Preserving Montagnard heritage, empowering the next generation, and fostering a vibrant future in North Carolina

Our Mission & Vision

The Montagnard Association of North Carolina Inc. (MANC), formerly known as the Montagnard Dega Association Inc. (MDA), was established in 1988 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Community-Based Organization. We are dedicated to uniting and strengthening the Montagnard community through culturally rooted programs.

Our mission is to unite and strengthen our Montagnard community by preserving the Montagnard heritage while providing essential resources for the next generation. We envision a thriving, united, self-sufficient, and culturally vibrant Montagnard community across North Carolina.

Our Works

  • Community Programs

    Delivering direct support, resources, and outreach, including health clinics and vital local services, to those who need it most.

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  • Youth Program

    Fostering the next generation of leaders through mentorship, skill-building, and safe, inclusive after-school activities.

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  • Research Network

    Driving evidence-based change by conducting and publishing community-centered research that informs our programs and policy recommendations.

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  • TAPS

    We know that change starts with people like you, and joining our Traditional Arts Programs for Students (TAPS) is a great place to start. Every act of kindness, every dollar, every class you join, and every moment of your time brings us closer to achieving our mission. Together, we can create a brighter, more compassionate world for all

    Registration

Who are the Montagnard people? 

We are among the indigenous people of the Central Highlands of Vietnam. The term Montagnard is French for “mountain people” or "highlanders", and is mostly used to refer to us in the United States. There are over 40 different ethic minority tribes in Vietnam, and each has its own unique language, culture, practice, and more.  Our parents or grandparents were some of the frontline fighters during the Vietnam War, alongside the U.S. Special Forces. Today, North Carolina holds the largest population of Montagnards outside of Southeast Asia.

Montagnard Association was established in 1988 to serve the Montagnard refugees when they first to North Carolina. In the past three decades, the Montagnard Association expanded its mission, added more programs, and served 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

  • interpretation Services (Contracting)

    High quality and competitive pricing for Bunong, Rhade, Jarai, Vietnamese, Karenni, Khmer, Burmese, French, Swahili, Pashto, Dari, Arabic, Oromo, Dari, Pashto, Swahili, French

    Request Form

  • Volunteer

    Your time, energy, and expertise are valued. Institutional pathways available for student involvement in our programs and research.

    Volunteer Application

  • Internship

    MDA regularly offers internship opportunities for senior undergraduates and graduate students and some summer opportunities for juniors. If you are a college student, grad or post-doc and are interested in working with us, contact us.  

    Internship Application

  • Refugee Support Services (RSS)

    We provides support services to eligible refugees, asylees, and other qualified individuals, including employment assistance, case management, benefit applications, vocational training, translation, transportation, and emergency needs across Guilford, Forsyth, Alamance, and Rockingham counties.

    Referral Form