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.

Counselor Reflection: The Power of Positive Affirmations

Positive affirmation cards remind students that they are amazing people capable of great things.

The following guest blog is written by Nicole, one of the Licensed Professional Counselors at St. Joseph’s Indian School

“Today is going to be a good day!”

That is just one of the positive affirmations I teach the girls I counsel. Sometimes we become stuck in negative self-talk, worries and doubt. Reframing our thoughts with positive affirmations is a great way change our mindset for the better. Continue reading “Counselor Reflection: The Power of Positive Affirmations”

Sacred Heart Chacon Family Safe Shelter Dedicated

St. Joseph’s Indian School President Mike Tyrell addressed the crowd at the Sacred Heart Chacon Family Shelter, an outreach of St. Joseph’s on the Cheyenne River Indian reservation.

The sun bathed the crowd gathered on Tuesday, June 22, to dedicate the Sacred Heart Chacon Family Shelter in Eagle Butte, S.D. Continue reading “Sacred Heart Chacon Family Safe Shelter Dedicated”

St. Joseph’s Honors Four Nurses as 2021 Distinguished Alumni

Upon receiving the Distinguished Alumnus Award, Archambeau was given a star quilt.

Four nurses nominated separately for St. Joseph’s Indian School’s Distinguished Alumnus Award were collectively selected as distinguished alumni, representing all health care workers and their role as beacons of hope throughout this pandemic year. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Honors Four Nurses as 2021 Distinguished Alumni”

Cultural Trip forms Students into Future Leaders

The seventh grade class at St. Joseph’s Indian School traveled the region as part of the annual Cultural Trip, a favorite tradition to many of students.

On a cloudy May afternoon, the seventh grade students of St. Joseph’s Indian School huddled in prayer before embarking on the trip that has become a spiritual and cultural rite of passage for the school’s students. The journey, which underwent some changes during the pandemic year, was unchanged in its tradition of forming these students into the school’s leaders when school opens next fall. Continue reading “Cultural Trip forms Students into Future Leaders”

Feeding Our Family at St. Joseph’s Indian School

When you make spaghetti for your family, what does it look like? You likely grab a one-pound box of noodles, a pound or so of meat, a jar of sauce and maybe some other fixings — unless you make the sauce yourself. (You know who you are and we applaud you.)

Easy-peasy, and dinner’s on the table, right?

Well, when we cook for our family of kiddos at St. Joseph’s Indian School, it looks a wee bit different. Continue reading “Feeding Our Family at St. Joseph’s Indian School”

Alumna’s Story Filled with Twists, Turns and Perseverance

LaToya (center) with the little ones she loves, and who were the inspiration that kept her moving forward no matter the challenge.

When LaToya Crazy Bull thinks about her future, it’s not necessarily a scene of events that come to her mind — rather, it’s the faces of those she loves most.

At 29-years-old, she cares for her own two-year-old son and her seven-year-old brother. Her teenage little sister also joins her home from time to time.

LaToya’s dream is to give them the stable environment they need for a brighter future. And she’s well on her way … Continue reading “Alumna’s Story Filled with Twists, Turns and Perseverance”

St. Joseph’s Students Hit the Road during Driver’s Ed

“Big Joe” instructs a class of students during Driver’s Education at St. Joseph’s Indian School.

It can be a daunting task to get into the passenger seat with a young driver … especially when it’s their first time in the driver’s seat! But somebody’s gotta do it!

And Joe, or “Big Joe” as he’s known on St. Joseph’s Indian School’s campus, was just the man for the job.

“I’ve only had to use the emergency brake on my side two times so far,” he said, smiling. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Students Hit the Road during Driver’s Ed”

Rise Above the Storm and You will Find Your Sunshine

The eighth grade class of 2021 posed for a group photo. You can feel the love they have for one another!

If you are a supporter of St. Joseph’s Indian School, think back on how long you’ve been a part of our thiyóšpaye — extended family. Maybe you’re new to the crew. Or, maybe you’ve stayed loyal to the Lakota (Sioux) children and have been supporting them for three, five or even 10-plus years.

Regardless of how long you’ve been our kȟolá — friend — you can take pride in what your support has accomplished for the eighth grade class of 2021. Continue reading “Rise Above the Storm and You will Find Your Sunshine”

Prayer for Healing: Girls Dance at St. Joseph’s Indian School for Wellbeing of Others

As a jingle dress dancer moves, the metal cones unleash what resembles the sound of falling rain.

The young girls twirled and stepped, their tracks guided by the musical heartbeat of the drum. As they moved, their jingle dresses shook — unleashing the sweet, musical sounds of prayer.

A spring wind blew and as it did, nature joined in and danced with the girls. Trees swayed and their branches clicked. Grasses whistled. River waves crashed. Leaves that endured the winter twisted in the breeze.

It was nature and mankind coming together for the purpose of prayer … prayer for health, healing and hope. Continue reading “Prayer for Healing: Girls Dance at St. Joseph’s Indian School for Wellbeing of Others”