Asia Hmong villages.