St. Joseph's Indian School

Learning took on a whole new form for our fifth-grade students during a special week with the STARBASE Program at St. Joseph’s Indian School. STARBASE — short for Science and Technology, Academics, Reinforcing, Basic Aviation and Space Exploration — certainly has a long name, which is why the acronym is so helpful! Through hands-on STEM activities focused on science, technology, engineering and math, Lakota (Sioux) students spent the week discovering just how fun learning can be. Continue reading “Fifth Graders Blast Off with STARBASE STEM Adventures”

Ten seniors supported by St. Joseph’s Indian School crossed the stage at Chamberlain High School on May 16, celebrating a graduation shaped by culture, community and years of hard work. Continue reading “Ten St. Joseph’s Indian School Seniors Graduate”

At St. Joseph’s Indian School, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) Day was honored in an educational way this year, helping our Lakota (Sioux) students better understand the importance of safety, awareness and speaking up. Continue reading “Staying Safe on the World Wide Web: MMIR Day at St. Joseph’s Indian School”

Smiles, laughter and a few happy tears filled the air on April 29 as the St. Joseph’s Indian School community came together for a joyful senior prayer service in Our Lady of the Sioux Chapel. It was a special evening dedicated to celebrating our 10 graduating seniors and all they have accomplished. Continue reading “Lifted in Prayer: Celebrating St. Joseph’s Indian School Seniors”

On April 30, National Therapy Animal Day, we honor the therapy horses at St. Joseph’s Indian School who stand quietly beside our students as they learn to breathe, trust and grow. But even more, we celebrate the children who show up with courage — sometimes nervous, sometimes excited, but always learning.

In partnership with our Family Service Counseling team and equine specialists, equine therapy at St. Joseph’s gives our Lakota (Sioux) students a safe, structured space to work through big feelings, practice new skills and experience calm in the presence of these powerful animals. Continue reading “Healing Beside the Herd: Celebrating National Therapy Animal Day at St. Joseph’s Indian School”

Each summer, about 20 high school students choose to stay on campus at St. Joseph’s Indian School. With that choice comes a big responsibility: getting a real job.

And that part of “adulting” can be hard … but we can at least help our Lakota (Sioux) students practice before the real world hits. To help them prepare, St. Joseph’s hosts a campus job fair each spring, giving students the chance to explore campus roles, meet supervisors and practice the skills they’ll need in the working world. Continue reading “From Mock Interviews to Real Paychecks: Inside St. Joseph’s Indian School Student Job Fair”

For a while, the only animal sounds coming from the Equine Therapy Center at St. Joseph’s Indian School came from our therapy horses. It was common to hear Pony Boy let out a neigh when he commanded a snack, or a whinny from Gramma when she was keeping the rest of the herd in line.

But there are more sounds coming from the center now, so much so that we’ve turned the chorus into a little rhyme: Continue reading “From Hee-Haws to Cheep-Cheeps: New Voices of St. Joseph’s Equine Therapy Center”

There’s a new, very small and very fluffy member joining the herd at St. Joseph’s Indian School’s Equine Therapy Center … just in time for Easter!

Meet Mr. Buck, a light brown Holland Lop rabbit with soft ears and an even softer personality. While he may be much smaller than the horses that call our barn home, he’s already making a big impression on everyone who meets him. Continue reading “Meet Mr. Buck: A New Furry Friend at the Equine Therapy Center”

The intensity was turned all the way up for the staff vs. students basketball showdown at St. Joseph’s Indian School. It was clear this wasn’t going to be just a regular basketball game. Both teams came in confident, competitive and ready to prove a point.

Before the game even tipped off, the energy was building. Continue reading “One Second. One Shot. One Unforgettable Moment”

For the third consecutive year, St. Joseph’s Indian School has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid/GuideStar, the highest level of recognition available to nonprofits. This honor reflects our school’s deep commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible stewardship — values that have guided our mission for nearly 100 years. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Indian School Earns Platinum Seal of Transparency for Three Years Running”