St. Joseph's Indian School

Kids say and do the darndest things, we know that’s true. So what happens when you place approximately 200 students within 20 homes at St. Joseph’s Indian School?

The answer: A whole lot of silliness. A whole lot of love. A whole lot of saying, “What in the world?!”

We polled some of the houseparents at St. Joseph’s in the hopes they would share some of their favorite memories that took place over the past school year. Share they did! Their answers will warm your heart, tickle your ribs and make you smile! Continue reading “Our Favorite 2021-22 Memories at St. Joseph’s Indian School”

There was a heaviness in the air as St. Joseph’s Indian School students dipped their hands in red paint and placed them precisely on their faces — the mark that symbolizes the Indigenous women and relatives who are missing or murdered. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Students Remember the Missing and Murdered and Fight for Change”

St. Joseph’s Indian School announces the graduation of six seniors from its high school program, which partners with Chamberlain High School. Graduation is on Saturday, May 14, at 2 p.m., at the Chamberlain Armory.

“These students of diverse talent and experience have much to offer the world,” noted St. Joseph’s President Mike Tyrell. “A piece of our heart goes with them into the future, and we are grateful to have them in our extended family.” Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Indian School Announces Graduation of Six Seniors”

There are approximately 200 children served each year at St. Joseph’s Indian School. Of those 200, we see all 200 children with clothing needs, 200 differing body shapes and sizes and 200 unique personalities.

If we talk math a little more, every child needs a week’s worth of shirts, pants, socks, underwear and varying coats and shoes. It is very expensive to outfit a child.

Continue reading “Help Needed to Tackle Clothing Shortage in Light of Pandemic”

Greetings to all. I hope these Spring days find you well. On Easter Sunday we celebrated the splendid glory of the risen Lord. We had a good turnout, as some staff members and their families came out to celebrate this joyous occasion. Continue reading “Fr. Greg’s Hoší — News — for April 2022”

Many of the students at St. Joseph’s Indian School have watched as an auntie or uŋčí (grandmother) pieced together a Lakota star quilt, a central tradition to the culture. They are one of the most valued gifts to the Lakota people, often made for giveaways, memorials, graduations, ceremonies and weddings.

On Tuesday, March 20, the Barn Quilt Project: South Dakota Strong offered fourth-grade students another window into the cross-cultural tradition of quilt-making, which in South Dakota represents home, family, comfort, history – and in this case – healing from the pandemic. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Students Participate in “Barn Quilt Project: South Dakota Strong””

Greetings from Chamberlain, SD! As we progress through the season of Lent and get closer to Easter Sunday and the celebration of the resurrection of our savior Jesus Christ we anticipate warmer days. Continue reading “Fr. Greg’s Hoší – News – for March 2022”

Aveyon may only be in seventh grade, but she has a knowledge and passion for her Lakota culture that far exceeds her years. It is a knowledge and passion she enjoys sharing with others, particularly her peers at St. Joseph’s Indian School.

“I’ve always been that ‘tradish’ (traditional) kid that would go around everywhere telling my friends all the stories that my grandma told me,” said Aveyon.

But this past week, Aveyon didn’t have to go very far to reach her peers. Continue reading “Pass It On: Student Shares Hand Games Expertise with Peers”

St. Joseph’s Indian School was recently named a “2022 Top-Rated Nonprofit” by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews of charities and nonprofits. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Indian School Crowned Top-Rated Nonprofit for Sixth Consecutive Year”

Tensions were running high during St. Joseph’s Archery Challenge. Two female students, Kaylee and LaToya, had each shot 20 arrows and done exceedingly well. In fact, both students recorded personal best scores. But the good shooting resulted with the girls tying for First in their age category. That meant it was time for a five-arrow shoot-off to crown a champion. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Crowns Archery Tournament Winners”