Woodbury City Council celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage
The Woodbury City Council held a meeting on June 10 to recognize Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month, during which community members shared insights into Hmong cultural traditions and the importance of food in building community bonds.
The meeting focused on celebrating the city's diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. A speaker highlighted Hmong cultural identity and heritage, explaining that the term 'Hmong' translates to 'people of the mountain' or 'Free People,' with roots in Laos. The presentation underscored how Hmong traditions have been preserved and passed down through generations in Woodbury.
Food emerged as a central theme in the discussion of Hmong community life. The speaker emphasized that traditional dishes—including a squash and pork dish and egg rolls—play a vital role in Hmong celebrations and gatherings. These meals serve as more than sustenance; they are vehicles for strengthening family connections and fostering unity among Lao Americans in the community.
Cultural expression through dance was also highlighted as an important part of Hmong heritage. The speaker discussed how dancing remains a meaningful way for community members to celebrate their identity and share their culture with others.
The meeting reflected the city's commitment to recognizing and honoring the contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander residents during AAPI Month, a nationwide observance celebrating the histories, cultures, and achievements of these communities.
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Source document
[0:03] My nationality
[0:04] is Hmong, and
I come from the country of Laos.
[0:08] The word Hmong stands
for people of the mountain,
[0:12] or the Free People.
[0:13] In the Hmong culture,
there is such thing called
[0:16] Hmong dancing.
[0:17] Hmong dancing
is a way to express yourself
[0:20] through dance
and to show people who you are,
[0:23] even though they don't know
what your culture is.
[0:26] What I want to share most
is that I'm a Lao American,
[0:28] and most of our culture
is from our food.
[0:31] In the Hmong community,
we love to celebrate with food.
[0:36] My favorite among food is a dish
that my dad makes,
[0:39] it's basically a mix of squash
[0:41] and pork and all the herbs and,
it's kind of exotic.
[0:45] But, you know, I love exotic.
[0:48] My favorite
Hmong food is egg rolls.
[0:50] I love egg rolls.
[0:52] You can't go wrong with egg
rolls.
[0:54] With food,
we get to spend more time
[0:55] with family
and that's just another way
[0:57] of showing our love
and getting connect with others.
[1:00] It brings the
community together, as one.
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