Author: St. Joseph's Indian School

In the midst of the festive season, where twinkling lights and colorful decorations dominate the scenery, it’s important to remember the true meaning of Christmas: unconditional love and generosity. At St. Joseph’s Indian School, this spirit comes alive through many ways, but one special way is the Christmas Store. This heartwarming tradition not only brings joy to the Native American children who call St. Joseph’s home, but it also serves as a way to bless our students’ families — spreading a glimmer of Christmas magic across reservation communities in South Dakota. Continue reading “The Heartwarming Story of St. Joseph’s Indian School’s Christmas Store”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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””

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”

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 68^th 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”