Wena wagarus wi na. (The spring time has come upon us.) Ma cek hiza hu ta'p wi na. (We are coming onto a new year.) Creation is beginning its annual cycle, the days are getting longer, the warm winds are returning, it is time for us to ready oursleves for getting out and enjoying Mauna's creation, coming back to life.

Earlier this month, the Ho-Chunk Nation is helped La Crosse in its effort to be known as "The Healthiest City in America" by sponsoring the La Crosee Fitness Festival May 2-3, 2009. It was a joyous occasion to watch the many Hocak volunteers and runners out enjoying the beautiful spring weather.

As we move on into the new year may the expectations that we have for one another become a reality and we vision good travels as we go into another cycle.