Pang Xiong Sikoun Sirirathasuk

In many cultures, stories are passed down through art because no written language can express the richness that stories portray. Because the Hmong people have not had a written language for most of their existence, art became the only way in which folklore and history were taught from elder to child. I have a goal in my lifetime to teach as much culture through art and song to as many people as I can before I die. In America, the only way our children will learn about our culture is to learn the art and continue to practice it. My grandmother once told me that I should never forget my skin coloring, my hair coloring and my height; but, if I am going to keep the culture of my people alive I must work to create art and to teach to others.