As we mark the 50th anniversary of Lao Heritage and Resilience, we honor the remarkable contributions of the Lao American community to the cultural, social, and economic fabric of Washington State and the United States. Over the past five decades, Lao Americans have shown extraordinary resilience and perseverance, overcoming the challenges of displacement and resettlement to build thriving communities.
Significant legislation, such as the Indochina Migration and Refugee Assistance Act (1975) and the Refugee Act (1980), has facilitated their integration, allowing them to enrich our state with vibrant traditions, unique arts, and a strong commitment to education and civic engagement.
With over 13,000 Laotians calling Washington home, we celebrate their unwavering dedication to fostering cultural understanding and diversity. This year, Governor Ferguson signed on to a Proclamation proudly recognizing and celebrating the legacy of Lao Americans, signed May 16, 2025.
Download the Full Proclamation here
Related literary suggestions and historical resources provided by CAPAA Commissioners:
- Book: In the Shadow of Memory, by Oudone Voraphaychith
- Book: New Land, by John Hughes and Edward Echtle Jr.
- Organization: https://www.legaciesofwar.org/
- Article, National Archives: The Refugee Act of 1980
- U.S. Law, Congress: The Indochina Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1975
- U.S. Law, Congress: The Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act (2000)
Have an educational resource you’d like to add to this list? Email CAPAA staff here: capaa@capaa.wa.gov