Rise Above the Storm and You will Find Your Sunshine

The eighth grade class of 2021 posed for a group photo. You can feel the love they have for one another!

If you are a supporter of St. Joseph’s Indian School, think back on how long you’ve been a part of our thiyóšpayeextended family. Maybe you’re new to the crew. Or, maybe you’ve stayed loyal to the Lakota (Sioux) children and have been supporting them for three, five or even 10-plus years.

Regardless of how long you’ve been our kȟoláfriend you can take pride in what your support has accomplished for the eighth grade class of 2021. Continue reading “Rise Above the Storm and You will Find Your Sunshine”

Prayer for Healing: Girls Dance at St. Joseph’s Indian School for Wellbeing of Others

As a jingle dress dancer moves, the metal cones unleash what resembles the sound of falling rain.

The young girls twirled and stepped, their tracks guided by the musical heartbeat of the drum. As they moved, their jingle dresses shook — unleashing the sweet, musical sounds of prayer.

A spring wind blew and as it did, nature joined in and danced with the girls. Trees swayed and their branches clicked. Grasses whistled. River waves crashed. Leaves that endured the winter twisted in the breeze.

It was nature and mankind coming together for the purpose of prayer … prayer for health, healing and hope. Continue reading “Prayer for Healing: Girls Dance at St. Joseph’s Indian School for Wellbeing of Others”

Prayers in the Wind: St. Joseph’s Students Make Prayer Flags

Prayer flags flap in the South Dakota breeze, as the prayers are lifted up toward heaven.

A blank, rectangular piece of fabric was recently placed before each student at St. Joseph’s Indian School. It was accompanied with art supplies in all shades of the rainbow.

These were the ingredients for which the students would use to pray.

Confused? Continue reading “Prayers in the Wind: St. Joseph’s Students Make Prayer Flags”

St. Joseph’s Recognizes Child Abuse Prevention Month

Staff wore blue shirts with the motto “Strengthening Families and Communities.” Below this featured the Lakota words: Táku waŋláka čháŋ, tákeya yo/ye — See Something, Say Something.

On April 13, 2021, Child Services staff at St. Joseph’s Indian School braved the high winds and cold in order to take pictures for Child Abuse Awareness month. Staff wore blue shirts with the motto “Strengthening Families and Communities.” Below this were pictures of children playing, with the Lakota words Táku waŋláka čháŋ, tákeya yo/ye See Something, Say Something. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Recognizes Child Abuse Prevention Month”

“And the earth he has given to mankind.”

Celebrate Earth Day by getting outside and enjoying the beauty of nature.

“God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good.” — Genesis 1:10

If you’re familiar with the story of God’s creation of Earth and all its living things, you’ve probably heard that verse in some version again and again.

Perhaps you’ve heard it so many times that it doesn’t seem that special. But think about it Continue reading ““And the earth he has given to mankind.””

Thankful x5: St. Joseph’s Receives Top-Rated Charity Award … Again!

St. Joseph’s Indian School recently received the Award of Top-Rated Nonprofit from GreatNonprofits for the fifth consecutive year.

St. Joseph’s Indian School is a “2021 Top-Rated Nonprofit” by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews of charities and nonprofits. Continue reading “Thankful x5: St. Joseph’s Receives Top-Rated Charity Award … Again!”

Sparking Careers for Native American Students through Scholarships

St. Joseph’s Indian School recently awarded $84,350 in spring-semester scholarships to Native American students across the nation, bringing the total awards for the academic year to $176,050. This spring, the school provided 68 scholarships: 16 to alumni, 13 to family members of St. Joseph’s Indian School alumni and 39 to others enrolled in a federally recognized tribe and pursuing higher education. Continue reading “Sparking Careers for Native American Students through Scholarships”

Love of Basketball High at St. Joseph’s

Hot Shot trophy winners were excited to receive their awards!

Fitting with the hype of March Madness, the love of basketball has been high throughout March at St. Joseph’s Indian School. The Rec Center hosted two very cool events that have put the kids’ basketball skills to the test. Continue reading “Love of Basketball High at St. Joseph’s”

‘Best Nonprofit’ and ‘Great Place’ Awards Received

St. Joseph’s Indian School and the Aktá Lakota Museum (an outreach of St. Joseph’s) were both recently recognized for excellence.

St. Joseph’s Indian School and the Aktá Lakota Museum both recently received awards from local and state entities for a job well done! Continue reading “‘Best Nonprofit’ and ‘Great Place’ Awards Received”