Hmong Class UMN Twincities

Students in AMES 3766 Hmong Textiles and Identities learned about story cloths through the lens of resilience. They learned how to create their own stories on cloth. We used felt for ease of practice and then they are assigned to share why they chose these stories. What is it about their own Identities. What did they learn about Hmong identity through the cloth and through resilience. These are some samples.

In AMES 3766, students learn about multi-faceted Hmong identities across the globe using textiles, motifs, and indigenous textile art. Students also learn about Hmong subsistent farming practices and self-sustaining lifestyles. Students are tasked to create two Hmong outfits (from an assigned country) per group, using motifs and art that they've learned about in class. They are challenged to practice the method of sustainability, by using only materials they already have in their lives. Nothing bought. It is exciting to see them put newfound knowledge to use right away in the classroom, all the while, learning about Hmong identities through the lens of equity, social justice, and representation. Can't hardly wait to see the final products during final presentations week!

It's that midterm projects time of year! This year, students learned about the traditional Hmong homes and tools. They were tasked to create their own and share with the class on a "village walk" visiting everyone's homes. They had to ask questions about other students' houses and also answer questions about their own. I walked around listening, and if I didn't get to hear certain students enough, I asked them about their homes too. I graded them on the projects they created, and on the ability to ask others questions as well as answering about their own. Project-based and immersive learning is my fav way to measure student growth. (And if students were missing something or created something that was inaccurate, I asked about it, and gave them grades based on their explanations). Growth grading is more valuable than deficit grading.

In Hmong Textiles and Identities class, students learned about the art of Story Cloth and Crosstitch. They also learned about Hmong resiliency during the refugee camps, turning ancestral embroidering skills into artwork so that they could earn money to survive in the camps and at the markets. Students not only learned the significance of the art, they also learned how each embroidery type is created. They were tasked with doing a site visit to one of the Hmong markets in search of key Hmong embroidery styles: Green Hmong specific embroidery, White Hmong specific embroidery, story cloths, crosstitch, appliqué, and reverse applique. They also had to create one piece and share about the experience (not required to be complete, so many of the pieces are just at the beginning stages). It was fun to hear when many of them talked about how 4-5 hours flew by while they focused on these. I'm so proud of them and sharing some here.
Note: for crosstitch, they could also use markers instead of actual needle and thread. One of the student's mom had such a great time helping him that he wanted mom in the picture to show that it was mostly mom who made it. 😆. ❤️

In Hmong Textile and Identities class (3776), students learned about the meanings of different motifs and patterns from indigenous Hmong ancestral art. Students learned to understand the underlying messages of each complete piece of textile based on which motifs were chosen. Students also learned about Hmong appliqué and reverse applique embroidery. Using the knowledge they've gained, students created their own piece. In learning about Hmong markets, students were also tasked to create something that would sell at the market. We've already voted for our favorite ones in class. I told them I would bring their art to the world market and see which ones people would buy. Can you help me out and vote for your fav? Please put a heart on your favorite. Likes will not count. You can like a many as you want, but please ❤️ the one you'd buy. Please share on your timeline and ask your friends to vote too. I'll share with them next Tuesday. Thank you for participating in our World Market activity!

Our Hmong Textiles and Identities course has been revamped, realigned, and restructured to fulfill not only the AMES requirements, but also is the first and only course in the department to fulfill the Social Justice Liberal Education requirements! Class is already filling up, so register early! Class is taught in English. No language prerequisites. Taught in person, no hybrid mode.

https://schedulebuilder.umn.edu/explore/2024Fall/AMES/3766/

This is one of our Homestay Villages. We meet the leaders of this village, talk about current challenges and achievements in the community, and learn from the elders. In this homestay, we also visit and learn all about the thousands of years old practice of h**p growing, harvesting, weaving, and process into beautiful Hmong clothing. Don't miss out! Join us.

https://umabroad.umn.edu/programs/asia-oceania/hmong-language-thailand

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMlmyzg8GAk

How Thailand's Hmong women are fighting their tradition of inequality, violence and rejection In Thailand's ethnic Hmong communities, women who divorce their husbands are all but mandated to become pariahs in the community - and so they put up with ye...

Ready to for an immersive, hands-on, experience learning about Hmong language, culture, and history in Thailand?

https://umabroad.umn.edu/programs/asia-oceania/hmong-language

Our study abroad class accepts students from all higher ed institutions! This May session is 4 weeks in Thailand, traveling to many Hmong villages, towns, markets, and sites. We will also visit the Mekong River and Ban Vinai refugee camp for an onsite history lesson. Students will have ample opportunities to learn about the multifaceted Hmong identities of Thailand, as well as the "border bodies" (Hmong villages that sit along the borders of different countries like China, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand). Students will also work with local organizations to engage and support the local community, local students, and build networks with others. Last but not least, students will learn about special projects like The King's Project for the hill tribes and the Bring Our Daughters Back projects of the local Hmong leaders. Limited spots so register early and please share! I'm working to get the deadline pushed back. We had concerns with flights so this information is shared a bit late.

Register for our newest class at the U!

This week, our AMES 3720: Textile and Hmong Identity class learned why the process of H**p weaving is so important. Why and how is it the fabric of life? Which parts of our lives are h**p textiles most importantly embedded in? What happens when we no longer know how to create this vital part of our heritage art?