Dear Friends of St. Joseph’s,
I have the privilege of sharing what’s been going on at St. Joseph’s Indian School over the last few days since Fr. Steve is away on a donor luncheon to Dover, Delaware and the northwest side of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, near King of Prussia and Valley Forge.
Last Wednesday, a severe weather drill was held for the whole State of South Dakota.
We work hard to keep the Lakota boys and girls safe. It’s important to be aware of what sounds would be used should an actual tornado be in the area. We also practice fire and lockdown drills with our Native American students to keep everyone prepared for any situation.
Friday was our 18th Annual Sobriety Walk and the weather was perfect. The program started with a presentation by Sheltered Reality, a group founded in 1996 to help young people. After their fine presentation, the students and staff made their walk through downtown Chamberlain urging everyone to say NO to drug and alcohol abuse.
Saturday was also busy as Chamberlain High School’s Native American Club sponsored their 6th Annual Powwow in the Chamberlain Armory. They had a good turnout with royalty and drum groups. The event began with 55 dancers and kept growing! Several St. Joseph’s students and staff took part. CONGRATULATIONS to St. Joseph’s high school students who are officers in the club and did a great job in organizing and running the event.
Sunday was also a beautiful day and gave everyone the chance to get outdoors after a long winter that did not seem to want to end. We had over 10 inches of snow in the last two and a half weeks, so warm, sunny days were a welcome change.
Fishermen were out in force on the Missouri River. There were so many boats in the water that it looked like airplanes in a holding pattern as they came off the water to load their boats.
Chamberlain was hosting a baseball game downtown and some of our older students were active in a softball game here on campus. The younger students had gotten their bikes out and were pedaling all over the campus. I think everyone is ready for warmer weather.
Over at the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center, the new displays are in place. Thanks to the effort of Split Rock Studios, the overhaul of the displays in the museum and the addition of our historical and alumni center are now complete. We hope you’ll have the chance to visit and see all the changes!
Hope your weekend went well too. We keep you in our prayers and are very grateful for the generosity you show the Lakota children attending St. Joseph’s Indian School. May the Great Spirit bless you and yours this week and always. Pilamaya!
Fr. Anthony Kluckman, SCJ
Chaplain
St. Joseph’s Indian School
