The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) proudly recognizes May as Asian and Pacific Islander Minnesotans Heritage Month to celebrate this diverse community that has a long history in our state and brings a cultural richness that includes over 40 different nationalities.

In Minnesota, there are approximately 2,400 Asian Veterans. Also, did you know that Minnesota is home to one of the largest communities of Hmong people in the United States and among our community members include men who fought in the Special Guerrilla Units that supported American troops in the Secret War in Laos; as well as families greatly impacted by the Secret War?

Want to know more about Asian history in the U.S. Military?

• Portrait of Asian/Pacific Islander Active Duty Service Members
• Asian American in Defense of our Nation
• Special Guerilla Units in the Secret War, Vietnam War
• U.S. Army | U.S. Coast Guard | U.S. Navy | National Guard
• Asian Americans in Aviation – San Diego Air and Space Museum

Responding to anti-Asian violence
As we celebrate our Asian communities in Minnesota, we must acknowledge this past year has seen an increase in anti-Asian violence throughout the United States and has been a traumatic time for many in the Asian community. Below are resources to provide support and tips on how to help during this time.

• Helpline answered daily: The Discrimination Helpline allows Minnesotans who experience or witness discrimination to report incidents directly to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. Gov. Walz launched the Helpline last spring amid rising reports of discrimination toward the Asian Pacific Islander community. Report an incident by calling or submitting an online form.
  • Call: 1-833-454-0148
  • Online: Complete an online form (open in Chrome or another browser if the form doesn’t display in Internet Explorer).
• Bystander intervention trainings: Virtual trainings are offered by Hollaback! and Asian Americans Advancing Justice for anyone interested in learning how they could safely take action if they witness a discrimination or harassment incident. These are free, one-hour, interactive trainings.
• Tips on how to combat anti-Asian racism: provided by the Coalition of Asian-American Leaders

Learn more about our diverse Asian communities in Minnesota

• MinneAsianStories 2021: Beyond the Myths & Monolith
  Learn more about the diverse voices that make up our Asian Minnesotan community. This campaign offers all Minnesotans a way to connect and learn together and deepen our understanding of Asian Minnesotans.
• Minnesota Rice: virtual classes from local Asian chefs and bartenders
  Think of it as a master class with seven video lessons from Asian American chefs and bartenders in the Twin Cities that you can watch whenever you want. Come into the kitchen with them to learn how to make some of their favorite dishes and drinks that speak to who they are as Asian Americans. A new video will be released every few days throughout May.

To get connected to Veteran and community resources and arts/cultural organizations, check out these sites.

• U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs - Center for Minority Veterans (CMV)
  • CMV’s quarterly newsletter – The Voice
• The MN Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans
• The Coalition of Asian-American Leaders
• Local and national Asian Pacific Islander organizations
• Theater and Museums: Theater Mu, Hmong Museum, Minneapolis Institute of Arts - The Art of Asia, MN Museum of American Art - 1.5 A Southeast Asian Dispora Remix, The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
• MN Media Outlets: Hmong Times, Korean Quarterly, Asian American Press
• Hennepin County Library: Books by Asian American authors who have lived in Minnesota or set their stories in Minnesota (community-created list)

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Office at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs strives to create and support a workplace where all employees feel they belong. To ask questions, discuss concerns, or give any suggestions for making the workplace more inclusive, please contact the Director of DEI Valerie Klitzke by phone: 651-219-0176 or email: diversity.MDVA@state.mn.us.