St. Joseph's Indian School

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”

Even as a new student, Zukai proudly danced and sang at St. Joseph’s 49th Annual Powwow.

Spend just a few minutes with seventh grader Zukai, and it might be hard to believe he has only been a student at St. Joseph’s Indian School for a little more than a year.

Ambitious, outgoing and kind, Zukai has quickly found his place on campus. Whether he is in the classroom, spending time with friends or competing on the field, he approaches each opportunity with enthusiasm.

Zukai first came to St. Joseph’s as a new student during the 2025-26 school year. With sisters who are St. Joseph’s alumni, he was already familiar with the school, but he wanted the chance to experience it for himself.

“I wanted to try it out,” Zukai said.

Of everything awaiting him on campus, he said he was most excited about one thing: meeting new people. Continue reading “Embracing Life at St. Joseph’s: Zukai’s Story”

 

Kim and her daughter, Libbie, at her senior prom. Kim finds purpose not only in being a mom, but also in serving and supporting students at St. Joseph’s Indian School.

Fourteen years ago, Kim dropped her youngest daughter off for her first day of kindergarten and found herself wondering what would come next.

Kim had worked as a special education teacher in public schools for eight years before choosing to stay home to raise her children. With her youngest beginning school, another chapter was on the horizon … for her daughter and for herself.

“I remember thinking, ‘What’s next for me?’” Kim said.

She didn’t have to wait long for an answer. Continue reading “A Calling that was Never Expected”