It is only in hindsight that we know that these 1873-4 raids would be the final forced expulsion. Hoocąk families moved forward with the same resilience they had exhibited each time before, finding ways to return, remain, and resume their lives. Hoocąk people persevere in Wisconsin, Nebraska, and across the United States after decades of efforts to erase their presence.

Today’s Hoocąk families exist in spite of the government-inflicted tragedies and because of the endurance of their forebears who walked Wawa’ąįja with hopes for a better future.  

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The past impacts the present.  Applying its lessons can impact the future.