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.

Barnyard Bonds: How Animals Bring Joy at St. Joseph’s Indian School

Welcome to the world! Students at St. Joseph’s Indian School cradle newly hatched chicks, sharing in the joy of new life on campus.

Cheep-cheep!

Hmm, that’s not a sound you usually hear in the Equine Therapy Center at St. Joseph’s Indian School …

Cheep-cheep!

There is it again! You see, for the time being, St. Joseph’s barn isn’t just a place for horses, emotional healing and hay — it’s a hub of excitement. Driven by a lifelong love of animals, Mark, St. Joseph’s Equine Specialist Assistant, has made a point to introduce Lakota (Sioux) students to the wonders of farm life, one baby chick at a time. Continue reading “Barnyard Bonds: How Animals Bring Joy at St. Joseph’s Indian School”

70 Years of Compassion: A Legacy of Giving to St. Joseph’s

Robert (left) and Yolanda (right) stand with Laura (center), St. Joseph’s Indian School’s Major Gifts Manager, during a recent trip Laura took to visit them in their home.

In the heart of South Dakota lies St. Joseph’s Indian School, a school dedicated to empowering Lakota (Sioux) children and families for life — mind, body, heart and spirit. Among its most steadfast supporters are Robert and Yolanda, a couple whose commitment to St. Joseph’s spans more than seven decades! Their journey of generosity is a testament to the transformative power of empathy and faith. Continue reading “70 Years of Compassion: A Legacy of Giving to St. Joseph’s”

An Easter Message from St. Joseph’s Indian School

Students at St. Joseph’s Indian School received the sign of the cross on their foreheads during Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent. The ashes serve as a reminder of faith, repentance and the journey toward Easter.

Easter reminds us of God’s presence and enduring love. It is about renewal and rebirth, forgiveness and blessings.

As the joyous season of Easter dawns upon us, we at St. Joseph’s Indian School want to take a moment to reflect on the blessings your generosity brings into the lives of the Lakota (Sioux) children. Your support is not just a gift; it is a reflection of love and hope — the very essence of Easter. Continue reading “An Easter Message from St. Joseph’s Indian School”

St. Joseph’s Annual Staff vs. Students Basketball Game Brings Big Smiles

Cheering crowds, creative plays, and plenty of laughter made this year’s Staff vs. Students basketball game a slam dunk for fun and community spirit at St. Joseph’s Indian School.

March Madness reached new heights at St. Joseph’s Indian School on March 26 as our students and staff took to the court for the annual Staff vs. Students basketball game — a tradition filled with laughter, energy and unforgettable moments. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Annual Staff vs. Students Basketball Game Brings Big Smiles”

St. Joseph’s Third Graders Bring History to Life with Wax Museum

A St. Joseph’s Indian School third grader transformed into their chosen historical figure and shared their story with parents, teachers and classmates during the Wax Museum project showcase.

At St. Joseph’s Indian School, our third-grade students recently took a remarkable journey through time as they participated in a Wax Museum project. With a blend of creativity and curiosity, the young Lakota (Sioux) learners brought to life some of history’s most iconic figures in an unforgettable way. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Third Graders Bring History to Life with Wax Museum”

A Journey of Firsts: Roxy and Ava Experience Florida through a St. Joseph’s Donor Event

Two St. Joseph’s Indian School students, Roxy and Ava, took the trip of a lifetime to Florida to meet donors and explore new places.

St. Joseph’s Indian School students, Roxy and Ava, stepped onto the airplane, their eyes wide with excitement and just a hint of nervousness. The hum of the engines filled the cabin as they buckled their seatbelts, gripping the armrests in anticipation. Continue reading “A Journey of Firsts: Roxy and Ava Experience Florida through a St. Joseph’s Donor Event”

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from St. Joseph’s Indian School!

Have you ever sat down at a dinner table with a child, and the last food left on his or her plate was green?

Adult: Will you please try it?
Child: No.
Adult: You won’t know if you like it until you taste it.
Child: No.
Adult: Why?
Child: It’s greeeeen!

Continue reading “Happy St. Patrick’s Day from St. Joseph’s Indian School!”

St. Joseph’s Student Shoots for the Stars … Literally

Marybella, a bright and talented student at St. Joseph’s Indian School, has her dreams aimed at the stars.

At St. Joseph’s Indian School, every student has a story. Some stories are rooted in athletics, others in overcoming challenges, and some, like Marybella’s, are destined for the stars. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Student Shoots for the Stars … Literally”

A Memorable Visit: Embracing Lakota Culture and Building Connections

Cultures collide in the best way when German students from our sister school gather with our St. Joseph’s Indian School students as part of an annual exchange program.

Did you know St. Joseph’s Indian School has a sister school in Germany? Yes! The school is called Gymnasium Leonium in Handrup, Germany. Why? It all ties back to our roots in Germany, where founder Fr. Leo John Dehon originated the Priests of the Sacred Heart. Continue reading “A Memorable Visit: Embracing Lakota Culture and Building Connections”

A “Hole” Lot of Love and Generosity: The Journey of a Fox Fur Coat

Angelina proudly wears the beautifully restored fox fur coat donated by a generous benefactor.

At St. Joseph’s Indian School, we often witness incredible acts of kindness and generosity that leave us in awe. Recently, a story unfolded that reminded us of how God can turn an unfortunate event into something extraordinarily good. Continue reading “A “Hole” Lot of Love and Generosity: The Journey of a Fox Fur Coat”