St. Joseph's Indian School

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”

Students stepped into the St. Joseph’s Indian School gym and were met with a burst of color that felt almost impossible for February. Paper palm trees rustled in the warm air, the scent of popcorn drifted across the room and the commotion of carnival games echoed off the walls. For a moment, winter didn’t feel so sharp. It was I Hate Winter Day! And, for one day, summer fun set in … Continue reading “I Hate Winter Day: A Little Summer in the Heart of Winter”

Once every month, students and staff unite for a unique tradition at St. Joseph’s Indian School — Lakota Mass. This beautiful Mass honors Catholic faith and the rich culture of the Lakota (Sioux) people, creating a deep spiritual experience. Continue reading “Celebrating Faith and Culture Together: St. Joseph’s Lakota Mass”

Beginning Sunday, January 25, St. Joseph’s Indian School joined Catholic schools across the country in celebration of Catholic Schools Week. This year’s theme, “United in Faith and Community,” felt especially close to our hearts. We know how truly blessed we are to call ourselves a Catholic school. It is a gift to freely talk about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and even more incredible to encourage our students to explore faith. Being able to teach and nurture spirituality through both Catholic and Lakota (Sioux) traditions is a privilege we will never take for granted. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Indian School Celebrates & Cherishes Catholic Schools Week”

When the winter winds settle in and the days feel a little too long and dark, St. Joseph’s Indian School looks for small, meaningful ways to bring warmth and joy to campus.

This year, Beth, St. Joseph’s Assistant Principal, found just the thing — a simple idea she spotted on Facebook that she tweaked a little bit to make uniquely our own. The result was “Snugs & Hugs Day” — a cozy celebration that wrapped our students and staff in comfort during the coldest stretch of the season so far. Continue reading “Snugs & Hugs Day Brings Mid-Winter Magic to St. Joseph’s Indian School”