St. Joseph's Indian School

Mersayis took a few deep breaths before boarding a plane headed to California. At 17 years old, this flight would be the St. Joseph’s Indian School student’s first flight.

Although the idea of traveling alone to an unknown place may seem like a daunting experience for some, Mersayis harnessed her bravery and took her seat. Before she knew it, she’d be at the University of California Berkeley for a week-long experience as a participant of the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF) Medicine & Health Care. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Student Selected as Participant for Prestigious Medical Forum”

A new tradition borne of the pandemic continued at St. Joseph’s Indian School under bright and shiny skies along the banks of the Missouri River. Nearly 200 students and dozens of staff from across the campus celebrated the fourth annual outdoor back-to-school parade. Continue reading “Back to School at St. Joseph’s”

If you were to ponder the important subjects taught in classrooms across the country, what might you think of?

Perhaps math, science, reading and English are the first to come to mind. While these subjects are, of course, important for a well-rounded student to succeed in the real world one day, among the list of subjects provided to students at St. Joseph’s Indian School, there is one that is extra special. Continue reading “Students at St. Joseph’s Discover their Cultural Identity”

St. Joseph’s Indian School strives to provide a nurturing, supportive environment for Native American children from South Dakota reservations. We strongly believe education is a powerful tool for empowering our students and creating a brighter future. Additionally, we understand the importance of ensuring their well-being beyond the classroom, especially during the summer months when our students spend precious time with their families. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Delivers 160 Food Boxes, Receives Countless Smiles in Return”

As St. Joseph’s Indian School’s Bookmobile was setting up for a morning of serving in Fort Thompson on the Crow Creek Indian Reservation, a cheerful voice rang out from a distance. Turning toward the voice, staff members could see it was a woman. She was running and screaming all the way from the road. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Indian School Gives 16,990 Free Books to Residents of Reservations”

There are many buildings on the campus of St. Joseph’s Indian School. But, one seems to shine brighter than all the rest, especially on Sunday mornings.

Our Lady of the Sioux Chapel, with its scrawling ivy that beams bright green in the summer and amber in the fall, stands as a beacon of light … of hope … of faith in a higher power. It’s also an illustration of the Lakota (Sioux) culture. The stained glass windows glisten in the sun with shimmering blues, greens, yellows and reds. Continue reading “The Chapel: A Symbol of Hope at St. Joseph’s Indian School”

St. Joseph’s Indian School was recently named a “2023 Top-Rated Nonprofit” for the seventh year running by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews of charities and nonprofits. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Indian School Repeats as Top-Rated Nonprofit”

St. Joseph’s Indian School, located in Chamberlain, SD, has a unique way of incorporating both Christian and Native American traditions into daily activities. Two of these practices are the use of holy water and Lakota smudging. Although they may seem different, both traditions have important spiritual significance and are valued in their respective cultures. Continue reading “Holy Water and Lakota Smudging: The Similarities and Differences”

St. Joseph’s Indian School High School Program juniors and seniors embarked on the first-ever Wičhóni Wašte (Good Life) Retreat this past spring!

The retreat day, called “The Summit,” came about after Joe, Mission Integration Director, listened to student feedback and consulted with Mount Marty University and the University of Notre Dame regarding similar experiences those schools provide. Continue reading “Wičhóni Wašte Retreat Provides St. Joseph’s Indian School Students Opportunity for Reflection”

St. Joseph’s Indian School has been an integral part of helping Native American children since 1927 … that’s nearly 100 years! Over this time, we’ve garnered a reputation for providing quality education, safe homes, healthcare, food, clothing and more for Lakota (Sioux) children, grades one through 12 in Chamberlain, South Dakota.

We know there are other organizations that knock on your door, call your phone or send you mail. It may leave you wondering … Why should I trust St. Joseph’s Indian School? Why your organization over another? What makes you so special?

Well, we can come up with countless reasons, but we want to hit you with five reasons why donors can trust St. Joseph’s Indian School. Continue reading “Five Reasons Why Donors Can Trust St. Joseph’s Indian School”