St. Joseph's Indian School

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”

 

St. Joseph’s Indian School staff members divided and conquered a variety of volunteer projects throughout our local communities during Mission Day.

“Fr. Dehon said, ‘We go to the people,’ so we are going out to these people to help them with whatever project they need,” said Joe, Director of Mission Integration.

And that is exactly what St. Joseph’s Indian School staff set out to do on August 11 during the Second Annual Mission Day.

Continue reading “Going to the People: Mission Day at St. Joseph’s Indian School”

The Fisher Home at St. Joseph’s Indian School hums with the kind of energy only 12 boys can generate. Shoes land in a heap near the door. Someone is finishing a last-minute chore, wiping down the counter with exaggerated enthusiasm. Another drifts toward the kitchen, hoping to sneak a taste of whatever’s simmering on the stove.

Stephen and Robbie, the houseparents of the home, move through the bustle with a practiced calm. They remind one boy to wash his hands, redirect another toward the dinner table and gently remind the boy who gets to set out the silverware that it’s his turn. It’s a familiar rhythm — guiding, encouraging and nudging the chaos into something that feels like home. Continue reading “Houseparent Feature: Eight Years of Love and Commitment at St. Joseph’s Indian School”

The quiet thuds of boxes, enthusiastic exchanges between staff and the steady shuffle of teamwork mark the beginning of St. Joseph’s Indian School’s Food Box outreach. As the last box is secured and the vehicle doors close, motion takes over — the first symbolic miles of a journey rooted in compassion before the real miles are clocked.

But before that happens, St. Joseph’s staff gather in the dining hall, surrounded by towering stacks of food. Each food box is packed with intention: three boxes of nonperishables, two large bundles of ramen noodles and two cases of bottled water — an order valued over $120. Yet, it carries something far greater than its price. It carries kinship. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Takes Kinship on the Road for Food Box Outreach”

Some moments help students see a wider horizon than they knew existed. For four St. Joseph’s Indian School middle schoolers, stepping onto the University of Notre Dame campus became one of those moments — a chance to deepen their faith, imagine their futures and connect with Native American peers walking similar paths. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Students Explore Faith and Future at Notre Dame”