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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”

The 48th Annual St. Joseph’s Indian School Powwow is September 21. Students have been hard at work practicing dance and drum group since their August 11 return to campus. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Indian School Announces 2024 Powwow Royalty”

School is back in session at St. Joseph’s Indian School, and staff and students are hard at work preparing for the powwow of the wakhaŋeža – the blessed little ones. Annually on the third Saturday of September, the school hosts the powwow, which is open to the public. Some one hundred ten St. Joseph’s students and more dancers from around the region will participate in beautiful Native American regalia on Sept. 21, 2024. Continue reading “Join in the Fun and Rich Culture at St. Joseph’s Indian School’s 48th Annual Powwow”

August 11 marked the start of an exciting new chapter for students at St. Joseph’s Indian School. After a gloomy, rainy start to the day, the sun cast its warm rays over campus. Warming and calming the hearts of children and their families as they arrived with anticipation and excitement. Continue reading “Welcoming New and Returning Students at St. Joseph’s Indian School”

St. Joseph’s Indian School hosted a national training for the OK Corral Equine Therapy Red Series in July. Attendees included 10 of the school’s counseling staff, three attendees from nearby Lower Brule Reservation and seven others from around the country. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Indian School Hosts National OK Corral Equine Therapy Training”

The St. Joseph’s Indian School Bookmobile wrapped up a busy summer in mid-July. The tour broke records in every category! Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Indian School Bookmobile Completes a Record-Breaking Summer”

A remarkable story unfolded in the heart of South Dakota on the grounds of St. Joseph’s Indian School. It’s a tale of patience, perseverance and trust embodied in a stray dog. Continue reading “A Tale of Trust: Frankie’s Journey at St. Joseph’s Indian School”

At St. Joseph’s Indian School, the fun never falls … It just keeps on rising! Especially when Native American children attend Rising Eagle Day Camp! Speaking of rising … We experienced a RISE in fun and a RISE in our camper numbers! This year Rising Eagle Day Camp served 764 children. That is an increase of 34 kids compared to the 2023 camp season. Continue reading “The Fun Never Falls, It Rises at Rising Eagle Day Camp”