St. Joseph's Indian School

Sunday, September 19, 2010
 
We finished up our powwow weekend with our regular Sunday morning mass. We were joined by a lot of visitors who were able to stay and take part. With our students and circle of supporters together in one place, in prayer, I felt very uplifted. Shaking hands after church I also got loads of hugs and support as people said goodbye. I stayed quite a while afterwards to take pictures and answer questions.

After all the activity I felt tired and took it easy the rest of the day. The last few days I haven’t kept up too much on reading, and I went through the accumulated stack of newspapers and periodicals that were on the coffee table. There’s so much I don’t know, which is humbling. But it encourages me, and I encourage others, to be lifelong learners.

Saturday, September 18, 2010
 
Rain overnight and temperatures in the 40’s when we lined up for the Grand Entry made for a cold day. But it couldn’t dampen people’s spirits as our 34th annual powwow went forward. But at least it stayed dry and allowed the dancers to demonstrate their skill and commitment. We have a wonderful video recap that can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59wKfWH_amw .

I was blessed with seven members of my family present to share in the day. I only saw them for brief periods of time, as I tried to visit with donors, students and their families. I also tried to check in with staff to make sure things were going ok. We’re good at improvising to meet needs. Someone even went up to Central Receiving and came back loaded with blankets and gloves to people who were caught unexpected by the cold. My sister Mary had earlier gone through every coat and jacket in my closet digging out gloves to ensure warmth for all my family.

I just enjoy watching our students and area youth dance with such joy and enthusiasm. One of our new 7th graders was so filled with energy and excitement she even danced on the sidelines when the boys were competing. The smiles as kids come out for the Grand Entry are infectious.

Our St. Joseph’s Drum Group, the Chalk Hills Singers, made their debut. They only learned one song, but sang it with great gusto during an inter tribal dance. One student commented afterward “that was fun – I can’t wait to do it again!” That’s what we hope for – that learning about culture can be fun and meaningful. I stood by the drum in support and got quite choked up a couple of times.

When we handed out the awards at the end of the day, I was happy for not just those students who won, but by all who were winners because they are dancers. I’m grateful for our visitors who shared in the experience with us.

Friday, September 17, 2010

The festivities for our 34th annual powwow kicked off today. This morning we hosted a series of four cultural activities at the Rec. Center. Donors learned how to build their own dreamcatcher, play some traditional Lakota games, learn some drum songs, or spend time with our Child Services Staff for questions and answers.

Since standing for long periods still hurts the nerves in my leg, I grabbed a high backed stool and sat in the museum by the reception desk so I could greet folks as they came in. The stream was steady, but with a little time between guests, I got to visit and say hello. Some people are regulars year after year. One woman from Connecticut has been helping for 43 years and this was her first actual visit to St. Joseph’s. She was very excited.

Our students led groups on tours of the school in the afternoon. I’m sure folks got a different perspective than if our staff had given the tour.After school we gathered in the Rec. Center for the crowning of our Royalty for the powwow. These students represent the school for the coming year, and are all active dancers. They are chosen for their good attitudes and commitment to Lakota and St. Joseph’s values.

Jasmine Pickner, a world champion Hope Dancer gave a stirring performance for the assembly. She taught our students not just Hoop Dancing, but traditional values. She had a wonderful way with the young people and visitors alike.

We ended the evening with a banquet across the river at Cedar Shores Resort. Different groups we do business with donate each year to allow us to treat our guests to a festive meal. We had over 300 gather for hors d’oeuvres, a meal, and a presentation on dance styles and regalia for the powwow.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

 Before my family headed west to see Mount Rushmore, I gave them a campus tour. Upon seeing many buildings and learning of our many different programs my Uncle Mick asked what went through my mind when I was asked to consider the director’s job. There is a lot that goes into understanding the different departments and coordinating staff so they work together to achieve common goals. While it can get complicated, the staff here is each good in their areas. I don’t know much about plumbing, accounting, or even teaching. But we have plenty of people who do. What I try to provide is leadership and inspiration. As I look back over the past 6 years, I have learned a lot.

I went to the museum and people were already coming in to register. In the first few minutes my arms were full with a jar of homemade jam, a Red Sox shirt from two feisty donors who know I’m a White Sox fan, pictures, and a couple of books on surviving cancer.

My cousin Fiona and husband Larry were the next wave of relatives to arrive. Word has spread around family that people have a great time during the powwow and it’s become a fun time for me to see different relatives. We had supper at Cyr home and they got a tour from two lively 5^th grade boys.

After the girls volleyball game we had a dance troupe presentation. Delwin Fiddler, one of our alumni, and his wife has been working with our students all week teaching dance moves and hoop dancing. We got a demonstration from him, and then many of our kids got out on the gym floor and showed off moves they’ve learned this week. It was real treat.

 Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Every four months we pull together all the efforts in achieving the goals for our Vision 2012 Strategic Plan. Since the last update in May, I haven’t been able to contribute so much, but everyone else has. Working at our goals slowly and surely, when you look back at all that’s been done, there is good progress.

I had supper tonight in the Dennis Home (1^st-3^rd grade girls). For tonight’s enrichment lesson the girls were learning social skills – how to answer questions and have a conversation when they meet new people. I got to be their practice partner, and pretend not to know them at all. (It also helped me reinforce the names of the new students, since I still don’t have all of the names matched with the right children). Some are shy and can only give one word answers. Some are chatty and a question serves to let them tell you all kinds of things. The homes frequently work on social skills that our children need to give them self confidence and be able to make their way in the world.

 After a 12 hour drive mom and dad, Uncle Mick and Aunt Betty arrived for the powwow. The car was all loaded up with items they were donating, so we stopped and Central Receiving and unloaded. When they got to the winter coats, they reconsidered. With the unseasonably cool and wet weather they thought they might need the coats themselves. When they leave in a few days, they’ll return them “gently used”.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

 Our meetings today were more updates than any decisions. Everyone on campus is working towards a successful powwow weekend and we’re mostly making sure things are on track.

Tonight was our first Football game of the season. After a defensive struggle and scoreless first half, the Braves got three touchdowns against Crow Creek and won 18 – 0. I usually stand on the sidelines with the team. My foot was hurting, so I sat in the bleachers instead. I enjoyed talking to families who live close enough to come and see their sons on the field. Two of our former students were playing for Crow Creek, so I made sure to say hi to them.

 The team celebrated their win in picnic style after the game with houseparent’s grilled hamburgers and hot dogs in the pavilion.

 Our Jr. High girls hosted Todd County in the first home Volleyball match of the season. Our 6^th 7^th and 8^th grade teams all swept their matches. During the games I sat in the stands where kids plopped down for a few minutes to tell me about their activities. In between games I helped out at the concession stand. The staff appreciates the help, but mostly it’s a nice way to see people.

 After Mass I had brunch in the Speyer Home (6^th-8^th grade boys). The real Speyer home is being remodeled, and the guys are spending the year in the David Home, which was designed for 1^st – 3^rd grade girls. The quarters are smaller, but they’re adjusting OK. They’ll have far more memories about the activities that go on in the home than how the living space is arranged anyway.

Mark, one of the houseparent’s, is working with our drum group. He’s had a lot of enthusiastic newcomers turning out to learn Lakota drum songs. Such learning provides a good and strong connection to the students’ culture. 

 Some of our older Cottonwood trees in Wisdom Circle have become too big for our students’ safety and will have to be cut down. Mark and a group of the boys want to find the right sized trunk to build their own drum by hand. While we hate to see any tree on the Prairie come down, I admire how they’re making the most of the opportunity.
 
Each of our homes is required to do service projects during the year. Many homes do outreach to the elderly in town or nearby reservations. The Speyer Home is going to help build a new sweat lodge (inipi) and improve the grounds where the inipi is held, so that students can make use of it for many years to come.

 Our 7^th and 8^th grade girls played in an all day volleyball tournament downtown at the armory. Five schools participated in a round robin, so there were plenty of games. I couldn’t stay all day, but made it for the early morning matches. Our 8^th graders played hard, and won a few of their games and one match. The 7^th graders were in great form and went through the day undefeated. There’s not a big crowd at a Jr. High game, so every voice in the stands yelling out encouragement is appreciated. When there are lots of games like that, and waiting around times, it also gives a good chance to visit with the team members and any family that’s visiting.

Our fall FAST (Families and Schools Together) cycle entered its 2^nd weekend with 8 families coming to campus and participating in activities with their children. I stopped in to check on the artwork projects they are involved in, and to meet the parents or relatives I haven’t yet met. I’ve met some families when they’ve check out their students for breaks, or come for a ballgame or case service plan meeting. Here was a chance to meet or reconnect and try to make sure they feel welcome on campus.

One of our counselors had a session for the adults Friday night. The sharing was somewhat intense, with honest sharing of some difficult family issues that folks are dealing with. Hopefully doing that in a supportive group can help people get through life’s rougher patches.

 As I walked through the school on the way back to the office, I ran into one of our teachers running off coloring sheets for a lesson coming up next week. It’s not unusual for me to see staff coming in on their own time to do a little extra to make sure our students get a top notch education. Besides the skills our teachers bring, I also know that they put a good dose of tender loving care into the mix which makes a real difference.

 Friday, September 10, 2010

Today was my day off – a chance to sleep in and be lazy.

Mid morning I did have a session of physical therapy. Today they put me through more of a workout. As I watched another patient lying on a table and having his leg stretched, it looked like it would feel good. But when it was my turn I found out that my underused muscles ache even in the caring hands of a good therapist. It will take some time to really loosen up my hamstrings and tendons. I warmed up on a reclining bicycle. I stood on a disk with a ball attached underneath and tried to balance. I stretched my foot against elastic bands. I marched on a trampoline. I kept at it for a good 45 minutes and feel sore, but in a good and productive way. 

The grade school students were a little more tired than usual today. They had a 6:00 a.m. fire drill which got them up a little earlier than normal. One first grade was scared and cried a bit before the houseparent’s were able to assure her that everything was going to be OK. We hate to startle kids, but we have to take those drills seriously. We can’t just do them during the school day. We also have to take into consideration how to handle an emergency in the homes. With the one exception all the children handled it very well and got to where they needed to go.

We met with the architect for the next round of planning for the museum addition and alumni center. She incorporated our last suggestions well, and presented two good options. Of course we again took elements for each and will have one more draft by October so our Board of Directors can look it over.

I signed the approval forms for our college students who will receive our grants for higher education. 20 alumni are in college right now. Some are older students who are back in school after working for a few years or who are returning after starting a family. It is especially gratifying to see students who have graduated since I arrived six years ago continuing their studies. While our scholarships only cover a portion of the costs, it does help. Some of the application letters are brief and to the point. Others share touching personal aspects about struggles overcome and lessons learned about them as they find the motivation to stay in school. 

Our management team covered a wide range of topics today – Mission Awareness, supervisor training, strategic planning, employee turnover rates and succession planning for upcoming years when large groups of staff reach retirement age over the next 10 years. Some meetings deal with immediate problems. It’s just as important to have time to look toward the future and set things in motion now that will help down the road.

This afternoon was my first physical therapy session to improve strength, flexibility and balance in my right foot. Today was mostly for evaluation as the therapist took me through a series of exercises that seemed gentle at first, but in the long will push me in the right direction.  My hamstrings are very tight, as I’ve not been able to exercise as much as I’d like due to the pain from the nerves. But I’m starting to feel less nerve pain, so it’s time for some good old fashioned sore-muscles- due- to- exercise pain.

Monday, September 6, 2010
 
Rain changed our cook out plans with the students, but in the primary grade homes we still enjoyed the burgers and other picnic foods downstairs in the skate room.

 Just as we were sitting down to eat, two alumni who attended school here in the 70’s stopped in. Life had taken them many miles away, but they had traveled home for a family reunion. It had been over 30 years since they visited the campus and wanted that trip down memory lane.

 I invited them to have lunch with us, and then we started walking around campus. The dining hall and the old boy’s dorm evoked a flood of stories. The favorite spot for them was the system of tunnels that runs underground. They used to have Halloween spook houses there many years ago. Sometimes, they even found a way to sneak in and use it as a hiding place.

 Two of our current staff, Andy and Mary Jane, have been here over 30 years, and they remembered each other, even though these two grown men didn’t look anything like the 4^th graders they remembered. Our staff enjoys these visits and catching up as much as our former students do.

 A third brother showed up later. His memories weren’t as pleasant. Life in the dorm days was often regimented. Violating rules could bring spankings and punishment we would no longer use today.

 I know in the past the boarding school experience was painful for a good number of students. When I hear the sad stories it makes me work toward reconciliation and healing. Sometimes you just have to listen and acknowledge the pain.

This afternoon we loaded up the bus and took the students downtown to see the movie Ramona and Beezus. It portrayed the combination of sibling rivalry and mutual affection between two sisters in a delightful way. One of the 4^th grade boys sitting in front of me wanted more action. “This is a Girl movie!” he sighed. Hopefully he learned something about relationships and life. But by the end he enjoyed it too.

 Tuesday, September 7, 2010 

Having offices closed yesterday for Labor Day compressed two days worth of meetings into one, so I did a lot of sitting today. The most engaging meeting for me was our group discussion of our High School program. We complimented the strong parts of the program, and were honest about what we need to work on. Our students still struggle to stay in college once they leave here, and we see continued emphasis on independent living skills as crucial to their success.

 In the discussion about what are our goals for the High School program, I believe that it’s not enough to educate someone to be skilled and competent. Our goal is to have our young people become virtuous people. We are trying to form students who will use their talents to benefit their family and tribe and our needy world. We hope that our students will be seen as good and kind and fair.

This evening I stopped by the Carola home for supper with our High School Freshmen. There the realities of homework and grade concerns re-emphasized the need to continue the support and encouragement. Several freshmen are struggling with the adjustment to the Chamberlain Public High School. It takes time to make new friends and feel at home. It was also a night for a JV football game, so that took some of the pressure off and allowed for a little fun.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

 There were fewer students on campus this weekend as many got checked out to be with their families over the long weekend. For those students still on campus, many of the homes took advantage of the activities all around us for Home Trips on Saturday. After mass today I heard about all the adventures.

One of our High School homes went to Sioux Falls for the Lifelight Christian music festival. Another home drove to Huron to take in the State Fair. The 4^th and 5^th grade boys went to Pierre and took in the Drag races. We give each of the homes a budget to let their kids experience activities outside of St. Joseph’s. Each age group has different interests, but houseparent’s give them a variety of choices.

 Tonight I went to a wake in Fort Thompson. A 47 year old mother of five died suddenly of a heart attack. She was very active in church when I was pastor there and wanted to be of support to her husband and children.

 Wakes are filled with different people who say a few words of remembering, tell stories, pray, and share words of support for the family. I was struck by one man who is studying for ministry in the Episcopal Church. He lives 60 miles away and has no car. Reliable transportation is a real issue for many families on reservations. He wanted to be here, so just started walking. He didn’t put his thumb out as a hitchhiker would, but trusted for someone to pick him up and help him along the journey. He obviously made it, thanks to a trucker passing by.

I remembered Jesus’ words about taking nothing for the journey, and just going out to try to do the will of God. I can’t imagine myself making such a journey. It was a call for me to have more trust and faith.

Friday, September 3

Chamberlain High School opened up their football season tonight. Three of our St. Joseph students are on the football team, and two of our students are cheerleaders for the Cubs, so I was in the stands to cheer them all on. Our staff has sons on the team as well, so I worked the bleachers and talked to lots of folks. Even as a parish priest I found out a lot more about what’s going on in people lives on the sidelines than I ever did at church.

 For many years Chamberlain has struggled in football, and tonight didn’t break the streak. Valentine Nebraska got ahead by a score of 38-0. The Cubs put a few good drives together, but turned the ball over several times. On the final play of the game we finally got a touchdown to avoid the shutout. 38-6 was the final score.

 Our students are new to the team and saw little playing time. But I find it important to support kids even when they aren’t the stars of the team. I encourage them to work hard, and not quit. When I played basketball in High School, at one point we lost 38 games in a row. I think it built some character in me not to give up. And when that win to break the streak did come, it sure felt extra special! Go Cubs!

 Saturday, September 4

The old cliché is that ignorance is bliss. On a Saturday where absolutely no one was around the office I took advantage of the quiet and went through the mail on my desk and the 200 or so emails that have accumulated over the past couple of weeks of travel. I didn’t feel much bliss as I began to realize all the work involved in handling the calls and requests right. Maybe that’s a sign of job security! It’s easier to spend time on the quickly answered notes, and since this Labor Day weekend won’t bring in many more, I made a good dent in the piles. Some ideas will take far more discussion and planning. But neither Rome, nor a good program, is built in a day, and I have to keep steadily after it.

 The afternoon was dedicated to College football – especially Notre Dame’s home opener – on TV. Some donors from Indiana sent me a new ND t-shirt, and I wore my colors and was pleased with what I saw. Fr. Anthony and Brother Clay are also big sports fans, so it was nice to have a running commentary going on during the game.  I spent the evening reading and with more solitary pursuits.

I just got back from my 3 month check up at Mayo Clinic, with good and encouraging results. The doctors found no signs of the cancer’s return, and I don’t need any further treatments at this time. There was some clotting in the graft they put in the iliac vein, so we’ll try to get the blood a little thinner and monitor that over the next few weeks from home.  They now recommend some physical therapy to see if I can strengthen my foot and increase mobility. But overall they’re very happy with the progress I’ve made. I go back in another 3 months.

 I got back home from the Tennessee trip on Monday, and hit the road again Tuesday – barely enough time to do laundry and check on mail and messages. Our provincial superior, Fr. Tom, is making his annual visitation, so I also squeezed time with him in as well. He and my whole community have been most supportive through the whole illness. The cancer has truly colored and shaped my life in ways that are dramatic and ongoing. I don’t know yet how it will affect the way I pray or look at life or live each day. I do know that I am grateful to God for seeing me through the rough patches, and hope I can be of help to others along their way.

Yesterday I started with a blood test at 7 am, and had two other tests and four consultations with different doctors. I finished around 5, but did have a break for lunch. They cram a lot into each day, but it beats having to wait around for results or seeing specialists. The quality of the care and their patience with my questions has been outstanding.

Because I’ve been feeling more energy and less pain as the weeks have gone by, I hoped for, prayed for, and actually expected good results. But there is still that element of worry, what if??? Now it feels like I can go on with life without thinking about the cancer so much. Now I can focus on things like the upcoming Powwow.

Speaking of our Powwow, when I stopped in after school today the younger girls were practicing their dance steps in the gym. I was heartened to see some of our seasoned dancers showing the younger ones some of their moves.

 I ate supper tonight in the Summerlee home, with our 4^th and 5^th grade girls. A couple of the girls whose families aren’t able to provide them with dance Regalia were issued some of the St. Joseph’s Regalia that we’ve made or bought over the years. They were proud to show off what they’ll be wearing in two weeks.

 After supper the night was pleasant and everyone went outside to play before homework time. I grabbed a soccer ball out of the bin and 6 of us started kicking and passing it back and forth. My motion is still limited, but I’ll try to do those gentle games and activities as I’m able. It’s just a fun way to hang out with the students and build rapport.

 I’ve just returned from a week on the road. We held donor appreciation luncheons in three cities in Tennessee. I took advantage of the travel to that part of the country to add on a few days to visit friends and family. This was my first flight since I started treatment in January. I figured this trip would be a test of my stamina and overall it worked out well.

I first flew into Memphis. Several members of my fellow Priests of the Sacred Heart work just across the State line in Northern Mississippi, and I spent two days catching up with their work. As the area has grown from small country towns into good sized cities, they have built new churches and expanded their services. I appreciated the hospitable way the priests and brothers sat long and talked much over supper at the community house.

I joined Steve, a good friend I first met in college, and his wife Susan for lunch on Tuesday. Then I visited family friends, Buck and Carolyn and their son Jeffrey who live in the area. I capped off the evening when Fr. Ed took me to see our mutual friend Lyle. The two of them helped me enter into their Holy Land pilgrimage via their pictures and stories.

Fr. Tim said, “We’ve been praying for you all these months and now here you are with us, looking just like your old self – you seem like a walking miracle!” When I get impatient with my own recovery, others remind me just how far I have come.

I drove on to Nashville, a little over 200 miles, and stayed with my cousin Mick, his wife Christine and family. I stopped first at his shop where he builds kitchen cabinets, then went to their home. After supper two of their children asked about playing a game of password, and the fun and laughter we had made the night so memorable.

I enjoy learning about history, and on my way to Knoxville first stopped at the Hermitage, President Andrew Jackson’s home and plantation. The exhibit highlighted his many political and military achievements, but minced no words about his staunch support of slavery, and his Indian removal policy. His forcing the Eastern tribes to relocate west of the Mississippi led to the tragic Trail of Tears.

Andrew Jackson’s house saw so much history. The grounds were spacious and beautiful. I felt my limitation as I had to walk so slowly and couldn’t cover the ground I usually do. I had to leave a lot unseen.

I met our St. Joseph’s crew at the Knoxville airport. The Hills of Eastern Tennessee are gorgeous. I’d love to see the fall colors, which must surely be amazing. Henry, one of our donors, met us at the airport, treated us to supper, and made sure we found our way to the hotel. We were right next to a 60 foot basketball outside the Women’s Basketball Hall of fame, which made quite an impression on our two girls.

Devona and Irene are our two 7^th graders who were selected to make the trip. They represented St. Joseph’s well. Of course they were most nervous the first time in Knoxville, but our kind and gracious donors made them feel appreciated, and that their words were worth listening to. By the luncheons Saturday and Sunday, they were more relaxed and able to be themselves.

Our donors come from such a wide variety of backgrounds and careers. They like putting a real face to a picture in the mail. Yet it’s just as important for us to realize the kind and caring people behind a signature on a check or an email typed to our web site. The luncheons are a chance to say thank you, and give people who may never get to actually visit St. Joseph’s a chance to find out more about us. At all three luncheons I so appreciated meeting the folks who came.

We drove on to Nashville and arrived in the midst of a riverfront festival and the regular crowds that pour into the heart of downtown on a Friday night. Usually I’m the one in front leading the way on walks, but touring the streets of downtown Nashville, past the Ryman theater and the music venues on Broadway I brought up the rear as I limped along. My leg isn’t so much in pain as it is weak, and I just can’t move as fast as I want. We ate BBQ for supper, found the souvenir shops, and listened to some Country Music.

After the Memphis luncheon, we hopped on the Trolley that made a loop around downtown. I made sure to point out the Lorraine Motel, which is now the National Civil Rights Museum, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was shot and killed. History seems more real when you get to see and experience the places you read about in books. Maybe the significance will click for Irene and Devona years in the future. We didn’t get to Graceland, but Devona sat at table with a donor who went to school with Elvis when she was in 7^th grade, and told a few stories about the King.

We did some touristy things. The girls delighted in seeing the Ducks board the elevator at the Peabody Hotel. We hunted for souvenir shirts and key chains and coffee mugs on Beale Street, and while eating supper listened to Blind Mississippi Morris sing the Blues. Neither girl had ever heard Blues before, and weren’t quite sure what to make of it. But the music sure had my toes a tapping.