Author: St. Joseph's Indian School

The holiday season sparkles with magic at St. Joseph’s Indian School, where the annual Christmas Store transforms the Depot into a festive wonderland of giving and joy.

This annual tradition of the Christmas Store stands out as a beloved highlight every December. Lakota (Sioux) students get the opportunity to experience the magic of giving first-hand. However, this unique event is not just about presents; it’s about creating cherished memories, fostering generosity and bringing students and staff together to celebrate the love and kindness shared by generous donors. Continue reading “Christmas Magic at St. Joseph’s Indian School: A Heartwarming Tradition”

The holiday season arrived and Christmas magic thrived at St. Joseph’s Indian School. Snowflakes danced their way down from the sky above. Winking and shimmering lights turned ordinary rooms into cozy, comfy spaces. Down the hallways, sounds of tiny feet skipping along to cheerful Christmas tunes filled the school. Students dressed in their coziest, most colorful pajamas and made their way to a steaming cup of hot cocoa — their smiles as sweet as the marshmallows waiting for them.

Are you feeling the Christmas magic yet? Continue reading “Deck the Halls in Style: 12 Days of Christmas Dress-Up Days”

Are they really third-grade students … or mini eco-explorers?!

At St. Joseph’s Indian School, our third-grade class recently embarked on an exciting journey to explore the wonders of nature through their habitat projects. These projects are more than just a regular classroom activity — they’re a chance for students to dive into the fascinating diversity of our planet and showcase their creativity, knowledge and public speaking skills. Continue reading “Third Graders Explore the World, One Habitat at a Time”

On November 20, St. Joseph’s celebrated the gift of family with staff and students. In a years-long tradition, the school gathered in groups of siblings and thiyóšpaye  — extended family — for an evening of games and good eats. At St. Joseph’s, thiyóšpaye is a concept of pride and reverence, and whether a child attends the school for one day or many years, they are considered a member of the school’s family. Continue reading “It’s All about Family at St. Joseph’s Indian School”

Taivin Fallis will graduate this spring from Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, S.D., as a Build Dakota Scholar. Fallis is in the school’s Building Trades Technology Program.

A 2023 graduate of St. Joseph’s Indian School’s High School Program, Fallis is one of this fall’s 113 Čhaŋkú Lúta Scholarship recipients. He attended St. Joseph’s from fourth-through-twelfth grades. Continue reading “Native American Scholar Builds Career with St. Joseph’s Scholarship”

In the Bible story “Feeding of the Five Thousand,” or more commonly recognized as “The story of loaves and fishes,” Jesus performs a miracle by multiplying five loaves of bread and two fish to feed a large crowd of people who had gathered to hear His teachings.*

As you may remember from the story, some of the disciples were doubtful they could manage to feed everyone. In fact, they suggested they send the crowd away. Continue reading “National Food Day: Bible Story Serves as Model for St. Joseph’s Outreach Program”

Because one day isn’t enough and one activity can’t say it all, staff and students at St. Joseph’s Indian School extended the cultural celebration of Native American Day from Sunday to Friday. Each day unveiled more of the richness and diversity of their Lakota, Dakota and Nakota heritage through prayer, fun, dance, language, lessons, clothing and art. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Indian School Celebrates Native American Week”

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. Continue reading “Alumni Talk About Their Houseparents at St. Joseph’s Indian School”

Imagine in a not-so-distant past the following scene: a young Lakota (Sioux) girl sits unmoving as the women behind her carefully weaves together three sections of hair into a beautiful, intricate braid. As the woman does this, she shares stories of history and tradition with the young girl. The girl breathes in the words and holds them in her heart. The stories provide her with a sense of togetherness with those around her, and those from the past who first shared these stories.

Like a braid, her ancestors, her elders and she create a cord of three — creating something stronger than any one of them alone. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Braids of Strength: a Cord of Three”

On September 21, St. Joseph’s Indian School hosted its 48^th Annual Powwow. Seven drum groups participated, and close to ­­­­­200 of the school’s benefactors from around the world were on hand for the celebration. Continue reading “Lakota Star Quilt Becomes Expression of Gratitude at St. Joseph’s Annual Powwow”