Thiyóšpaye Challenge Welcomes Spring to St. Joseph’s Indian School

A ripple of colorful ribbon skirts caught the breeze in contrast to the winter-dull grass and signaled, “Something special is going on here.” That’s right! Recently, students at St. Joseph’s Indian School were busy welcoming spring by giving equal energy to academic, cultural, linguistic and athletic pursuits in the school’s first Thiyóšpaye* Challenge.

The three-day challenge pitted students by campus home in competitions that included a hot-shot shoot-off, a Lakȟóta knowledge and culture bowl, a hair-braiding contest, a Lakȟóta language bowl and hand games. An art exhibition showcased student talent.

On a Monday afternoon, everyone gathered courtside for a staff vs. eighth-grade basketball game. Trinity, a current staff member and former student, brought his talent to the floor in a game that ended in an overtime tie. Third-grader Truth  and fifth-grader Rihannah said they enjoyed watching staff try to “dunk it.” Perhaps the shining moment was when Mission Integration Director Joe made a half-court shot that won every student a free Powerade.

On hand to help out at the Wednesday morning braiding contest, freshman Amelia demonstrated prowess at French braids, deftly plaiting Religious Ed Teacher Kim hair. Meanwhile, seventh-graders Janessa and Pte San worked through the tangles of a lavender wig sported by their teacher. Like every event in the challenge, the hair-braiding competition was a mixture of laughter, skill and mental muscle, as shown by third-grader Patrick as he wrestled to perfect the braiding rhythm on a doll.

Sixth-grader Persais was all-in about the challenge, wearing her ribbon skirt and mocassins, studying Lakȟóta words, singing hand games songs and practicing braiding in the days that lead up to the competition.

“Pinger home is ready!” she exclaimed. Housemate Dallas concurred. The results of the friendly celebration of rivalry proved they knew just what they were talking about.

Trophies went to homes as follows:

Lakȟóta Culture and Knowledge

• First-through-third-grade homes: Ambrose boys
• Fourth-through-sixth-grade homes: Pinger girls
• Seventh- and eighth-grade homes: Mathias girls

Lakȟóta Language Bowl

• First-through-third-grade homes: Ambrose boys
• Fourth-through-sixth-grade homes: William girls
• Seventh- and eighth-grade homes: Stevens girls

Hair-Braiding Contest

• First-through-third-grade homes: Dennis girls
• Fourth-through-sixth-grade homes: Pinger girls
• Seventh- and eighth-grade homes: Stevens girls

Hand Games Competition

• First-through-third-grade homes: Afra girls
• Fourth-through-sixth-grade homes: Perky boys
• Seventh- and eighth-grade homes: Speyer boys

Hot-Shot Competition

• First-through-third-grade homes: Dennis girls
• Fourth-through-sixth-grade homes: Fisher boys
• Seventh- and eighth-grade homes: Rooney boys

* Thiyóšpaye is Lakȟóta for extended family, and includes not only immediate blood relatives but also extends beyond to encompass the broader circle of relationships supported and enriched by life together.

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. View all posts by St. Joseph's Indian School