Moua United International Council, Inc.

A Brief History of the Moua Clan
 

Based on verbal information and storytelling 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 beginning in China. There were eighteen 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 practice the tradition to present.

 

According to most key leaders of the Hmong community, the Hmong and the Chinese fought a long war between 1770 and the early 1800s. At the end, the Hmong lost the war; therefore, thousand of the Hmong people including many of the Moua families migrated from China into Southeast Asia especially Vietnam, Laos, Burma, and Thailand.

 

From what Nai Kong Chue Ker Moua could recalled, 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 was also known as "Muas Zam Txoov Kav."  Mr. Moua Zam Txoov Kav was very well known and popular at the time of his legacy.  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.

 

Based on recent interviewed (11/20/2010) with Mr. Blia Yao Moua, grand son of Tong Ger Moua (Muas Kiab Toom), who lives in Spokane, Washington, Once Mr. Moua Zam Txoov Kav passed away, his fifth son, Tong Ger Moua took his place, the first Hmong leader known as "Muas Kiab Toom."  He led the Moua and the Hmong in Laos during the Hmong migration from China to Laos.  Muas Kiab Toom's hometown was at Nong Hat, near Nong Ped, Xiengkhouang Province, Laos.  He was a respectful, popular, and powerful leader at that time. He died around the late 1800s in Nong Hat village. 

                                                                                                                                       

Mr. Nao Tou Moua, son of Mr. Tong Ger Moua (Muas Kiab Toom), continued to lead after his father passed away. When the French came, they promoted him to the position of Tasseng Phou San. After Nao Tou Moua retired, he passed on his position of Tasseng Phou San to Nao Cha Moua, older brother of Col. Cher Pao Moua.

 

After Muas Kiab Toom (Moua Tong Ger) passed away, a second Muas Kiab Toom raised up again known as Moua Yong Kay, son of Moua Neng Nou, approximately 1914 - 1920. Mr. Moua Yong Kay (Muas Kiab Toom), was the one who negotiated for cease fire between the Hmong and the French during "Kob Nrog Paj Cai tua Fab Kis (1919-1920)."  Not too long after the ceased fire between the Hmong and the French, he passed on his leadership position to the Lor, known as Kiab Toom Lauj Npliaj Yob. 

 

During World War II and the Vietnam War from 1940 to 1975, there were many Moua leaders who had served as civilian and military leaders in Laos. 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 still remained in China, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand.

 

For over 35 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 were deeply concern had gathered in Saint Paul, Minnesota to hold the first general meeting for the Moua families in July 4, 2000.

 

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.

 

Today, the MUIC continues to maintain its status under the Federal Revenue Code 501(c)(3) as a non profit tax exemption organization.