Montagnard Association of North Carolina Inc.

Montagnard association of north carolina inc.

DB as Montagnard Dega Association Inc. (MDA)

Mission and Vision

help us build a community wellness center

Montagnard Association of North Carolina Inc. formerly known as Montagnard Dega Association Inc. (MDA)

The Montagnard Association of North Carolina Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Community-Based Organization formed in 1988. Our mission is to unite and strengthen the fraternal ties of all persons of Montagnard heritage, to create a positive environment for all to meet, to build safe, healthy communities, to inspire education and to preserve our cultural heritage.

Works in cooperation with mutual assistance organizations, community groups, faith organizations, local, state, national, and refugee resettlement agencies.
Is a refugee service provider recognized by NCDHHS as North Carolina remains home to many Montagnards outside of Southeast Asia and comprises a major portion of the local AAPI population.
Is committed to creating an environment that is diverse, inclusive, and equitable where all staff, community members, partners, community partners, vendors, and board members are treated with respect and dignity regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual identity, family status, age, disability and/or socio-economic.
Has expanded to include a youth branch, Montagnard American Organization (MAO), Montagnard Association of NC- Triangle Area, research network, and community advisory council and work closely with Bhutanese, Cambodian, Karenni, Liberian, an Swahili-speaking communities on education, health and COVID response.

Montagnard American Organization (MAO)

MISSION: To increase visibility, and strengthen the broader Montagnard community. The Montagnard American Organization (MAO) will develops programs and resources to promote community building, higher education and cultural preservation. Our programs or public events/activities are inclusive to all Montagnards and friends regardless of the race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual identity, families status, age, disability and socio-economic status. All community members are encourage to attend, participate in community events, and we welcome community members to volunteers with us.

VISION: Through the Montagnard American Organization (MAO) youth program, Montagnard Association is committed to work with Montagnard community across the state and national. We are committed in creating an environment that is diverse, inclusive, and equitable where all staff, Montagnard community members, partners, community partners, vendors, and board members are treated with respect and dignity.

Who are the Montagnard people?

We are the indigenous peoples of the Central Highlands of Vietnam. The term Montagnard is French for “mountain people” or "highlanders", and is often used to refer to us, the indigenous people of the region. There are over 30 different Montagnard tribes. We were some of the frontline fighters during the Vietnam War, alongside with U.S. Special Forces. Today, North Carolina holds the largest population of Montagnards outside of Southeast Asia.

MDA was established in 1987 to serve Montagnard refugees when they first to North Carolina. In the past two decades, MDA expanded its mission, added more programs, and serve all refugees and immigrants community members based on what programs and funding are available during that fiscal year. Click here for OUR SERVICES referral application.

Our Services

We can help train your staff through presentations on cultural practices, cultural competency and other continuing education opportunities as well provide your office with interpretation services... (current programs available)
Click here for the following pdf documents: Referral, Intake Form, Clients Rights Form, Clients Consent Form
Refugee Support Services (RSS), Afghan Support Service (ASA) Online Referral or Intake Form
Get involved with us. Your time, energy and expertise are valued. We believe in genuine relationships built on mutual trust and respect.
Our Research Network and Community Advisory Council are among MDA's unique strengths, bringing in outside experts guided by community members to advise and direct scholarly efforts vital to our community.

COVID impacted emergency assistant (rent/utilities) are no longer available.
MDA Office: We ask all visitors to use mask if they are not fully vaccinated.
Interpretation contracting available for a fee. For your organization or business we offer high quality and competitive pricing for Dari, Pashto, Swahili, French, Oromo, Burmese, Karenni, Khmer, Bunong, Rhade, Jarai, and Vietnamese. Contact us for rates.
Annual Fundraising GALA Oct. 12th