Boua Tong Xiong

Boua Tong Xiong came to Connecticut in 1979, after fleeing from northern Laos with his family to Thailand, as so many Hmong had to do after the Communist takeover of Laos. Tong played an important role during the Vietnam War by assisting the U.S. government as part of the Special Guerilla Forces fighting in Laos. Because they were farmers in Laos, many Hmong chose to live in Enfield, a small town north of Hartford rather than settling in a larger urban area. The Hmong community consider Tong to be an important culture bearer, and many of his extended family members followed to live near him in Connecticut. Hmong communities throughout New England ask Boua Tong Xiong to preside over funerals and weddings, because of his experience, his beautiful voice, and his knowledge of the ritual songs, a necessary skill within this very traditional community. He also serves as a counselor to the community, helping to resolve disputes and lead diplomatic outreach to other Hmong families and communities especially in Fitchburg, Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island. Because the men who understand the complete rituals (which take days) are so few, Boua Tong is committed to passing on his knowledge, teaching young men to play the ritual bamboo instrument qeej and sing the wedding and funeral songs. He has participated in CCHAP’s Southern New England Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program for several years. In the early 2000s, he held regular weekend classes attended by between twelve and sixteen young men, either in his house (wedding songs) or in a nearby park - because the funeral rituals are traditionally performed outside. He also knows the joking and courtship songs sung by men and women. Tong regularly visits relatives in larger Hmong communities in California and Minnesota to refresh his knowledge of the rituals and songs. He worked with other veterans including Maj. Sar Phouthasack to establish a memorial in Middletown dedicated to Special Guerilla Unit veterans (including several Connecticut Hmong) who fought for and supported the United States in the Vietnam War. As a result of their efforts to pass the Hmong Veterans Service Recognition Act in Congress in 2018, Lao and Hmong veterans are now entitled to a military burial in Connecticut.