The Making of the Hmong Cultural Plaza in St. Paul, MN

By the Hmong Advisory Committee

In the heart of Saint Paul, a physical legacy is being built—one that stretches back thousands of years to the mountains of China and forward into the next millennium. What began as a cross-cultural "Sister City" exchange between two cities across the ocean, has blossomed into the Saint Paul - Changsha China Friendship Garden, a landmark defined by the deep ancestral roots of the people in Changsha, China and Saint Paul, MN. Common amongst these two regions, are the displaced Hmong. 

The Origins of a Sister City

The foundation for this project was laid in 1988, when Mayor George Latimer established a Sister City relationship between Saint Paul and Changsha, China. By 2012, after decades of administrative changes, both cities sought a way to reinvigorate their bond through a symbolic gift exchange.

The city of Changsha gifted a replica of its famous pavilion—a structure originally built to celebrate Mao Zedong—which was shipped in pieces to be meticulously rebuilt in Saint Paul. In return, Saint Paul gifted five Peanuts character statues, honoring the legacy of Minnesotan creator Charles Schulz. One character, Lucy, was designated to feature a Hmong-inspired dress, designed by local Hmong artist, Kao Lee Thao. 

The Birth of the Hmong Advisory Committee

While the MN China Friendship Garden organization managed the logistics and funding, the construction process within Saint Paul’s various city departments was complex. To streamline the design and ensure cultural authenticity, Senator Foung Hawj suggested the formation of a dedicated Hmong group.

On May 13, 2017, the Hmong Advisory Committee (HAC) was officially formed. Led by President Yeng Her alongside members Dona Vue, Cecilian Lee, Valen Her, and others, the committee’s first major victory was securing a unanimous 100% approval from the Saint Paul City Council for the garden’s design.

A Plaza with a Purpose: Hmoob Hauv Toj

After a hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, work resumed in 2023 on the Hmong Plaza, known in our language as Hmoob Hauv Toj.

The presence of a Hmong-specific plaza within a Chinese Friendship Garden is deeply intentional. The Hmong are an indigenous people of China, with significant roots in the Changsha region. This connection is so profound that Hmong elders are traditionally buried in a "Tsho Tshaj Sab - Changsha shirt" to guide their spirits back to the land of their ancestors.

This historical link was validated by visiting leaders from Changsha, who were surprised and moved to find such a vibrant Hmong community in Saint Paul. Their support was instrumental in ensuring the Hmong story remained a central pillar of the garden.

Looking Toward the Next Thousand Years

The Hmong Plaza is more than a scenic overlook; it is an outdoor classroom designed for the ages. Every element of its circular design serves a purpose:

• The "Hauv Toj" Pole: The circular layout allows for the raising of ceremonial poles during traditional celebrations.

• Cultural Icons: Future phases will include the installation of a silver torque xauv and two qeej instruments.

• The Floor Mosaic: The next stage of construction includes painting the traditional motif that has been designed across the flooring.

• Legacy and Education: A commemorative plaque will detail the Hmong diaspora, ensuring the story of the journey from China to Southeast Asia to Minnesota is never lost.

A Living Legacy

Today, the Hmong Advisory Committee has merged with a Chinese Advisory Committee to work as one unified organization under the Saint Paul - Changsha China Friendship Garden organization. While navigating internal community discussions and cultural nuances can be challenging, the volunteers of the HAC remain committed to the vision.

As Hmong people have migrated across the globe, their stories have often been disconnected from the land. This Plaza changes that. By embedding their history into the soil of Saint Paul, the city is building a legacy that will educate students and visitors not just for the next 50 years, but for the next thousand.