St. Joseph's Indian School

Beading isn’t only a traditional form of art for Native American people, it’s also a fun and relaxing activity for students at St. Joseph’s Indian School.

Catherine, a St. Joseph’s houseparent, recently organized a day of beading lessons for the girls in her home and another campus home. She worked hard around activity schedules and winter weather to coordinate the lessons. Jackie, a parent of a St. Joseph’s student, traveled from North Dakota to teach the girls the basics of beading. Continue reading “Parent and Houseparent Work Together to Share the Art of Traditional Beading”

At St. Joseph’s, many of our programs focus on culture and education. However, because we are dedicated to meeting every need of the children, making time for fun and recreation is equally important!
Continue reading “Cold Weather Makes Indoor Activities That Much Better”

Read Across America Day is celebrated in schools across the country each year to help promote excitement and love for reading. The day corresponds with the birthday of the well-known author, Dr. Seuss, who wrote many memorable stories due to their rhyming and fantastical creatures. Continue reading “Students Celebrate Reading”

Historically, the itázipa — bow — and waŋhíŋkpe — arrow — served as protection and a source of life for Native American people. The bow and arrow were often integral pieces in their day to day lives. From a young age, boys were taught how to craft the tools, as they would someday be the hunters for their families and the warriors for their people. The boys would polish their archery skills over time and be skilled marksmen by the time they were men. Women and girls were also taught the skill of archery; however, less directly. They learned so they could protect their homes and families if the men were out hunting or at war. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Students Bring Home Archery Trophies”

Do you know how to properly pronounce the name of the South Dakota state capital? St. Joseph’s Indian School students could tell you (Hint: it doesn’t have a French accent)! Here in South Dakota we pronounce it “peer”.

Recently, St. Joseph’s eighth graders traveled to Pierre, SD, to learn about the South Dakota State Legislature and tour the historical capitol building. Continue reading “Eighth Graders Venture to State Capital”

Staff and students representing St. Joseph’s Indian School travel to select cities throughout the nation so donors can hear firsthand from students. While the staff share about our mission, projects and future plans, students talk about being a St. Joseph’s student and what life is like on the South Dakota Indian reservations.

Colton, a Residential Support Member, shares about his recent donor luncheon trip to Ponte Vedra Beach that he helped supervise. Continue reading ““Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!” — St. Joseph’s Students Take a Trip to Florida”

Students show some love and have some fun during the Valentine Celebration.

Did you know that about 47% of students at St. Joseph’s Indian School have been exposed to drug and alcohol abuse? Because of this, we work with our students to make good choices and to overcome trauma that these young people may have experienced as a result of these addictions. Special events and regular classes help teach students about substance abuse and how to say ‘NO’ to using alcohol and drugs.

The following is an overview of just a few of the things Chris, St. Joseph’s Prevention Coordinator, works on to help our students: Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Educates Students to Say ‘NO’ to Addictive Substances”

Kids have the most unique perspective on some big topics. With Valentine’s Day approaching, we asked a group of St. Joseph’s students for their opinions on some big questions.

Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Kiddos Tackle Some Big Questions about Love”