In this intimate interview, 28-year-old Karen-American theater artist Eh Khu Dah reflects on her journey from being born along the Thailand-Myanmar border during wartime to becoming a passionate playwright and actor in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. As one of the earliest Karen families to immigrate to the U.S. in 2004, her childhood was shaped by language barriers, cultural shifts, and learning through quiet observation. Despite initial resistance from her parents, Eh Khu Dah forged a creative path in theater, finding her voice through acting and storytelling. She speaks candidly about the challenges of representation, the power of creating roles for Asian and Karen narratives, and what success means to her: doing meaningful work that brings joy. Her story captures the spirit of resilience, cultural identity, and the transformative power of the arts in reclaiming space for underrepresented voices.

From the lush hills of Brigade 4 in Kaw Thoo Lei to the bustling kitchens of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Christopher Tunbaw’s journey has been a slow simmered recipe of resilience, identity, and purpose. Born into uncertainty and raised in the margins of displacement, Chris’s early life unfolded in the shadows of refugee camps, where home was more than a place. When his family fled Burma in 1996, they resettled as one of only ten K’Nyaw families in Minnesota, starting their American chapter in the basement of a church. In this new land, Chris often felt like a dish without a name—too foreign for one world, too changed for another. Balancing cultures became his quiet burden. His parents, working tirelessly to anchor their family, placed education at the center of his life. The pressure boiled over at times, leading to resentment, but years later, he would come to understand their sacrifices with deep humility.

Giri Kasuh, a K’nyaw-American, shares her journey growing up as the eldest daughter of immigrant parents in Minnesota. From early responsibilities caring for siblings to balancing the expectations of her K’nyaw heritage with her American upbringing, Giri reflects on the challenges and freedoms she’s found in carving her own path. She speaks openly about maintaining strong family ties while setting personal boundaries, her deep connection to the First Baptist Church of Saint Paul, and her passion for serving her community both through faith and her work as a barista. Giri’s story offers insight into the complexities of living between two cultures and embracing both tradition and independence.

Julee is a mother, wife, daughter, and longtime advocate for K’Nyaw families in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Originally from the village of Ta Poe in Burma, she has spent over 22 years in Minnesota, working the past 18 years with Saint Paul Public Schools as an Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) teacher. Her story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and deep commitment to her family and community. Her first years in the U.s. were difficult—navigating harsh winters, unfamiliar systems, and language barriers. She remembers walking through snow to appointments and working long hours at a restaurant without tips or lunch. Despite the conditions, she found value in learning how to cook and adapt to her new environment. Her journey into early childhood education began organically: while attending classes with her two youngest children, she helped translate for other K’Nyaw families. Her dedication was recognized as she was offered an official position. She has been serving families in that role ever since.

Rehte Ru is a soft-spoken individual whose calm, grounded presence puts others at ease. There’s a quiet intensity in the way he observes the world—thoughtful, deliberate, as if always framing a photograph in his mind. When he speaks of his art, his voice reveals a quiet confidence, shaped by both humility and passion. As a photographer of K’Nyaw and Karenni heritage, Reh carries with him a story woven from displacement, resilience, and deep emotional insight. Born in a refugee camp on the Thai-Burma border, Reh’s earliest memories are filled with freedom of nature: hiking mountains and swimming in rivers, unaware of the political forces that defined his world. When his family resettled in the U.S., he carried both hope and sorrow, gratitude for new beginnings, yet painfully aware of all he was leaving behind. In America, the language barrier made him an easy target of bullying. But he found connection through small kindnesses; playing soccer and making friends who also spoke his language.

Eh Taw is a man whose life is a testament to unwavering faith. Born in a small village in Burma, where bamboo trees lined the riverbanks and his family had a little more than hope to offer, Eh Taw’s journey began with a profound hunger, not for food, but for knowledge. Raised by a pastor father who could only afford one new outfit per year for him, Eh Taw’s red Christmas garment became a symbol of both joy and longing; joy for what he had, and longing for what could be. Even as a child, Eh Taw broke away from the limitations set before him. His determination to learn led him to leave home quietly in pursuit of education—a bold move made not out of rebellion, but out of an unshakable desire to transform his future and return to uplift his people. He excelled in school, inspiring teachers and defying the expectations of a life bound by generational poverty.

Aung Nay Zin Young, or Nay, shares his journey from Mae La refugee camp to life in the U.S., navigating identity as a young Karen-American. Now a psychology and biology student at Bethel University, Nay is driven to address the lack of culturally relevant mental health resources for Karen and minority communities. After a recent visit to Thailand, his understanding of his roots deepened, shifting his perspective from sympathy to empathy. Nay hopes to one day open a private practice to support his community and stay grounded in his cultural heritage.

Lay Lay Zan, a 26-year-old Karen-American, reflects on her journey growing up in Minnesota after arriving in the U.S. as a toddler from a refugee camp along the Thai-Burma border. Though she struggled with language, identity, and feeling disconnected from both American and Karen peers, she has since reclaimed her cultural roots through language and community work. Now an active mentor and community leader, Lay Lay supports Karen youth through initiatives like the Karen Football Association and Urban Village, aiming to provide positive spaces, preserve cultural identity, and empower the next generation.

Pa Reh, a 20-year-old Karen refugee born in Thailand, shares his journey growing up in the U.S. after resettling at age four. From early culture shock in Missouri to finding community among Karen families in Minnesota, he reflects on maintaining his language and identity while adapting to American life. Now a college student and youth mentor, Pa Reh helps lead the Karenni Community Minnesota, organizing cultural events like Deku and Keto Boe to keep traditions alive. Passionate about guiding the next generation, he emphasizes the importance of preserving Karen culture and language in the face of change.

In this interview, Mi Chit shares her journey from growing up in a refugee camp in Thailand to starting a new life in the U.S. at 15. Despite facing language and cultural barriers, she became the first in her family to attend college and earn a higher degree. Today, Mi Chit is a passionate advocate for the K’Nyaw community, especially youth, proudly embracing her identity and using her story to inspire others. Her commitment to education, culture, and community makes her a powerful role model and a voice for her people.

In this interview, Naw Moo Poe reflects on her life growing up in Karen State, facing the pain of war, displacement, and the heartbreaking loss of her first child. From rebuilding life in a refugee camp to starting over in the U.S., her story is one of quiet strength and resilience. As a devoted mother and woman of deep faith, Naw Moo Poe shares her journey of sacrifice, hard work, and unwavering hope—anchored in love for her family and her belief in a better future.

From the lush hills of Brigade 4 in Kaw Thoo Lei to the bustling kitchens of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Christopher Tunbaw’s journey has been a slow simmered recipe of resilience, identity, and purpose. Born into uncertainty and raised in the margins of displacement, Chris’s early life unfolded in the shadows of refugee camps, where home was more than a place. When his family fled Burma in 1996, they resettled as one of only ten K’Nyaw families in Minnesota, starting their American chapter in the basement of a church. In this new land, Chris often felt like a dish without a name—too foreign for one world, too changed for another. Balancing cultures became his quiet burden. His parents, working tirelessly to anchor their family, placed education at the center of his life. The pressure boiled over at times, leading to resentment, but years later, he would come to understand their sacrifices with deep humility.

From the lush hills of Brigade 4 in Kaw Thoo Lei to the bustling kitchens of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Christopher Tunbaw’s journey has been a slow simmered recipe of resilience, identity, and purpose. Born into uncertainty and raised in the margins of displacement, Chris’s early life unfolded in the shadows of refugee camps, where home was more than a place. When his family fled Burma in 1996, they resettled as one of only ten K’Nyaw families in Minnesota, starting their American chapter in the basement of a church. In this new land, Chris often felt like a dish without a name—too foreign for one world, too changed for another. Balancing cultures became his quiet burden. His parents, working tirelessly to anchor their family, placed education at the center of his life. The pressure boiled over at times, leading to resentment, but years later, he would come to understand their sacrifices with deep humility.

From the lush hills of Brigade 4 in Kaw Thoo Lei to the bustling kitchens of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Christopher Tunbaw’s journey has been a slow simmered recipe of resilience, identity, and purpose. Born into uncertainty and raised in the margins of displacement, Chris’s early life unfolded in the shadows of refugee camps, where home was more than a place. When his family fled Burma in 1996, they resettled as one of only ten K’Nyaw families in Minnesota, starting their American chapter in the basement of a church. In this new land, Chris often felt like a dish without a name—too foreign for one world, too changed for another. Balancing cultures became his quiet burden. His parents, working tirelessly to anchor their family, placed education at the center of his life. The pressure boiled over at times, leading to resentment, but years later, he would come to understand their sacrifices with deep humility.

From Dwe Lo Division; Mu Traw District; Kee Ka Village; Kawthoolei 

Tee Pah Hay recounts his experiences from a young child to being a husband and father while living in Kee Ka Village under Burmese occupation. He recounts how life changed after the four cuts operation and what ultimately led him to resettle in the United States.

From Min Myot; Dawait & Northern Myanmar 

Pee Paw Lah Zer shares boldly about her life during WWII under Japanese occupation, her experiences during the Karen revolution and her work as an educator.

From Noe T'Kaw village; Kawthoolei.

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Tee Taung Taung shares about the growing tensions and struggles living under the reign of the Burmese military. He emphasizes the importance of knowing and learning Karen history and culture to preserve for future generations.

From Lar Wah Ko Dar Village; Bu Lo Klo township, Kawthoolei.

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Pee Ka Paw reflects on childhood memories and experiences living in Myanmar as well as what brought her Minnesota.

From Lay Ki Village; Brigade 1; Kawthoolei

Haneria shares how his father fought alongside the British during WWII. He describes his role as a teacher and his journey to the United States.

From Poe Mu; Kawthoolei

In this interview, Tharamu shares her experiences growing up and fleeing from the Tatmadaw. She also shares the practices of Hta Poetry and values of the Karen Culture.

From Tavoy District; Brigade 4; Kawthoolei

Wilfred shares components of his life and experiences serving in the Karen Revolution and offers life lessons for K’Nyaw Poe.

From Saw Mer Plaw Village, Lu Thraw township; Mu Thraw District, Brigade 5; Kawthoolei

Pee Thay Day discusses life under Burmese military occupation as well as her transition to the United States. She shares stories of her mother delivering her siblings on the run as well as rituals and practices that occurred in her district.

From T'Poe Kee Village; Tavoy district, Brigade 4, Kawthoolei

Pee Thoo Bee shares her experiences supporting her relatives imprisoned by the Burmese military. She recounts running from the Tatmadaw and moving to the United States.

From T'Poe Ta Village; Tavoy district; Brigade 4; Kawthoolei.

Tee Ra Htoo explains his involvement in the Karen revolution as well as his transition from Burma to the United States.

From Myeiying; Ler Doh District; Kawthoolei

Thara Klu Taw describes his upbringing in Myanmar, times that he had to flee from the Burmese military, life in the refugee camps and the unity of the Karen people.

From Salween River Basin and border area

Cha Lah has spent his whole life and service in and near the border of Kawthoolei. He shares about his personal experiences and virtues he has acquired as well as the practice of Hta Poetry.

From Lu Thaw District; Mu Traw Division; Brigade 5; Kawthoolei

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Mya Aye shares about her experiences with Animist weddings and Animist traditions. 

From K’ta Te Village; Kawthoolei

Johnny Tung shares about his experiences with the DKBA split and moving to a refugee camp and ultimately, the United States.

From Mergui - Tayoy District; Thay Ngaw See Village; Brigade 4; Kawthoolei

William shares with us his life and experiences as a K’Nyaw soldier. He shares his work as a medic and insight into some of the major experiences of the revolution between the 1960’s - 1997.

From a small village in the deep jungle of Kawthoolei.

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Moo Nay Thaw recalls his childhood and the difficulty with constant displacement from the Myanmar military.