Aho, Wazokina egi Hicakoro niwina (Relatives and Friends),

We have arrived at the end of another school year for our youth.  I wish to extend a heartlfelt congratulations to each of our graduating students who worked so hard throughout the year in headstart, kindergarten, middle school, high school and in the various higher education institutions.  This is a joyous time for our people.  The Ho-Chunk Nation as a whole celebrates your achievements. Our Great Nation's future is strengthened through your education.

Education is important; however, we must never forget also the strength of our Great Nation is by our commitment to maintaining our sacred language and our traditions.  As we travel the road of life we must recognize our origin, our Ways of Life, our language, and do our best to maintain these identifications of who we are and where we came from. The different forms of education are continuous and can be gained through listening and engaging. 

We recognize your sacrifices and the Ho-Chunk Nation benefits through your hard work and accomplishments.  We encourage you to continue on with your education and wish for the very best for each and every one of you.  You must recognizes the sacrifices our elders made so we can have the capabilities that have you, the students, coming up in this day and age be able to attain an education that would be beneficial not only to them but to the Ho-Chunk Nation as a whole.

Once again, congratulations to all the graduates.  To those family members, elders and educators who support and guide our future leaders on their chosen paths in life, Piwaragigiwira wa'iniginapwi (I am appreciative to you for doing them good).