It's okay that Jake has left us
For he has given us so much
To carry us forward into the future
For the next 120 years.

I do not mourn, I rejoice
I feel very honored to see Jake rise
And take the path to the Creator's land.

We will always love and miss you
And everything is different now
We know your spirit will guide us
And we will be reminded for you gave us so much.

You will always have a place in our hearts
That no one else can fulfill
Because you mean so much to us
A smile that lights up the room
An honest and hard working man.

Jake's passing is truly a misfortune
In modern Iroquois culture / history
No other elder encompassed his knowledge
Nor the ability to make it accessible.

Jake gave unselfishly
The languages, the ceremonies,
The Great Law, the Code of Handsome Lake,
Advise, friendship, counseling, burning tobacco,
The sweats, empowering us in a good way.

Niá:wen (thank you) Sonkwaiatís:on (Creator)
For the time you allowed us
To spend with our loved one, Jake.