It’s true, December 1 typically marks the beginning of the most wonderful time of the year. It’s a day many people begin playing Christmas music, deck their halls and put up a tree. Much to their delight, little ones at St. Joseph’s Indian School were able to celebrate the beginning of the Christmas Season in another big way, thanks to an unexpected, generous and kind donation.
After the school day ended on December 1, students and staff embarked on an enchanting expedition to the magical world that is Disney on Ice! The show took place at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, SD — approximately 140 miles from St. Joseph’s campus in rural Chamberlain, SD — but distance didn’t dampen their excitement. Their quick-beating hearts brimmed with enthusiasm as they traveled toward an experience that would be a first for many.
When the children entered the venue, their eyes grew wide as they gazed upon the dazzling spectacle shimmering before them. The ice-skating performances showcased beloved Disney characters, transforming the icy stage into a vibrant scene of color, music and dance. From Moana, Beauty and the Beast, Frozen and more, each tale brought audible gasps, laughter and joy to their faces.
“I liked singing along to the music and all the tricks on the ice,” said Aleigha, a student at St. Joseph’s, of the experience.
The journey to Disney on Ice was made possible by a remarkable gift from the Denny Sanford Premier Center, where the event was held. The venue kindly donated a whopping 50 free tickets, providing an opportunity that was a dream come true for the children. To them we say wóphila tȟáŋka — many thanks — for providing the pathway to this experience.
While the gift of free tickets made this experience possible, to witness the children’s reactions throughout the show was another true gift in and of itself. The children’s laughter echoed through the audience, spreading waves of holiday joy.
For resilient Lakota children at St. Joseph’s, who often come from communities effected deeply by poverty, this extraordinary experience was extra special. Poverty limits exposure to the wonders of the world beyond. However, the trip to Disney on Ice provided a much-needed reminder that the impossible can indeed become possible — just like so many of the Disney songs the children heard illustrated. By introducing our students to magical experiences like this, it ensures young minds are nurtured, encouraged and inspired to surmount the obstacles they face.
“The show was amazing!” said Isabelle, a St. Joseph’s houseparent and chaperone of the event. “None of the students had ever been before and the show grasped the kids’ attention for the full two hours. I heard every one of them sing along and some were singing along during the whole show! They were in awe by the skating as well.”
The day of Disney on Ice will forever hold a place in the hearts of the students of St. Joseph’s Indian School. The memories made during this outing will be filed away with the other carefree childhood memories they make thanks to the generosity and kindness of others.
LOOKS GOOD TO ME ABOUT HOW THE KIDS REACTED TO THE SHOW. EMAIL ME OF WHAT NUMBER I CAN CALL TO TALK TO SOMEONE WHO CAN LET ME KNOW WHAT ADDRESS TO SEND THE GIFTS FOR THE CHILDREN. I HAVE 100 WRIST WATCHES AND 30 WALLETS FOR THEM. IM JUST SORRY I DIDNT HAVE MORE. I WILL LEAVE IT UP TO YOU ON HOW YOU WANT TO DISTRIBUTE THEM. I DO PLAN ON INCREASING MY MONTHLY CONTRIBUTION TO YOU ALL COME THE FIRST OF JANUARY. I TRY EACH YEAR TO DO THIS WHEN MY DAV AND SOCIAL SECURITY GETS A COST OF LIVING INCREASE. AS IVE SAID, I HAVE SOME MEDICAL ISSUES TO DEAL WITH AND THEN I CAN HEAD YOUR WAY FOR A VISIT. I HAVE A FRIEND WHO LIVES CLOSE TO CHAMBERLAIN WHO HAS CANCER AND I WANT TO SPEND TIME WITH HIM. I DO LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING THE STAFF AT THE SCHOOL.
yo this is your boy kyler just miss my friends and all the memoeries we had
Thank you for the information you send about St. Joseph’s. How did you decide which 50 students went to the Disney ON Ice? I remember my first Ice Capades! I think I was 20 years old. I attended with my future husband. Where did the students stay on what must have been a several day trip? Is there prejudice toward the children when they leave the Reservation?
I am concerned about the reports of violence toward Native Women and the poverty on Reservations. Do you follow your graduates after they leave St. Joseph’s? Are they able to deal with the violence? Roughly how many assimilate into mainstream society and how many stay on the Reservation, or what are their lives like? Is it hard for Native men to adjust to work other than hunting ? Should we advocate for some kinds of industry and jobs on the Reservation?
Thank you so much for listening.
Hi Constance,
We will try to respond to all your questions are concisely as possible. The students chosen to go to Disney on Ice came from the same grades and homes. While not every student was able to attend, when these opportunities come up, we try to evenly distribute the opportunity. So, the next time we get an offer like this, we would try to choose other students if it makes sense age-wise and what the entertainment is.
When students go on a home trip that includes an overnight, they stay in hotels.
Students come to St. Joseph’s Indian School because their primary caregivers determine it is the safest place for their children to be and for the opportunities our school can provide them. It’s never a choice that is taken lightly. We can’t speak on behalf of parents as to whether or not they experience prejudice from members of their communities for this decision or if students experience the same if/when they return home.
We have a Transitions Specialist who keeps in close contact with students for the first 4 years after they graduate high school. They offer support, guidance, and a listening ear often needed by young adults figuring out college, work and newly adult roles they encounter. We then have an Alumni Coordinator who oversees alumni in a broader way. While we love staying in contact with our alumni, we let our alumni decide the amount of communication from us they prefer. Some students appreciate our school, but as adults go on to live their lives.
As far as your question to Native American male employment and hunting — traditional roles such as this haven’t likely been in place for them for several generations. Our outreach organization, Native Hope, advocates and works more closely with reservation and tribal communities to provide them with the assistance they need in ways we are able to provide it.
Thank you so much for your questions and interest. Should you have anything further to ask, please email is at saintjosephs@stjo.org and we would be happy to continue discussing topics with you. God bless!
That is really excellent that the children got to see the ice show. Those skaters are so very skilled… it’s amazing to me how they even manage to … ummm … stand up and SKATE! Let alone all the fancy “tricks” they do so smoothly and elegantly. I can just imagine how much fun the children had watching those stories come to life through the skaters, the music and the staging. The donation of tickets was a wonderful gift and it was really nice for me reading about it. Thank you!