Author: St. Joseph's Indian School

At St. Joseph's Indian School, our privately-funded programs for Lakota (Sioux) children in need have evolved over 90 years of family partnership, experience and education. Because of generous friends who share tax-deductible donations, Native American youth receive a safe, stable home life; individual counseling and guidance; carefully planned curriculum based on Lakota culture and individual student needs and tools to help build confidence, boost self-esteem and improve cultural awareness. All of this helps children to live a bright, productive, possibility-filled future.

Keeping Kids Engaged with Free Activities from St. Joseph’s Indian School

It doesn’t have to cost a thing to keep your children or grandchildren engaged this Winter Break with free resources from St. Joseph’s Indian School!

As the holiday season approaches, many find themselves on a quest to keep their children or grandchildren occupied and engaged — especially during winter break! Look no further than St. Joseph’s Indian School for a selection of free digital downloads that not only entertain, but also instill children with the values of generosity and kindness. Discover how these resources can bring joy and create meaningful conversations about the mission of St. Joseph’s Indian School, which is to educate Native American children and families for life — mind, body, heart and spirit. Continue reading “Keeping Kids Engaged with Free Activities from St. Joseph’s Indian School”

A Magical Disney Experience for St. Joseph’s Indian School Students

St. Joseph’s Indian School students were able to attend a Disney on Ice show in Sioux Falls thanks to a kind donation!

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. Continue reading “A Magical Disney Experience for St. Joseph’s Indian School Students”

The Morning Star and the Star of Bethlehem: A Christmas Story

While both the Morning Star and the Star of Bethlehem hold distinct cultural and religious significance, as we near the holiday season, it is interesting to draw parallels between the two.

As the world prepares to celebrate the joyous occasion of Christmas, it is important to recognize the rich cultural and spiritual traditions that encompass this holiday season. At St. Joseph’s Indian School, we embrace the diversity of our students’ Native American heritage and find meaningful connections between their customs and the story of Christ’s birth. In this story, we explore the interesting parallels between the Morning Star in Native American culture and the Star of Bethlehem in the Christmas Story. Continue reading “The Morning Star and the Star of Bethlehem: A Christmas Story”

Montileaux Paints Pictures on the Walls of Young Minds at St. Joseph’s

Donald Montileaux teaches a room of third- and fourth-graders at St. Joseph’s Indian School.

This fall, acclaimed Oglala Lakota ledger artist Donald F. Montileaux paid a visit to St. Joseph’s Indian School where he sparked students’ imaginations with his masterful storytelling and vivid artistic style.

Montileaux, accompanied by wife, Paulette, spent the afternoon with third-, fourth- and seventh-graders in the school library, recounting the story of “Tašuŋka, A Lakota Horse Legend” and mentoring students in illustration. Continue reading “Montileaux Paints Pictures on the Walls of Young Minds at St. Joseph’s”

Equine Therapy: A Story of Connection that Goes Beyond Comprehension

The following is a reflection written by Robyn, our Director of Counseling Services at St. Joseph’s Indian School.

A counselor recently shared with me about how the horses are making an impact on the lives of students in ways that may go unnoticed. However, when it clicks, it is more than words can describe. Continue reading “Equine Therapy: A Story of Connection that Goes Beyond Comprehension”

Second Wičhóni Wašte Day Builds Connections for Students at St. Joseph’s

Kim, St. Joseph’s Religion Studies teacher, sets the stage for the day of reflection as freshmen and sophomores look on.

This October provided the opportunity for 19 freshmen and sophomore students at St. Joseph’s Indian School to explore life’s peaks and valleys through critical reflection on their purpose in life on the undulating terrain of the Badlands. The goal of the Wičhóni Wašte (Good Life) Retreat, now in its second year, was a day of community, culture and relationship building. Continue reading “Second Wičhóni Wašte Day Builds Connections for Students at St. Joseph’s”

This Native American Scholarship Recipient Says, “Keep Going”

Kayla McCloskey will graduate in May of 2024 from Black Hills State University (BHSU) with a double major in American Indian Studies and Sociology. She is ready to take on the future. A 2018 graduate of St. Joseph’s Indian School’s High School Program, McCoskey is an eight-time recipient of the school’s scholarship, which was started in 1985 to support Native Americans pursuing higher education.

Continue reading “This Native American Scholarship Recipient Says, “Keep Going””

Culture Shines as St. Joseph’s Indian School Celebrates Native American Week

While others celebrated Native American Day on October 9, staff and students at St. Joseph’s Indian School extended the cultural celebration from Sunday to Sunday plumbing the richness and diverse dimensions of their heritage through prayer, dance, study plans, lessons from the bow and arrow, clothing and art. Continue reading “Culture Shines as St. Joseph’s Indian School Celebrates Native American Week”

Butterfinger Cake and Other Bonds Celebrated at St. Joseph’s Indian School’s New Alumni Center

(Standing, L-R): Coleman, staff; Joaquin, staff and alum. (Seated, L-R): Casey, visitor; Scott, alum; Andy, staff ; Joe, staff; Theda, alum.

A spread of homemade chili with all the trimmings, lasagna and garlic bread greeted alumni dropping by the new Sacred Hoop Alumni Center on St. Joseph’s Indian School’s campus for Walk-in Wednesday on October 4. It is a weekly event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the center. Some days it might be sandwiches and a game of cribbage that builds collegiality, but today was extra-special. It was a celebration in honor of Alumni Liaison Andy Lepkowski’s 68th birthday, and Butterfinger Cake was the centerpiece. Continue reading “Butterfinger Cake and Other Bonds Celebrated at St. Joseph’s Indian School’s New Alumni Center”

Five from St. Joseph’s Indian School Receive National Honors

(From left): Tom Robinson, President, Milton Hershey School; Kory Christianson, Executive Director Development, St. Joseph’s Indian School; Mike Tyrell, President, St. Joseph’s Indian School; Don Forrester, Executive Director, CORE; Jennifer Renner-Meyer, Executive Director of Child Services, St. Joseph’s Indian School

Caring for community is a value of five from St. Joseph’s Indian School that made them standouts to win Catherine Hershey National Awards. The awards were announced at the Coalition of Residential Excellence (CORE) Luncheon at Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center in Oacoma, S.D. on Tuesday, September 19. They were among 13 honored with awards nationally. St. Joseph’s Indian School hosted the national conference this year. Continue reading “Five from St. Joseph’s Indian School Receive National Honors”