Our History

The Franciscan Sisters arrived from Glen Riddle, Pennsylvania a few days before school started. Sister Quitteria had 32 years of experience in the classroom. She was the first Superior of St. Joseph’s Indian School. Sister Jeanne (teacher), Sister Columba, Sister Lillian and Sister Ambrosia took over the domestic charges. The salary the sisters required was a daily prayer for blessings on their community and for vocations.

On June 17, 1931, a simple laundry mishap turned devastating when a fire broke out in the kitchen. Before anyone could detect it, flames swept through the building, consuming the children’s dormitories, classrooms, the library, garage, boiler house, main building and nearly every possession the school owned. Historical accounts describe the moment starkly: “All of our provisions went up in smoke.”

The only blessing was timing. Most of the children were away for summer break, and no lives were lost. But the material loss was immense. While most would turn away and accept defeat, the Sisters were willing to whitewash and clean a chicken coop and turn it into their temporary housing, because the children needed them. Sister Jeanne said, “In an emergency, Father, anything will do. If our Divine Lord was born in a stable, a chicken coop should be good enough for us.”

The founders and staff faced the unthinkable: rebuilding St. Joseph’s from the ground up once more.

Enrollment starts to ramp up, and the sisters try to accommodate more children, despite limited funds. “Two hundred and thirty youngsters came, bringing with them just the clothing they were wearing. We need everything for the children. Yet, who can turn away a homeless orphan or neglected child? The sisters further described the increase to the point that “every place is filled to capacity. We are short desks, more beds are needed, and chapel space is at a premium. The walls bulge, there are a few moans and groans — but, seemingly we live through it.”

Enrollment soars, and classes begin in the fall of 1960 with 331 children.

The present dining hall was completed with modern facilities, marking a major step forward for campus life. Today, it serves hot lunches during the school day and functions as a central grocery hub for campus homes — keeping students well-fed and families supplied.

The original Recreation Center was constructed, ushering in a new era of year-round activity on campus. With its full gym and indoor swimming pool, the facility gave students a place to stay active, gather and play — especially through South Dakota’s long winters. It quickly became one of the most beloved spaces at St. Joseph’s.

Family-style living was one of the most meaningful changes St. Joseph’s made for its students. It was piloted with one home in 1979. Moving from large dormitories into smaller homes with 10–12 children and a set of consistent houseparents created a setting that felt safe, personal and rooted in belonging.

Family-style living was rolled out to the rest of campus. Instead of the institutional feel of a dormitory, children experienced something closer to a real home. That stability helped them build trust, form healthy attachments and feel emotionally grounded.

Our Lady of the Sioux Chapel, originally built in 1956, underwent a full remodel in 1985 that transformed it into a powerful expression of both Catholic faith and Lakota identity. The renewed design incorporated extensive Lakota symbolism. In every detail, the remodel blended Catholic tradition with Lakota culture, creating a sacred space where students could see their heritage honored and their faith reflected side by side.

Because children are now living in family-style homes, the previous boys’ dormitory building is converted to the new elementary school. More space will allow for smaller class sizes of 12 children. This is a mark we still meet today to provide the utmost care and education.

The Aktá Lakota Museum and Cultural Center is established. The museum, which was the original elementary school, stands as a living tribute to the Lakota people — its name meaning “to honor the Lakota.” It is a place where students, families and visitors can connect with the stories, traditions and artistry that shape Lakota identity. Through exhibits, language resources, historical artifacts and contemporary works by Native American artists, the museum ensures that culture is not only remembered but celebrated.

The Thiyóšpaye Center opens, marking a major step toward strengthening family connections on campus. By providing families with a welcoming place to stay while visiting their children, the center helped maintain strong relationships and reinforced St. Joseph’s commitment to keeping families together. Today, St. Joseph’s has three guest houses on campus.

A new priests’ home is built on campus, allowing Kateri Home to become two new high school student homes.

St. Joseph’s purchased a Main Street building to establish our Thrift Store. It quickly became both a community resource and a learning opportunity for students. Several students gained valuable work experience there, building job skills and confidence. The store also provided affordable clothing to families across the region, including those on nearby reservations. A new, expanded location would later open in 2013.

Vibrant murals depicting the tribal flags of Native Nations were created and installed along the walls of St. Joseph’s Dining Hall, turning the space into a daily celebration of identity, pride, and cultural visibility for students. That same year, renovations to the Cyr and Perky Homes were completed, giving students updated, welcoming living spaces that strengthened community on campus.

The Tokéya uŋkí nájiŋpi — We Stood Here in the Beginning — Alumni & Historical Center was completed, becoming a cornerstone for preserving and celebrating St. Joseph’s long and diverse story. Incorporated within the Aktá Lakota Museum and Cultural Center, the new section was designed to embody the school’s guiding motto, “We Serve and Teach; We Receive and Learn.” The center offers visitors an immersive experience that honors the memories, challenges and accomplishments of the religious community, students, staff, and benefactors who have shaped St. Joseph’s since 1927.

The Dehon Health and Family Services Center opens, expanding St. Joseph’s commitment to whole-person care. The new facility brought medical and counseling services together under one roof, giving students easier access to the support they needed to stay healthy, focused and thriving. By serving both children and their families, the center strengthened the school’s mission to ensure a higher level of wellness care.

The Equine Therapy program is launched. After a successful pilot program in 2017, an official program was launched in 2018 to expand services to our Lakota students with the purpose of helping children heal from internal and external wounds.

When the Covid-19 pandemic surged in 2020, St. Joseph’s faced a challenge of how to keep students and families nourished when the world shut down. In response, staff created a safe, contact-free food box outreach program, delivering boxes filled with fresh food, pantry staples and essential supplies directly to reservation homes. Even after the pandemic eased, families continued to rely on the stability these boxes provided. Instead of ending the program, we expanded it — turning crisis response into ongoing care.

St. Joseph’s celebrated the grand opening of the Equine Therapy Center, a milestone that expanded the program into a fully year-round therapeutic resource. The new facility provides space to house up to ten horses, ensuring students have consistent access to the healing, confidence-building experiences that equine therapy offers.

The renovation and expansion of the Recreation Center was completed. The new facility now features a second full-sized basketball court, a welcoming entryway with storage for coats and backpacks, two new locker rooms, expanded office and conference space, on-site equipment storage and dedicated workout areas for both staff and students. Every part of the building is now fully ADA compliant, ensuring accessibility for all.