Sweeten the holidays for Lakota Children today!

About St. Joseph's Indian School

Since 1927, St. Joseph's Indian School has served Lakota (Sioux) children and families.

Our mission is to educate Native American children and their families for life — mind, body, heart and spirit. This mission drives our organization to educate and provide housing for over 200 Lakota (Sioux) children each year — all at no cost to their families.

Child poverty and abuse are serious issues on Indian reservations. By supporting St. Joseph's Indian School, you are helping Native American children in need reestablish pride in their culture by learning the Lakota language, studying Native American culture and healing the broken family circle from which they come.

St. Joseph’s Indian School is More Than a School!

St. Joseph’s brings together family, fun classes, cultural appreciation, safety and love for Native American children in need.

Why Your Support Matters

If you’re new to St. Joseph’s Indian School and the struggles facing Native Americans living in reservation communities, the following information will help you get familiar with both. We hope after reading, you’ll desire to help innocent Lakota children overcome the obstacles set against them. One by one, people like you are making work at St. Joseph’s possible.

Your Support Makes an Impact









Stories from our Lakota Indian School

October 24 is National Food Day! Read about one important outreach program at St. Joseph’s Indian School that works to fight hunger.

In the Bible story “Feeding of the Five Thousand,” or more commonly recognized as “The story of loaves and fishes,” Jesus performs a miracle by multiplying five loaves of bread and two fish to feed a large crowd of people who had gathered to hear His teachings.

Houseparent Philip watches the St. Joseph’s Indian School entries pass by in the Sioux Falls Native American Day Parade. The school’s floats honored the buffalo, the natural world and Lakota values.

Because one day isn’t enough and one activity can’t say it all, staff and students at St. Joseph’s Indian School extended the cultural celebration of Native American Day from Sunday to Friday. Each day unveiled more of the richness and diversity of their Lakota, Dakota and Nakota heritage through prayer, fun, dance, language, lessons, clothing and art.

Houseparents at St. Joseph’s Indian School help students grow up big and strong!

Part of the St. Joseph’s Indian School mission is to create a nurturing environment where every Lakota (Sioux) child feels the warmth of a loving family. Whether through traditional family structures, mentorship programs or the extended St. Joseph’s family, the children receive rich connections that help shape their lives.

You can be the reason Lakota Children Dream!

The DreamMakers are a special group of friends who give automatic monthly gifts to ensure the Lakota (Sioux) children are provided for year-round. For as little as 32 cents a day, 100% of your monthly contribution will go directly to helping meet our students’ immediate needs … and will help provide dreams for the future.

Our Programs

Children attending St. Joseph's benefit from individualized care plans that follow nationally approved and accredited techniques. Friends who support St. Joseph's Native American programs help provide for every aspect of each child's physical, emotional, spiritual and educational needs.

Review St. Joseph's Indian School on GreatNonprofits