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A melting pot spot

Indy’s growing international community

Unless you’re living under that proverbial rock, it would be hard not to notice the profound changes taking place in Central Indiana with all the new faces in town and the riches they have brought with them.

These days, if you listen closely you can hear foreign languages on the streets, see individuals in native dress, savor everything from Brazilian to Vietnamese cuisine at ethnic restaurants, discover cultures as diverse as Egyptian and French at summer festivals, celebrate El Dia De Los Muertos on Halloween and Las Posadas at Christmastime, and experience visual and performing arts from all over the world on a regular basis.

Why, there’s even Roman art from the Louvre at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. The Dalai Lama himself recently paid a visit to the area and so did an Irish song and dance troupe called Celtic Woman. As far as observing different cultural practices, think recent non-stop media coverage of local Muslim cab drivers requesting sinks at the new airport so they can wash their feet as part of a religious ritual.

It seems the white-bread, provincial image we’ve endured for so long is changing as newcomers representing a cross section of the world — and an increase in international attractions — contribute unique flavors to a melting pot that can only benefit from more seasoning.

Operating to meet the needs of some of our newest residents, while conditioning the entire community to absorb and embrace this growing trend, are three primary organizations: International Center of Indianapolis, Nationalities Council of Indiana and Exodus Refugee/Immigration, Inc. Though there are others, such as Catholic Charities and the African Center, these three institutions are the most visible as they fill the needs of immigrants and refugees. It’s through their efforts, as well as those of other stakeholders, that Indy’s new image as a vibrant world-class city has been strengthened.

Enhancing globalization

Founded in 1973, the mission of the International Center of Indianapolis is “to enhance globalization in Indiana.” In the years since its inception, the center has become a focal point for international activities, meetings of various nationalities, programs and services for both immigrants and natives, and training classes in foreign languages for adults and children.

According to numbers provided by the ICI, 129 foreign languages other than English are spoken in the homes of Indianapolis Public Schools students. ICI statistics also reveal that the foreign-born population has increased almost 100 percent since 1990, with the greatest increase in the Latino community, followed by Asians, then Africans. Given these statistics, it’s no wonder that schools, hospitals, public safety departments, businesses and neighborhoods need access to the critical language and cultural resources, information and referral services, and training the ICI provides to serve the needs of the influx of immigrants, both present and future.

Raised by a globe-hopping military family with an American father and French mother, Diane Thomas has an ideal background for leading the ICI, where she’s been bringing her unique perspective to her role as president and CEO for nearly a year now.

“I want the center to be extremely responsive to the changing community and to make sure that the international perspective is brought to cultural endeavors, as well as economic development and advances,” Thomas says, who adds that that ICI is “a resource for the community and an advocate for Indianapolis as a global community.”

Given the strong feelings that some have about the influx of undocumented Latino immigrants and fears about terrorism, does Thomas see a push back from locals when it comes to immigration in general? “There is tremendous will in this community,” she says, “from the political, business and nonprofit leadership to make Indianapolis a welcoming community. Our future will be dependent on being successful in attracting the best and brightest to become globally competitive. Indianapolis is no longer just competing with other U.S. cities, it is competing with cities and countries all around the world.”

An act of generosity

Illustrating Indy’s new position as a destination point for a mobile international community is a recently released book titled New Faces at the Crossroads: The World In Central Indiana, with text by John Sherman and photographs and interviews by Jeffrey A. Wolin. Produced by the International Center in association with Indiana University Press, the long-awaited book is filled with detailed information and statistics regarding immigration in Central Indiana.

Celebrating diversity and inclusiveness, the book also contains fascinating bios accompanied by sumptuous color portraits of 30 immigrants. These same portraits will eventually hang at the new Indianapolis International Airport terminal. The book is currently available at local bookstores.

Reinforcing the idea that Indianapolis has become more global is Ahmet Fer, president of the Nationalities Council of Indiana, Inc., who tirelessly promotes this international presence and encourages natives to embrace its newest residents and all they have to offer.

Originally from Ankar, Turkey, Fer, who holds a Ph.D. in chemical engineering, came to Indiana in 1984 to teach at IUPUI. Now an American citizen, the path to Fer’s council presidency began after he joined a Turkish association in 2001, a decision which eventually led to his participation in council activities.

The oldest and largest pan-ethnic organization in Indiana, the council is a nonprofit, all-volunteer educational foundation comprised of about 50 ethnic or national affinity organizations, plus other groups, businesses and individuals interested in celebrating Indy’s diversity.

Probably best known for its sponsorship of the annual International Festival, now in its 31st year, the council uses the event to introduce the public to the wide range of Indy’s culinary, historical, social, ethnic and linguistic heritage.

Fer, who believes that the process of immigration is “an act of generosity for all parties involved,” says, “[immigrants] bring value to our city and to our country. They are talented musicians, scientists, workers who do what they do well and are a benefit to all of us. Regardless of where we come from or how long we’ve been here, we are all members of an increasingly large diverse and global city.”

Here by choice

Another important figure deeply involved in Indy’s international community is Alexandra Peralta, executive director of Exodus/Refugee/Immigration, Inc. She is clear about the distinction between immigrants and refugees, however, when she says, “They are not here by choice and because they want to settle in the United States. They had to leave their country because of a well-founded fear of persecution and death.”

Exodus is the local refugee resettlement office in Indiana for two national voluntary agencies, Church World Service and Episcopal Migration Ministries, and is authorized by the Department of State to assist refugees who have been legally admitted to the United States as victims of persecution designated by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

The agency has resettled thousands of individuals and families in Indianapolis since its inception in 1980 as a response to the Cuban Mariel Boatlift. In recent years, the refugees have come from all over the world, and Exodus has resettled individuals from Afghanistan, Burma, Columbia, Iran, Iraq, Liberia, Russia, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan and Uzbekistan.

Once they arrive, Exodus staff provides refugees with basic needs such as housing, furnishings, food, clothing, transportation and health care. They also offer English/literacy classes, translators, cultural orientation, jobs and on-the-job training.

Peralta, who is originally from Argentina and has also lived all over the world, says that one of the main goals of Exodus is to help clients become self-sufficient through employment. However, among the biggest challenges they face, apart from the expected language and cultural barriers, is Indy’s not always efficient public transportation. Further adding to those complications for some clients is the lack of any work experience whatsoever.

“We hear lots of extremely sad stories,” Peralta says. “But we are inspired by our clients’ resiliency; how they succeed in such a short time. We are so proud of them. They are an example to all of us and we should learn from them. They should be the ones teaching us. There are a lot of success stories.”

Immigrant Snapshot: Naw Phaw

A native of Mali, a small island off the coast of Burma, Naw Phaw has discovered that the best way she can help her own people is by living in Indiana. Prior to becoming a resettlement coordinator for Exodus in April, Phaw worked for the refugee resettlement agency as a contract interpreter. Currently there are approximately 2,000 Burmese immigrants and refugees from two ethnic groups, the Chin and Karen, living in Indianapolis. Despite sharing both a native country and the site of their relocation, the groups, each of which has its own language and distinct culture, don’t relate to each other.

As it turns out, Indiana is one of the top three sites in the U.S. for Burmese refugees, who began arriving in this state 10 years ago. Other large Burmese communities are located in Fort Wayne and Bloomington. A community of nearly 1,300 Chin live in Perry Township on Indy’s Southside, while the Karen live in Washington Township, primarily in the Nora area. Thanks to her upbringing by a Karen mother and a Chin father, Phaw speaks both languages, as well as several Chin dialects, in addition to Burmese, the official language of Burma.

Phaw, who has lived here for two years, came to Indianapolis after her husband, who is also Burmese and a Baptist minister, was invited by the local Chin community to become their pastor. Currently, the congregation worships and holds fellowship at a host church on the far Southside. The couple, which has a 4-year-old son, met while attending a Bible college and lived in L.A. for three years prior to moving to Indy.

Given the fact that Burmese refugees comprise over 80 percent of the caseload at Exodus, Phaw’s job and her role as a minister’s wife mean that her involvement with the community is sometimes 24/7. Phaw, however, says she wouldn’t have it any other way, since many of her clients and church members speak little English and so need her help in securing employment, meeting doctor’s appointments, opening bank accounts and even learning how to drive.

How have she and her countrymen been received in the Indy area? “People are very lovable, welcoming and they smile. I find that very encouraging. People are also patient and at places such as hospitals and government offices, they are very friendly.”

Phaw added, “The people in my country are suffering. It’s important that the whole world knows about it. Ask your government to get involved and also please send donations to the United Nations for refugee relief or to Exodus.”

Immigrant Snapshot: Jamie Nha Tran and family

It was against the backdrop of the disastrous Vietnam War that the long odyssey of Jaime Nha Tran’s eventual immigration to Indianapolis began. Originally from Saigon, she came to the U.S. in 1992 and lived in Seattle, where her husband Randy had already established himself. The reason Randy came to the U.S. is because he was born to a single Vietnamese mother and an American soldier father whom he never met. Due to social and racial taboos, he suffered a lot of abuse and hardship growing up. Upon discovering that there was a U.S. government program benefiting American-Asians born to Vietnam-era soldiers, he jumped at the chance to leave Vietnam.

Eventually, Jaime and Randy made their way to Indianapolis, where they have lived for the past 10 years. Now, Jaime, who chose what she considers her American name, is a real estate agent for Keller Williams, while Randy (his American name) works for a nail salon in Carmel, where the couple lives with their 5-year-old son, Erick.

Jaime’s 76-year-old mother, Thuy, joined them, arriving here in June. Jaime’s mother, once a shopkeeper, and her late father, who was a Saigon policeman, lost everything to the Communists after the fall of South Vietnam. Though they and Jaime were not able to escape after the war ended, four of their children who were boat people did. Now, one son lives in Australia and another son and two daughters live in Germany.

Jaime, who like her husband is now a naturalized U.S. citizen, says, “We came here because in America you have the freedom to speak, to work, to go to school and succeed at whatever we want to do. It’s stable. We feel secure here.” She likes everything about this country except for the weather. Still, because of everything it took to get here, she says she wouldn’t trade any of it, the good or the bad.

Immigrant Snapshot: The Frix family

When it comes to chocolate, the U.S. kind doesn’t hold a candle to the Belgian variety, according to Noelie Frix, 12, who hails from a town called Wavre, near Brussels, Belgium. She and her parents, Alain and Gaelle, and younger sister, Emeline, 10, are embracing all things American, but are determined to maintain a strong cultural identity forged in a country they plan to return to eventually.

The Frix family moved to Indianapolis in July, after Alain secured a position as a senior associate clinical trial supply coordinator with Eli Lilly. He and Gaelle didn’t take the decision to relocate lightly, however. It had to be a family decision. A few months prior to moving, Alain brought Gaelle to explore Indy, after which the pair returned home, where their plans to move were met with resistance by Noelie. Her feelings quickly changed, however, once she saw Indy for herself.

Currently renting a townhouse, the Frixes will soon be moving to a new home they purchased in the Carmel area, where their daughters are enrolled in school. According to the family, compared to their home in Belgium where houses and lot sizes are much smaller, their new house and yard is enormous. When asked what they like the most about America, Noelie says that she loves the seasons and Hannah Montana, but doesn’t like gym. Emeline, who sings and plays the piano, says she loves studying art and learning Spanish.

Alain and Gaelle, who worked as an accountant in Belgium but is now a homemaker, would like their daughters to be educated in the U.S. and plan to live here until their youngest daughter graduates from high school.

In the meantime, Alain says, “Hoosier hospitality is not a myth. We have experienced it a lot and appreciate it a great deal.”

To sample some of the splendor of our international community:

2007 International Festival
Nov. 15-18
Indiana State Fairgrounds West Pavilion
Tickets: $7 in advance, $9 at the door; children $6
For a full schedule visit indyinternationalfestival.org.
For more info, call 317-255-5501.

For more info on our growing international community:

International Center of Indianapolis www.icenterindy.org
Nationalities Council of Indiana www.nationalitiescouncil.org
Exodus www.exodusrefugee.org.