Moua United International Council, Inc.

Mission Statement

Moua United International Council (MUIC) is a non-profit organization that was established exclusively for charitable, educational, social and cultural purposes. There are five identified objectives in achieving the mission of the MUIC.

These objectives are:

1.  Unification of the Moua families through developing channels of communication
     within the Moua families worldwide.
2.  Promote education and cultural preservation.
3.  Engage with local governments to promote better understanding of the government
     system.
4.  Promote social and economical opportunities.
5.  Provide family support, mediation and conflict resolution for family disputes.

A Brief History of the Moua

Based on verbal information and story telling passed on by elders from generation after generation, the Hmong had never have a written language up until the French missionaries came into Laos in the early 1900s. The Hmong has had a long history of starting in China. There were 18 clans in the Hmong society and each clan had its own leader representing them in the community. The Moua used to have great leaders back in China and that is how each generation has continued to keep the reputation up until today.

According to Naikong Chue Ker Moua who passed away in 1991 in Wisconsin, U.S., the Hmong and the Chinese fought a long war between 1770 and 1800s. At the end the Hmong lost the war, and therefore, thousand of the Hmong people including many of the Moua families migrated from China into Laos.

From what he could recall, some of the Moua families who migrated into Laos were the family of Nhia Xang Moua, Yong Na Moua, and Nhia Chia Moua. They were led by Mr. Za Phia Moua who also was known as "Muas Zam Txoov Kav".

After they settled in Laos, Mr. Za Phia Moua continued to hold the leadership position for the Moua clan and in association with other clans. Once Mr. Za Phia Moua passed away, Mr. Yong Kay Moua then known as "Muas Kiab Toom" took over the leadership position of the Moua clan.

During the World War II and the Vietnam War from 1940 to 1975, there were many Moua leaders who had served in as civilian and military leaders in Laos (A list of civilian and military leaders is included in the first booklet). After the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, thousands of the Moua families fled to Thailand and then resettled in several third countries such as Australia, Canada, France, and the United States. Some of the Moua families are still remained in China, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand.

For over 30 years, the Moua families have scattered all over the world. For the purpose of reunification and reconnection of all Moua families around the world, a group of Moua leaders who deeply concerned about this had gathered in Saint Paul, Minnesota to hold the first general conference meeting for the Moua families back in July 4, 2000. More than 300 people attended this initial meeting and as a result, an organization was formulated.

A second general Moua families meeting was held in July 6, 2001 and the Moua United International Council, Inc. (MUIC) was then founded. It was legally established under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code on May 24, 2004.