APPLETON, WI — Those who are among the first Hmong refugees to come to the U.S. meet up with others born and raised in Southeast Asia. And they’re helping out their communities. The Hmong Elders Photoshoot Day at the Schieg Center and Gardens in Appleton lets Hmong elders dress in their traditional costumes and do a little gardening. Professional photographers will also take pictures to commemorate the event. Long Vue, who’s with the NEW Hmong Professionals, which is sponsoring the event, says gardening is part of the Hmong culture and now benefits the larger community.
Many older Hmong-Americans still have a sense of isolation due to language barriers and longer distances from relatives and children. Long Vue says COVID ignorance by non-Asian residents and guilt by association added to that isolation.
Vue says gardening has long been a way for Hmong people to connect as a community.
