Discover Karen Culture with the Karen Organization of Minnesota

More than 17,000 Karen people live in Minnesota, making it the largest Karen community in the country. Minnesota is also home to more than 2,000 refugees from other ethnic groups in Burma, including Karenni and Mon. Refugees from Burma come to Minnesota for the same reasons many people do: to find good jobs, access high-quality education, and connect with a strong community. 

-KOM Website

Spend time checking out the Karen Organization of Minnesota (KOM) at https://www.mnkaren.org/ where you’ll find a wide variety of resources for individuals and programs interested in learning more about the Karen community, including history and culture, language and businesses and supporting organizations. Explore the many free resources available on their website to start your cultural journey, and to learn how to better connect with and support our Karen neighbors, colleagues and learners.

History and Culture

Go to https://www.mnkaren.org/history-culture/ to read about Karen history, culture and ethnic groups. You can also discover opportunities to request KOM cultural presentations, as well as links to additional articles and publications.

Language

Find resources for learning the Karen dialects, including online dictionaries and free downloadable apps here https://www.mnkaren.org/resources/karen-language-resources/

Karen-Owned Businesses

Want to take a trip to a Karen grocery store or taste delicious Karen dishes? Find a list of stores and restaurants here https://www.mnkaren.org/resources/karen-owned-businesses/