Part of the St. Joseph’s Indian School mission is to create a nurturing environment where every Lakota (Sioux) child feels the warmth of a loving family. Whether through traditional family structures, mentorship programs or the extended St. Joseph’s family, the children receive rich connections that help shape their lives.
Our residential program is a big component of creating this safe and secure environment. The program features 20 campus homes, each equipped to host 12 students.
St. Joseph’s provides a nationally accredited home-away-from-home for Native American children in grades one through 12. The Lakota boys and girls live and play together as any family would. They learn life skills, from personal health and home finances to communication and teamwork.
Some families entrust St. Joseph’s with their children because they know they will be safe, loved and cared for in every way. Our houseparents are a big part of the Residential Program’s success. For many students at St. Joseph’s, their houseparents and classmates within their campus home become their thiyóšpaye — extended family.
“I attended school at St. Joseph’s from ‘93 to ‘98. I still tell my children about Mike and Jean. They were my houseparents from seventh grade to my senior year. I loved sports, and they both supported me in joining every year. Mike drove me to my games and back and forth to every practice and kept my dinner so I could eat after late practices. That meant so much to me. Jean showing up every year for my [athletic] Parents Night wearing my team picture pin for the Cubs volleyball season — those kinds of memories made me so grateful for caring people like them,” said Destiny, a St. Joseph’s alum.
“Every houseparent I had treated me with respect … I really enjoyed the encouragement they helped me with,” said Larry, a St. Joseph’s alum.
“Even when I left St. Joe’s, [my houseparents] made the trip to my high school graduation. They were the best. I missed home so much, but they got me through it. They got me through a lot, and I am ever so thankful. They helped shape the woman I am today,” said Tina, a St. Joseph’s alum.
Receiving this kind of feedback leaves us humbled and nearly speechless. Some children may only spend a year or two at St. Joseph’s. However, for others, St. Joseph’s may be their only home until they graduate high school. Wačháŋtognaka — generosity — from loyal supporters makes the wheels go ‘round on our campus and beyond.
However, keeping biological family bonds strong is also at the forefront. Houseparents send regular newsletters to parents and guardians about things going on in campus homes so they can be in the know about the opportunities their children are receiving. Parents and guardians are always invited to join their children during a campus visit.
Family is the heartbeat at St. Joseph’s Indian School. Every child finds comfort in the embrace of a supportive family, and together, we create a tapestry of warmth and connection that lasts a lifetime. Philámayaye — thank you — for supporting this mission and being a crucial part of our St. Joseph’s family, where love knows no bounds.
Endearing stories of just people helping people. Especially adults providing a nurturing and thriving environment for precious kids, as they are the future of our planet. I hope that the environment focuses on their native heritage too. Native Americans are a superior people and have lived in North America for well over ten thousand years. We can learn so much from them. In helping their children thrive and survive in these difficult times is a testament to St. Joseph’s. God Bless all who read this. Namaste
Thank you, Scott. Culture at St. Joseph’s Indian School is incorporated into all facets of life for the Lakota children at our school. You can learn more about this at http://www.stjo.org/culture. Thank you for your kind words. God bless!