Back to School at St. Joseph’s

Students at St. Joseph’s Indian School were welcomed back with a parade to kick-off the 2023-24 school year!

A new tradition borne of the pandemic continued at St. Joseph’s Indian School under bright and shiny skies along the banks of the Missouri River. Nearly 200 students and dozens of staff from across the campus celebrated the fourth annual outdoor back-to-school parade. Continue reading “Back to School at St. Joseph’s”

Students at St. Joseph’s Discover their Cultural Identity

Students at St. Joseph’s Indian School are immersed into many cultural experiences to strengthen their bond to their Lakota culture. One of those experiences is powwow.

If you were to ponder the important subjects taught in classrooms across the country, what might you think of?

Perhaps math, science, reading and English are the first to come to mind. While these subjects are, of course, important for a well-rounded student to succeed in the real world one day, among the list of subjects provided to students at St. Joseph’s Indian School, there is one that is extra special. Continue reading “Students at St. Joseph’s Discover their Cultural Identity”

St. Joseph’s Delivers 160 Food Boxes, Receives Countless Smiles in Return

St. Joseph’s Indian School strives to provide a nurturing, supportive environment for Native American children from South Dakota reservations. We strongly believe education is a powerful tool for empowering our students and creating a brighter future. Additionally, we understand the importance of ensuring their well-being beyond the classroom, especially during the summer months when our students spend precious time with their families. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Delivers 160 Food Boxes, Receives Countless Smiles in Return”

St. Joseph’s Indian School Gives 16,990 Free Books to Residents of Reservations

Kindness from others allows St. Joseph’s Indian School to provide free books to people in reservations all over South Dakota each summer.

As St. Joseph’s Indian School’s Bookmobile was setting up for a morning of serving in Fort Thompson on the Crow Creek Indian Reservation, a cheerful voice rang out from a distance. Turning toward the voice, staff members could see it was a woman. She was running and screaming all the way from the road. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Indian School Gives 16,990 Free Books to Residents of Reservations”

The Chapel: A Symbol of Hope at St. Joseph’s Indian School

There are many buildings on the campus of St. Joseph’s Indian School. But, one seems to shine brighter than all the rest, especially on Sunday mornings.

Our Lady of the Sioux Chapel, with its scrawling ivy that beams bright green in the summer and amber in the fall, stands as a beacon of light … of hope … of faith in a higher power. It’s also an illustration of the Lakota (Sioux) culture. The stained glass windows glisten in the sun with shimmering blues, greens, yellows and reds. Continue reading “The Chapel: A Symbol of Hope at St. Joseph’s Indian School”

St. Joseph’s Indian School Repeats as Top-Rated Nonprofit

A camp counselor and child stop to smile for the camera at a fun outdoor activity during Rising Eagle Day Camp, an outreach program of St. Joe’s.

St. Joseph’s Indian School was recently named a “2023 Top-Rated Nonprofit” for the seventh year running by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews of charities and nonprofits. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Indian School Repeats as Top-Rated Nonprofit”

Holy Water and Lakota Smudging: The Similarities and Differences

Students take part in smudging at St. Joseph’s Indian School.

St. Joseph’s Indian School, located in Chamberlain, SD, has a unique way of incorporating both Christian and Native American traditions into daily activities. Two of these practices are the use of holy water and Lakota smudging. Although they may seem different, both traditions have important spiritual significance and are valued in their respective cultures. Continue reading “Holy Water and Lakota Smudging: The Similarities and Differences”

Wičhóni Wašte Retreat Provides St. Joseph’s Indian School Students Opportunity for Reflection

The view from the top of Bear Butte on a beautiful South Dakota day.

St. Joseph’s Indian School High School Program juniors and seniors embarked on the first-ever Wičhóni Wašte (Good Life) Retreat this past spring!

The retreat day, called “The Summit,” came about after Joe, Mission Integration Director, listened to student feedback and consulted with Mount Marty University and the University of Notre Dame regarding similar experiences those schools provide. Continue reading “Wičhóni Wašte Retreat Provides St. Joseph’s Indian School Students Opportunity for Reflection”

Five Reasons Why Donors Can Trust St. Joseph’s Indian School

boys holding school supplies
Donations to St. Joseph’s Indian School are used to provide Lakota children with everything they need from school supplies and clothing to food and a safe home.

St. Joseph’s Indian School has been an integral part of helping Native American children since 1927 … that’s nearly 100 years! Over this time, we’ve garnered a reputation for providing quality education, safe homes, healthcare, food, clothing and more for Lakota (Sioux) children, grades one through 12 in Chamberlain, South Dakota.

We know there are other organizations that knock on your door, call your phone or send you mail. It may leave you wondering … Why should I trust St. Joseph’s Indian School? Why your organization over another? What makes you so special?

Well, we can come up with countless reasons, but we want to hit you with five reasons why donors can trust St. Joseph’s Indian School. Continue reading “Five Reasons Why Donors Can Trust St. Joseph’s Indian School”

Fifteen Graduate from St. Joseph’s Indian School Grade School

The St. Joseph’s Indian School eighth grade graduating Class of 2023.

On Friday, May 26th, 15 students were honored as they finished their grade school years at St. Joseph’s Indian School. One of the most joyful events of the year, graduation is always a celebration of thiyóšpayeextended family – among relatives, staff and students of the school. Continue reading “Fifteen Graduate from St. Joseph’s Indian School Grade School”