Meet St. Joseph’s 2019 Powwow Royalty

Eagle Staff Bearer Andre, Miss St. Joseph’s Jordin and Jr. Miss St. Joseph’s Makaia were crowned as part of the 2019 powwow royalty on Friday, Sept. 20.

After a dance competition and a Q&A with judges, St. Joseph’s Indian School has crowned three students as the 2019 royalty for the 43rd Annual Powwow. Learn more about Jordin, Makaia and Andre!

Miss St. Joseph’s: Jordin

Jordin is a jingle and fancy dancer who has been dancing for 2 years.

Q: Why did you want to be Miss St. Joseph’s?

A: I want to represent my school, St. Joseph’s Indian School!

Q: How did you learn to dance?

A: I learned to dance from my mom.

Q: Describe what you feel like when you dance in your regalia at a powwow.

A: I feel like I can help people heal with my dancing.

Q: List other activities you’ve taken part in that include the Native American culture.

A: My grandma taught me the Lakota language. I bead, cook Lakota meals and play hand games.

Jr. Miss St. Joseph’s: Makaia

Makaia is a jingle dress dancer who has been dancing for five years.

Q: Why did you want to be Jr. Miss St. Joseph’s?

A: I wanted to honor my family and traditions.

Q: How did you learn to dance?

A: I learned how to dance from my dad.

Q: Describe what you feel like when you dance in your regalia at a powwow.

A: I feel good and proud because when we dance it’s a sign of prayer for anyone and nature.

Q: What do you do to help others?

A: I help others by helping them with dance, by being kind and being friendly.

Eagle Staff Bearer: Andre

Andre is a traditional and grass dancer who has been dancing for two and a half years.

Q: Why did you want to be Eagle Staff Bearer?

A: To represent myself, my family and my school.

Q: At which other powwows have you danced other than St. Joseph’s?

A: Pine Ridge

Q: How did you learn to dance?

A: I mostly taught myself.

Q: Describe what you feel like when you dance in your regalia at a powwow.

A: It feels like praying.

Q: What are some other cultural activities you take part in?

A: Hand games and inipisweat lodge — ceremonies.


Note: In order to be chosen for Miss St. Joseph’s, Jr. Miss St. Joseph’s and Eagle Staff Bearer, our Lakota students must attend and represent St. Joseph’s with pride and respect at powwows and other events. They must also be good role models and demonstrate a good attitude toward all students and adults.

Author: St. Joseph's Indian School

At St. Joseph's Indian School, our privately-funded programs for Lakota (Sioux) children in need have evolved over 90 years of family partnership, experience and education. Because of generous friends who share tax-deductible donations, Native American youth receive a safe, stable home life; individual counseling and guidance; carefully planned curriculum based on Lakota culture and individual student needs and tools to help build confidence, boost self-esteem and improve cultural awareness. All of this helps children to live a bright, productive, possibility-filled future.

8 thoughts on “Meet St. Joseph’s 2019 Powwow Royalty”

  1. Thank you for sharing these beautiful children and representatives of their culture with us. Their prayers communicated through their dancing are much appreciated. We are sorry that we couldn’t be there this year to celebrate and pray with you in person.

    1. Thank you, Gale! We know traveling to our school is a challenge for many. We hope you enjoyed following along with us from afar!

  2. Patricia,

    I am so sorry that I could not make it out to St. Joseph’s Lakota POWWOW this September. It is quite difficult to get there from upstate New York. I totally enjoyed the videos of the celebrationand seeing the children, the way the school is run which is a very good one. Thank you for the opportunity to see what went on in the Wachipi. I also thank you for the flashcards!
    Wophila Thanka! I really wish that I was not able to make the trip this year. I unfortunately missed the wonderful weekend!

    1. No need to apologize, Patricia! We know how difficult it can be to make a long distance trip like that. We appreciate your support from afar!

  3. Wonderful to see the young people carrying on with Native American traditions and language. The Pow Wow has been on my “bucket list “ since I first started supporting St Joseph’s school . I have been to other Native American and Canadian events. So I have to add yours too. Keep up the good work. ✅

    1. We would love to see you at powwow, Michael! We hope you are able to come soon to check-off that bucket list item!

  4. Several years ago received a metal Dream Catcher with 5 metal feathers suspended from it!! Few month ago as I was out shopping lost it and went too may places to ask everyone about it, SAD!! If you still make them can I get another one, and hope is not too expensive as only live on a Social Security income!! (Cherokee heritage)

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