Eighth Graders Venture to State Capital

Do you know how to properly pronounce the name of the South Dakota state capital? St. Joseph’s Indian School students could tell you (Hint: it doesn’t have a French accent)! Here in South Dakota we pronounce it “peer”.

Recently, St. Joseph’s eighth graders traveled to Pierre, SD, to learn about the South Dakota State Legislature and tour the historical capitol building.

Built in 1910, the South Dakota State Capitol Building has some impressive architecture and features that the students got to see during a tour in the morning.

Once the afternoon rolled around, the eighth grade students got to meet with their state senator, Troy Heinert. One interesting fact that the kids have in common with Heinert: Native American heritage. He visited with the students and answered any questions they had about the legislative process. The kiddos then got to go to a committee meeting and watch how the senators worked on proposed bills. They even got to observe the full senate vote on some bills!

Matt, a St. Joseph’s Indian School teacher, was one of the chaperones during the trip and said, “The eighth graders found the day to be very interesting.”

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. View all posts by St. Joseph's Indian School