Iu-Mien American Association

Iu-Mien American Association’s (IMAA) goal is to empower the Iu-Mien and broader communities through social services, education, and outreach. IMAA advocates and fosters an inclusive and safe environment that motivates and promotes cultural preservation, provides opportunities to gain visibility, and amplifies the voices of the Iu-Mien and underrepresented or marginalized communities.

Iu Mien people are an indigenous ethnic minority from China who migrated to Southeast Asia and immigrated to the U.S. and parts of Europe as refugees after the Vietnam War and Secret War in Laos. Mien people's lives were at risk for providing military assistance to the U.S. and sought safety in America and Europe. Many Iu Mien refugees settled in Washington, Oregon, and California. A population of Iu Mien made their new homes in Seattle in the late 1970s and early 1980s. IMAA began in 1984 when Weun Pao Saelee, Thawn Quang Saelee, and community members collectively came together to purchase the property located on 3925 S.Bozeman in Seattle, WA. Community elders understood the importance of a community center and working together to preserve the Iu Mien culture. The purpose of this property was to provide space for events and opportunities for cultural preservation where Iu Mien people could practice traditions and celebrations together. Over the years, the facility added on another building to accommodate the growing organization and needs. IMAA evolved to serve the community in many other ways by implementing an after-school youth tutoring program, providing rehearsal space for Iu Mien cultural dancers and the Iu Mien Youth Band, Jack's Journey Food Bank, Mien Villa Market, art workshops, and information/education workshops for BIPOC communities.

The buildings on the property are in need of repair and updating to better serve the Iu Mien people and BIPOC communities. The success of IMAA and the community center is due to the many volunteers who provide their expertise and time to sustain the programs that are in place. However, there are many costs to running a nonprofit and programs that benefit the communities we serve. IMAA appreciates any donations made to the Iu-Mien American Association Nonprofit.