Who are the Karenni People?
Our Tribe
Karenni is one of many ethnic groups from Burma (Myanmar), collectively referring to subgroups such as Kayah, Kayan (Padaung), Geko, Geba, Zayein, Bre, Manumanaw, Yintale, Yinbaw, and Paku.
While many parents and grandparents were born in Myanmar, many Karenni youth today were born in refugee camps along the Thai–Myanmar border, and some were born in the United States.
Indianapolis is now home to a growing Karenni community, alongside other ethnic groups from Myanmar, including Karen and Chin. Karenni culture remains vibrant, with traditional red, blue, and white handwoven clothing, music and dance, and community celebrations such as the Kay Htoe Boe Festival, Dee Ku, and Karenni National Day (KNND). Core values of family, mutual support, and respect for elders continue to shape everyday life.
Our Story
The story of the Karenni community is one of resilience, strength, and hope. For decades, the Karenni people in Myanmar (Burma) have faced civil conflict and ethnic persecution, forcing many to flee their homeland in search of safety. Families left everything behind to rebuild their lives in refugee camps along the Thai-Myanmar border, where many of today’s Karenni youth were born and raised before resettling in the United States.
Arriving in the U.S. brought new opportunities as well as new challenges. Learning a new language, adapting to unfamiliar systems, and navigating the pressure to assimilate while preserving cultural identity has not been easy. Yet through these experiences, the Karenni community has remained strong and united.
In Indianapolis, Karenni youth are finding strength in their roots. Embracing our heritage through language, traditional practices, community events, and stories passed down by elders helps us stay grounded while building a future in a new home. Our culture gives us pride, connection, and a sense of belonging that extends beyond borders. This is why our organization exists: to honor our past, support our present, and build a brighter future. Through collective action, we strive to uplift Karenni youth and families, strengthen community bonds, and ensure our story continues for generations to come.
Our Growth
As we look to the future, we envision growth not only as a community but also as an organization dedicated to uplifting Karenni youth and families. By creating spaces that honor our heritage, support mental health, promote education, and encourage leadership, we hope to build a strong foundation for future generations.
Our goal is to foster a sense of belonging while expanding access to resources, mentorship, and opportunities that empower young people to thrive, both within their cultural identity and in the wider world. Together, we believe that through unity, resilience, and cultural pride, we can continue to grow, support one another, and shape a brighter future for the Karenni community in Indianapolis and beyond.