St. Joseph's Indian School

As the Christmas season draws near, we enter a sacred time known as Advent, a season of waiting, preparation and wonder. Advent invites us to pause in the middle of our busy lives and remember the incredible gift God promised the world: a Savior. Long before Jesus was born in Bethlehem, people waited with hope, trusting that God would keep His promise. Today, Advent is still important because it reminds us God is faithful, His light shines in every darkness, and His love continues to unfold in our lives. Advent teaches us not only to celebrate the birth of Jesus, but also to wait with hope for His return. Continue reading “The Hopeful Magic of Advent”

One evening at the Rec Center, Bryan, St. Joseph’s Indian School’s Athletic Director, found himself short a basketball referee. The game was about to begin, and he needed someone dependable who could step in quickly. Kansas, a senior student at St. Joseph’s who had helped Bryan earlier in the year with the youth football team, didn’t hesitate. Continue reading “Stepping Up: St. Joseph’s Indian School Student Finds His Voice as a Leader”

St. Joseph’s Indian School is proud to announce we have been recognized as a 2025 Top-Rated Nonprofit by GreatNonprofits, the leading platform for community-sourced reviews of charitable organizations. Even more meaningful, St. Joseph’s has earned this distinction every year since 2017, a testament to the enduring trust and gratitude of our donors and friends. Continue reading “Nine Years Running: St. Joseph’s Indian School Honored as a 2025 Top-Rated Nonprofit”

Picture this: a room full of laughter as students tilt their heads back, eyes squinting in concentration, trying to wiggle an Oreo from their foreheads down to their mouths — without using their hands. Cheers erupt when someone finally succeeds, and the whole family group celebrates together.

It’s silly, it’s joyful and it’s exactly the kind of memory that makes Thiyóšpaye Night at St. Joseph’s Indian School so unforgettable. Continue reading “Celebrating Thiyóšpaye Night: One Family, Many Hearts”

At the 49th Annual Powwow at St. Joseph’s Indian School, a moment of deep gratitude and celebration unfolded as Robert and Yolanda Kramer — longtime supporters of St. Joseph’s Indian School and cherished members of the DreamMakers monthly giving program — were honored with a star quilt in recognition of their unwavering commitment to the Lakota (Sioux) children. Continue reading “Honoring 70 Years of Love and Generosity: The Kramers Celebrate at St. Joseph’s Powwow”

When Krista from the Alumni Relations team at St. Joseph’s Indian School thinks back to her college days, she remembers a simple joy: care packages from her grandparents. Sweet notes, surprise treats and the occasional “shareable” snack. Those packages always seemed to arrive at the perfect moment, like a warm hug through the mail. Continue reading “A Hug in a Box: St. Joseph’s Sends Love to Čhaŋkú Lúta Scholars”

At St. Joseph’s Indian School, Lakota (Sioux) students recently welcomed visiting artist Randall Blaze, who led an enriching clay‑and‑sculpting workshop. Randall, a prominent member of the South Dakota Arts Council (SDAC) Artists‑in‑Schools Program, shared his remarkable journey in art. Continue reading “Shaping the Future: A Clay Workshop to Remember at St. Joseph’s Indian School”

This fall, St. Joseph’s Indian School proudly awarded $138,500 in scholarships to 86 Native American students pursuing higher education — a powerful testament to the generosity of our donors and the resilience of our scholars. Continue reading “Investing in Dreams: St. Joseph’s Indian School Awards $138,500 in Fall Scholarships”

At St. Joseph’s Indian School, we believe the values we instill in our students — respect, gratitude, hope and integrity — don’t just shape young lives. They ripple outward, touching families, communities and future generations.

Taivin, a proud alum and new father, is living proof. Continue reading “Building a Future: Taivin’s Alumni Story”

Two and a half years ago, we began a marathon — not of miles, but of mission. The Recreation Center at St. Joseph’s Indian School, once a modest space for play and movement, became the focus of a bold vision: to create a sanctuary of wellness, community and hope for the Lakota (Sioux) children and families we serve. Continue reading “Built with Love: The Rec Center Dedication at St. Joseph’s Indian School”