SF4736

Purpose

• Establish an official annual observance in Minnesota called Hmong Heritage Week to recognize and honor the history, culture, traditions, and heritage of the Hmong people and acknowledge their contributions to Minnesota.

Main Provisions

• Creates a new statutory observance within Minnesota Statutes (chapter 10.5801) called Hmong Heritage Week.
• Schedule: May 14 to May 20 each year is designated as the official week of observance.
• Recognition during the week:
  • Aims to commemorate the history, culture, traditions, and heritage of the Hmong people.
  • Acknowledges the contributions of Hmong Minnesotans in public service, entrepreneurship, agriculture, education, the arts, and community life, and their role in enriching Minnesota’s cultural, civic, and economic fabric.
  • Honors the Hmong people’s service and resilience, including their involvement with the United States during the Secret War in Laos and their journey as refugees to the United States and Minnesota.
• Governor’s role:
  • The governor is encouraged to issue a proclamation recognizing Hmong Heritage Week and to encourage observance through programs, ceremonies, educational activities, and community events.
• Encouragement for participation:
  • Schools, libraries, historical societies, cultural institutions, nonprofit organizations, community groups, local governments, and residents are encouraged to organize and lead programs, ceremonies, educational initiatives, and community events highlighting Hmong history, culture, traditions, resilience, and contributions.

Implementation and Impact

• This bill adds a formal, annual observance to state law but does not mandate specific actions or funding.
• Emphasizes voluntary participation by schools, cultural institutions, government entities, and residents through events and programs.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Adds a new statutory section establishing Hmong Heritage Week (May 14–May 20) and outlining encouraged actions for recognition and observance.
• Encourages a gubernatorial proclamation and public programming related to Hmong history and contributions.

Implementation Notes

• The bill frames observance as an aspirational and participatory effort rather than a mandatory or funded program.
• It emphasizes education, cultural celebration, and community engagement across multiple sectors of society.

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Relevant Terms

• Hmong Heritage Week
• Minnesota
• May 14 to May 20
• Hmong heritage, history, culture, traditions, resilience
• Secret War in Laos
• refugees
• Hmong Minnesotans
• public service, entrepreneurship, agriculture, education, arts, community life
• governor, proclamation
• schools, libraries, historical societies, cultural institutions, nonprofit organizations, community groups, local governments, residents
• Minnesota Statutes (chapter 10.5801)