Compiled by Minnesota author Dave Moore. The word "hmong" means "free people." The Hmong trace their roots to China and have long farmed and hunted in the mountains of Southeast Asia. A minority in every country where they have lived, they value their independence and self-sufficiency. During the Vietnam War era, thousands of Hmong soldiers fought for the United States against North Vietnam. More than 100,000 Hmong men, women and children were killed. More than half of the fleeing refuges died trying to escape; others died of disease in crowded refugee camps in Thailand. Many have resettled in third countries, including the United States. Adjusting to a different culture has been difficult for Hmong who resettled in the U.S. The goal of the Hmong Youth Cultural Awareness Project is to put Hmong youth back in touch with their heritage and introduce others to Hmong culture. A Free People: Tracing Our Hmong Roots captures their stories, voices and dreams. - Back cover.