It’s All about Family at St. Joseph’s Indian School

Our campus Family Night was a big hit! Literally, a big hit in the face with pie for a few chosen staff members!

On November 20, St. Joseph’s celebrated the gift of family with staff and students. In a years-long tradition, the school gathered in groups of siblings and thiyóšpaye  extended family — for an evening of games and good eats. At St. Joseph’s, thiyóšpaye is a concept of pride and reverence, and whether a child attends the school for one day or many years, they are considered a member of the school’s family. Continue reading “It’s All about Family at St. Joseph’s Indian School”

Native American Scholar Builds Career with St. Joseph’s Scholarship

Through the generosity of donors, St. Joseph’s Indian School has awarded scholarship dollars to Native American students since 1985.

Taivin Fallis will graduate this spring from Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, S.D., as a Build Dakota Scholar. Fallis is in the school’s Building Trades Technology Program.

A 2023 graduate of St. Joseph’s Indian School’s High School Program, Fallis is one of this fall’s 113 Čhaŋkú Lúta Scholarship recipients. He attended St. Joseph’s from fourth-through-twelfth grades. Continue reading “Native American Scholar Builds Career with St. Joseph’s Scholarship”

National Food Day: Bible Story Serves as Model for St. Joseph’s Outreach Program

October 24 is National Food Day! Read about one important outreach program at St. Joseph’s Indian School that works to fight hunger.

In the Bible story “Feeding of the Five Thousand,” or more commonly recognized as “The story of loaves and fishes,” Jesus performs a miracle by multiplying five loaves of bread and two fish to feed a large crowd of people who had gathered to hear His teachings.*

As you may remember from the story, some of the disciples were doubtful they could manage to feed everyone. In fact, they suggested they send the crowd away. Continue reading “National Food Day: Bible Story Serves as Model for St. Joseph’s Outreach Program”

St. Joseph’s Indian School Celebrates Native American Week

Houseparent Philip watches the St. Joseph’s Indian School entries pass by in the Sioux Falls Native American Day Parade. The school’s floats honored the buffalo, the natural world and Lakota values.

Because one day isn’t enough and one activity can’t say it all, staff and students at St. Joseph’s Indian School extended the cultural celebration of Native American Day from Sunday to Friday. Each day unveiled more of the richness and diversity of their Lakota, Dakota and Nakota heritage through prayer, fun, dance, language, lessons, clothing and art. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Indian School Celebrates Native American Week”

Alumni Talk About Their Houseparents at St. Joseph’s Indian School

Houseparents at St. Joseph’s Indian School help students grow up big and strong!

Part of the St. Joseph’s Indian School mission is to create a nurturing environment where every Lakota (Sioux) child feels the warmth of a loving family. Whether through traditional family structures, mentorship programs or the extended St. Joseph’s family, the children receive rich connections that help shape their lives.

Our residential program is a big component of creating this safe and secure environment. The program features 20 campus homes, each equipped to host 12 students. Continue reading “Alumni Talk About Their Houseparents at St. Joseph’s Indian School”

St. Joseph’s Braids of Strength: a Cord of Three

Monday, Oct. 14 is Native American Day! Celebrate it by learning about the Lakota tradition of hair braiding!

Imagine in a not-so-distant past the following scene: a young Lakota (Sioux) girl sits unmoving as the women behind her carefully weaves together three sections of hair into a beautiful, intricate braid. As the woman does this, she shares stories of history and tradition with the young girl. The girl breathes in the words and holds them in her heart. The stories provide her with a sense of togetherness with those around her, and those from the past who first shared these stories.

Like a braid, her ancestors, her elders and she create a cord of three — creating something stronger than any one of them alone. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Braids of Strength: a Cord of Three”

Lakota Star Quilt Becomes Expression of Gratitude at St. Joseph’s Annual Powwow

A St. Joseph’s Indian School alum blessed a donor with a star quilt at the 48th Annual Powwow!

On September 21, St. Joseph’s Indian School hosted its 48th Annual Powwow. Seven drum groups participated, and close to ­­­­­200 of the school’s benefactors from around the world were on hand for the celebration. Continue reading “Lakota Star Quilt Becomes Expression of Gratitude at St. Joseph’s Annual Powwow”

St. Joseph’s Indian School Announces 2024 Powwow Royalty

St. Joseph’s Indian School has officially crowned the 2024 Powwow Royalty!

The 48th Annual St. Joseph’s Indian School Powwow is September 21. Students have been hard at work practicing dance and drum group since their August 11 return to campus. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Indian School Announces 2024 Powwow Royalty”

Join in the Fun and Rich Culture at St. Joseph’s Indian School’s 48th Annual Powwow

St. Joseph’s Indian School’s 48th Annual Powwow will take place Sept. 21, 2024.

School is back in session at St. Joseph’s Indian School, and staff and students are hard at work preparing for the powwow of the wakhaŋežathe blessed little ones. Annually on the third Saturday of September, the school hosts the powwow, which is open to the public. Some one hundred ten St. Joseph’s students and more dancers from around the region will participate in beautiful Native American regalia on Sept. 21, 2024. Continue reading “Join in the Fun and Rich Culture at St. Joseph’s Indian School’s 48th Annual Powwow”

Welcoming New and Returning Students at St. Joseph’s Indian School

The 2024-25 school year at St. Joseph’s Indian School has officially begun!

August 11 marked the start of an exciting new chapter for students at St. Joseph’s Indian School. After a gloomy, rainy start to the day, the sun cast its warm rays over campus. Warming and calming the hearts of children and their families as they arrived with anticipation and excitement. Continue reading “Welcoming New and Returning Students at St. Joseph’s Indian School”