At St. Joseph’s Indian School, we often witness incredible acts of kindness and generosity that leave us in awe. Recently, a story unfolded that reminded us of how God can turn an unfortunate event into something extraordinarily good.
It all began with a donor, a compassionate woman named Vicky. She owned a luxurious fox fur coat valued at approximately $1,000. But one fateful day, her beloved puppy, Maxx, got ahold of the coat. The curious pup managed to chew a hole in the fur! At first, she was heartbroken, but as she gazed at Maxx’s innocent eyes, she realized something profound: love is far more important than any material possession.
Rather than dwelling on the loss, she saw an opportunity to turn this mishap into something meaningful. She donated the coat to St. Joseph’s Indian School, hoping it could be repaired and repurposed. Her wish? For the coat to go to a deserving junior or senior student excelling academically — a gesture that would carry forward her love and generosity.
Our skilled seamstress, Bonnie, carefully restored the coat to its original splendor, ensuring the donor’s vision could become a reality. This remarkable gift found its perfect recipient: Angelina, a senior with a radiant spirit and a bright future. Angelina was crowned Miss St. Joseph’s at our 2024 Powwow Royalty Competition, a testament to her leadership, dedication and connection to her Lakota (Sioux) culture.
When Angelina first saw the coat, she was speechless.
“It’s more beautiful than I could have ever imagined,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. She shared how wearing it made her feel “honored and elegant.”
This coat is more than a stunning garment for Angelina — it symbolizes her ancestry. The Lakota people traditionally wore buffalo robes, animal skin coats and furs to protect themselves from the harsh cold. These garments were practical for survival and deeply connected to their cultural identity. Native Americans utilized as much of the animal as possible, honoring it through their resourcefulness and respect for nature.
As Angelina prepares to head off to college this fall, the coat will accompany her on her journey, reminding her of the generosity that helped her dream big. She vowed to cherish this gift forever, carrying the story of a loving donor and a mischievous puppy named Maxx with her.
At St. Joseph’s Indian School, we are profoundly grateful for donors who transform their love into life-changing opportunities for our students. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Vicky. Your gift has warmed Angelina’s shoulders and her spirit — and ours.
May this story inspire us all to find joy in wačháŋtognaka — generosity — and to embrace the beautiful messiness of life, knowing that love always triumphs.
To learn more about St. Joseph’s Indian School, visit stjo.org today.
