The old days at St. Joseph’s Indian School

Our Akta Lakota Museum and Historical Alumni Center committee met much of today, making some decisions that keep edging our plans closer to the final stages. Kate, while doing research during the powwow, interviewed several of our returning alumni and we learned many things about “the old days” that are worth remembering and passing along. As alumni know we are gathering data and trying to tell the story of what life has been like at St. Joseph’s Indian School during different eras, many are eager to fill in the details about their experiences.

I spent time with a coloring book and crayons for the first time in ages. Dennis home (1st-3rd grade girls) was having some low-key play time between their Social Skills class and supper, and the houseparents passed out the books. I sat on the couch and shared a box of crayons with Samantha and Pearl. With my under developed artistic skills I’ve not often get complements, but 2nd grader DeOnna praised me for doing such a good job of staying with the lines!

The Home was at the Buffalo Roundup at Custer State Park on Monday, and the girls were excited to tell me about their adventures there. Still, with all the magnificent wildlife, natural beauty and other experiences, the universally agreed upon best part of the trip was the chocolate fountain when they ate supper at the Golden Coral. As they get older and look back, I think the buffalo will eventually be a stronger memory than the chocolate!

Author: St. Joseph's Indian School

At St. Joseph's Indian School, our privately-funded programs for Lakota (Sioux) children in need have evolved over 90 years of family partnership, experience and education. Because of generous friends who share tax-deductible donations, Native American youth receive a safe, stable home life; individual counseling and guidance; carefully planned curriculum based on Lakota culture and individual student needs and tools to help build confidence, boost self-esteem and improve cultural awareness. All of this helps children to live a bright, productive, possibility-filled future.

One thought on “The old days at St. Joseph’s Indian School”

  1. I am 65+ as of July but I still like to color and every once in a while I do … The extent of my drawing talent is limited to (pretty much) staying within the lines.

    How I would love to see the sights the girls got to see at the Buffalo Roundup! Still, being a chocoholic I can totally relate to their enjoyment of the chocolate fountain!

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