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.

Stories from our Lakota Indian School

There was a heaviness in the air as St. Joseph’s Indian School students dipped their hands in red paint and placed them precisely on their faces — the mark that symbolizes the Indigenous women and relatives who are missing or murdered.
You see, there is a crisis at hand for Native American men, women and families, and it’s recognized by a movement called Missing and Murder Indigenous Women.

St. Joseph’s Indian School announces the graduation of six seniors from its high school program, which partners with Chamberlain High School. Graduation is on Saturday, May 14, at 2 p.m., at the Chamberlain Armory.
“These students of diverse talent and experience have much to offer the world,” noted St. Joseph’s President Mike Tyrell. “A piece of our heart goes with them into the future, and we are grateful to have them in our extended family.”

There are approximately 200 children served each year at St. Joseph’s Indian School. Of those 200, we see all 200 children with clothing needs, 200 differing body shapes and sizes and 200 unique personalities.
If we talk math a little more, every child needs a week’s worth of shirts, pants, socks, underwear and varying coats and shoes. It is very expensive to outfit a child.


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.