St. Joseph's Indian School

The following reflection was written by Bette and Mike, two houseparents at St. Joseph’s Indian School. Our loving houseparents are an integral part of our mission to care for the whole child — mind, body heart and spirit.

Hello!

My husband, Mike, and I have had the joy of working at St. Joseph’s Indian School for just over five years. If we were asked to express what we felt was the most positive aspect of our job, we would — without hesitation — state it is Continue reading “Houseparents Reflect on Acts of Kindness”

St. Joseph’s Indian School is a “2020 Top-Rated Nonprofit” by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews of charities and nonprofits. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Indian School Named Top-rated Nonprofit”

Although school is not currently in session due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak, St. Joseph’s Indian School staff volunteers were still able to deliver some much-needed items to the community to help during a very trying time. Continue reading “Serving Hope on the Open Road”

The campus of St. Joseph’s Indian School has remained unusually quiet since March 6 when students returned home for Spring Break. Due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak, the students were not able to return to campus when planned.

President Mike Tyrell said this has been a strange and challenging time for the organization to have the students absent for over a month with school not returning until next school year. Continue reading “Caring during a Crisis: St. Joseph’s Response to COVID-19”

Beading isn’t only a traditional form of art for Native American people, it’s also a fun and relaxing activity for students at St. Joseph’s Indian School.

Catherine, a St. Joseph’s houseparent, recently organized a day of beading lessons for the girls in her home and another campus home. She worked hard around activity schedules and winter weather to coordinate the lessons. Jackie, a parent of a St. Joseph’s student, traveled from North Dakota to teach the girls the basics of beading. Continue reading “Parent and Houseparent Work Together to Share the Art of Traditional Beading”

At St. Joseph’s, many of our programs focus on culture and education. However, because we are dedicated to meeting every need of the children, making time for fun and recreation is equally important!
Continue reading “Cold Weather Makes Indoor Activities That Much Better”

Read Across America Day is celebrated in schools across the country each year to help promote excitement and love for reading. The day corresponds with the birthday of the well-known author, Dr. Seuss, who wrote many memorable stories due to their rhyming and fantastical creatures. Continue reading “Students Celebrate Reading”

Historically, the itázipa — bow — and waŋhíŋkpe — arrow — served as protection and a source of life for Native American people. The bow and arrow were often integral pieces in their day to day lives. From a young age, boys were taught how to craft the tools, as they would someday be the hunters for their families and the warriors for their people. The boys would polish their archery skills over time and be skilled marksmen by the time they were men. Women and girls were also taught the skill of archery; however, less directly. They learned so they could protect their homes and families if the men were out hunting or at war. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Students Bring Home Archery Trophies”