Qeej Program

Hmong Cultural Center requests funding support for the Qeej program. The Qeej program trains the next generation of qeej funeral performers in Minnesota and the Twin Cities helping keep Hmong culture alive. The Qeej instrument plays a very important role in the traditional Hmong funeral assisting in leading the spirit of the deceased to the afterworld according to Hmong beliefs. Over the years, HCC has trained hundreds of children and youth to play the Qeej. HCC is one of the few organizations in the United States to have a Qeej instructional program. HCC's Qeej group performs around the community at various events including festivals, parades and the Hmong New Year in additional to funerals.