St. Joseph's Indian School

Meet Mersayis, an extraordinary young woman whose resilience, compassion and dedication have earned her the prestigious Dr. Henry C. Mueller Scholarship, awarding her $10,000 toward her dreams of becoming a nurse.

Growing up in the foster care system, Mersayis faced significant challenges, yet her time at St. Joseph’s Indian School became the foundation where her passion for caring for others took root.

In her award-winning essay that landed her the scholarship, which we invite you to read below, Mersayis shares a deeply personal journey of perseverance and cultural pride. She also expresses an unwavering commitment to providing dignity and comfort to those in need, especially the elderly, whom she holds in the highest regard.

Her story is a testament to the power of kindness, the importance of support and the incredible impact your generosity has on students like her. We invite you to read her inspiring words and witness the heart and determination that make her so deserving of this scholarship. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Graduate Earns $10,000 Scholarship”

At St. Joseph’s Indian School, graduation season is a time of joy, reflection and celebration. It’s a moment to honor the achievements of our students and the incredible journey they’ve undertaken.

This May, we celebrate two significant milestones for our Lakota (Sioux) students: the high school Class of 2025 graduation on May 10, and the eighth grade Class of 2025 graduation on May 23. Continue reading “Celebrating Milestones: Graduation Season at St. Joseph’s Indian School”

At a time when screens dominate daily life, the students at St. Joseph’s Indian School took a step back — literally — during a spring Unplugged Hour Discovery Walk. Led by Claire, St. Joseph’s librarian, the students set out with one goal: to explore, observe and embrace the world around them. Continue reading “Unplugging to Connect: St. Joseph’s Indian School’s Discovery Walk Sparks Curiosity and Wonder”

Homes are brighter when they come with a built-in tail-wagging, belly-rubbing, unconditional-loving family member, right? The Lakota (Sioux) students and staff at St. Joseph’s Indian School certainly think so!

We’re thrilled to introduce you to three of our newest members of the Houseparents And Pets In (HAPI) Homes program — Cowboy, Mr. Bones and Ruby. These lovable pups aren’t just adorable faces; they play a key role in offering emotional support, teaching responsibility and maybe sneaking in a few extra snuggles. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Indian School Introduces Newest Members of HAPI Homes”

On a warm spring day when the cherry trees released a soft, sweet scent into the air, St. Joseph’s Indian School held a sacred prayer service to honor and remember Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) Awareness Day. Continue reading “A Day to Remember, A Time to Heal: Honoring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives at St. Joseph’s Indian School”

At St. Joseph’s Indian School, our nurses and health support staff do so much more than treat colds and check temperatures. They are an essential part of our campus community, caring for students in ways that go beyond medicine. Whether offering a comforting presence when a child is not feeling well or ensuring every student gets the healthcare and wellness-related services they need, their dedication helps children focus on learning, playing and growing.

Today, on Nurse Appreciation Day, we want to take a moment to celebrate these incredible professionals and thank them for the difference they make every single day. Continue reading “Celebrating Nurse Appreciation Day at St. Joseph’s Indian School”

At St. Joseph’s Indian School, education isn’t just about textbooks and test scores — it’s about transformation. It’s about meeting students where they are, guiding them through their unique learning journeys and helping them discover their true potential.

Behind every student’s success is a teacher who believes in them, supports them and never gives up. Continue reading “Honoring Our Unsung Heroes: St. Joseph’s Indian School Teachers”

Cheep-cheep!

Hmm, that’s not a sound you usually hear in the Equine Therapy Center at St. Joseph’s Indian School …

Cheep-cheep!

There is it again! You see, for the time being, St. Joseph’s barn isn’t just a place for horses, emotional healing and hay — it’s a hub of excitement. Driven by a lifelong love of animals, Mark, St. Joseph’s Equine Specialist Assistant, has made a point to introduce Lakota (Sioux) students to the wonders of farm life, one baby chick at a time. Continue reading “Barnyard Bonds: How Animals Bring Joy at St. Joseph’s Indian School”

In the heart of South Dakota lies St. Joseph’s Indian School, a school dedicated to empowering Lakota (Sioux) children and families for life — mind, body, heart and spirit. Among its most steadfast supporters are Robert and Yolanda, a couple whose commitment to St. Joseph’s spans more than seven decades! Their journey of generosity is a testament to the transformative power of empathy and faith. Continue reading “70 Years of Compassion: A Legacy of Giving to St. Joseph’s”

Easter reminds us of God’s presence and enduring love. It is about renewal and rebirth, forgiveness and blessings.

As the joyous season of Easter dawns upon us, we at St. Joseph’s Indian School want to take a moment to reflect on the blessings your generosity brings into the lives of the Lakota (Sioux) children. Your support is not just a gift; it is a reflection of love and hope — the very essence of Easter. Continue reading “An Easter Message from St. Joseph’s Indian School”