St. Joseph's Indian School

St. Joseph’s alumna Alyssa Box shares a smile while working at a job she loves.

If you knew Alyssa Box during her time at St. Joseph’s Indian School, you probably remember her bright smile and happy personality. Years later, we’re delighted to see that smile hasn’t faded!

Today, Alyssa serves as the Office Manager for the Chamberlain Area Chamber of Commerce while also pursuing a degree in Office Administration.

In her role, Alyssa is a familiar voice in the community. Whether she’s answering phone calls from people looking for things to do in Chamberlain, speaking on the radio about upcoming events or encouraging residents to shop locally, she’s helping promote the town that St. Joseph’s Indian School calls home. In some ways, Alyssa has become one of the voices of Chamberlain! Continue reading “That Same Bright Smile: Catch Up with Alumna Alyssa Box”

Source: South Dakota State Library. Reprinted with permission.

Pierre, S.D. – The South Dakota State Library pronounced Claire Nehring, St. Joseph’s Indian School librarian, the inaugural recipient of the School Achievement Through Libraries (SATL) Distinguished School Librarian Award. Nehring was selected among 19 esteemed library professionals whose work exemplifies the three SATL pillars: professional, program and place. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Librarian Honored as Inaugural Distinguished School Librarian”

Six St. Joseph’s Indian School students set out on an unforgettable adventure in the Black Hills of South Dakota, where towering monuments, rugged trails and one of the region’s most iconic events became the backdrop for learning, reflection and connection. From watching hundreds of buffalo thunder across the prairie to standing atop Crazy Horse Memorial, the weekend offered far more than sightseeing.

Ben, Residential Liaison for St. Joseph’s Indian School, wrote the following reflection about how the students embraced the beauty of nature, strengthened friendships and discovered some of the most meaningful moments happened in the quiet spaces between the big adventures. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Students Explore the Wonders of the Black Hills”

St. Joseph’s Indian School’s commitment to education extends well beyond eighth grade and high school graduations. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Indian School’s Scholarship Program Awards $275,000 to Native American Students”

St. Joseph’s Indian School marked a milestone in September as students, alumni, families and guests gathered for the school’s 50th Annual Powwow, celebrating Native American culture through dance, song and community. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Indian School’s 50th Annual Powwow Recap”

Barbara (middle) smiles with St. Joseph’s Indian School employees as they discuss how IRA gifts help Lakota (Sioux) children thrive.

Barbara has never forgotten what it meant to grow up with the basics — food on the table, clothes to wear and people who cared about her.

Her family was not wealthy, but Barbara says she had a wonderful childhood. That experience shaped how she thinks about giving today and inspired her to help make sure other children have that same sense of security and support, particularly the Lakota (Sioux) children at St. Joseph’s Indian School. Continue reading “Turning Gratitude into Support through IRA Giving”

Queen Makaia and Native American Studies teacher LaRayne smile for a photo during Chamberlain’s Homecoming parade.

To some, it might just be a crown. To the St. Joseph’s Indian School community, it’s a place in school history.

The history-maker was our very own senior student, Makaia. She recently became the first student from St. Joseph’s Indian School to ever be crowned Chamberlain High School’s Homecoming Queen. This honor came as a complete surprise to her. Continue reading “Makaia Makes History as Homecoming Queen”

The drums hadn’t even started yet, but the Rec Center was already buzzing. It was the kind of excited, can’t‑sit‑still energy that only happens when students know something big is about to unfold … our annual Powwow Royalty Competition! Continue reading “Introducing the 2026 Powwow Royalty of St. Joseph’s Indian School”

While LaRayne usually spends most of her time at St. Joseph’s Indian School as the Native American Studies Lead, she recently hit the road to Sioux Falls (that’s 150 miles away!) for a very special purpose … to be interviewed by Dakota News Now to spread the word about our upcoming 50th Annual Powwow taking place, September 17-19! Continue reading “Local TV Station Highlights St. Joseph’s Indian School Leading up to Milestone Powwow Event”

The following is a reflection written by LaRayne, Native American Studies Lead at St. Joseph’s Indian School, to share her knowledge of powwow dances and their corresponding regalia.

Dancing in a powwow competition takes good health — mind, body, heart and spirit. Our dancers might make it look easy, but it is not always as easy as it looks! Continue reading “Powwow Dancing: A Reflection from Native American Studies Lead at St. Joseph’s Indian School”