LegaSEA 50: Rooting History, Branching Future

Honoring 50 Years of Resettlement & Resilience across Iowa’s Cambodian, Vietnamese, Laotian, Hmong, and Tai Dam Communities.

The Mission

Celebrating 50 Years: Commemorating the 50th anniversary of Southeast Asian refugee resettlement in Iowa through a living monument and cultural monuments in downtown Des Moines.

The Vision: A permanent urban canopy honoring historical journeys, civic contributions, and intergenerational stories.

Site Breakdown

  • Robert D. Ray Drive (E. Grand Ave. – HWY 235) — "LegaSEA 50"

    • Iowa Spirit House: Situated at the corner of Robert D. Ray Drive.

    • 50 Dedicated Trees: Planted based on family submissions as they come in and are approved.

    • 5 Core Communities Honored: Vietnamese | Tai Dam | Hmong | Laotian | Cambodian

  • Court Avenue (E. 17th St. – E. 13th St.) — "LegaSEA Journey"

    • 5 Spirit Houses: 1 per community, alternating on each side of Court Avenue.

    • 50 Total Trees: 10 trees per community (clustered in groups of 5–6 trees on each side of the street per community).

    • 5 Core Communities Honored: Vietnamese | Tai Dam | Hmong | Laotian | Cambodian

Nominate a Family