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Join Us for St. Joseph’s Indian School’s Annual Powwow
Experience the vibrant culture, heritage and traditions of the Lakota (Sioux) people at St. Joseph's Indian School’s biggest event of the year!
Since 1976, St. Joseph's Indian School has proudly hosted a weekend celebration of Lakota culture on our beautiful Chamberlain, South Dakota campus. This is a unique opportunity for friends like you from around the nation to come together, connect and immerse yourselves in the rich traditions of Native American culture.
Highlights of the Event:
- Thiyóšpaye (extended family) banquet: Kick-off the festivities with a warm and welcoming banquet on Friday night.
- Tours, Tours and More Tours: Explore St. Joseph's campus, school, health center, Rec Center and the children's homes, guided by those who know them best.
- Powwow Dance Competition: Enjoy an all-day event featuring spirited dance competitions for Lakota children of all ages.
- Meet the Horses: Meet the horses in our Equine Therapy program while touring the center completed in 2023.
- Traditional Lakota Foods: Savor the flavors of traditional Lakota (Sioux) cuisine.
- And Much More: Engage in various cultural activities that promise to enrich and entertain.
Everyone is welcome, and we encourage you to attend as many of our powwow activities as possible. This is more than an event — it’s an experience that celebrates the legacy and future of the Lakota people.
49th Annual Powwow Schedule of Events
Thursday, September 18, 2025
8:00 am – 4:00 pm: Guest Registration (Rec Center) Required only once upon campus arrival
4:00 pm: Rec Center Tour
5:00 pm: Powwow Kick-off Program (Rec Center)
Friday, September 19, 2025
8:00 am: Guest Registration (Rec Center)
8:00 am – 5:00 pm: Self-tour Our Lady of the Sioux Chapel at your convenience
9:15 am – 11:30 am: Cultural Activities (Rec Center and Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center)
11:00 am – 1:30 pm: Food Truck (Wisdom Circle) Cash Only
11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Equine Therapy Center Open House and Tour
11:30 am – 12:00 pm: Rec Center Dedication (Rec Center)
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: School and Health Center Open House
3:30 pm – 4:15 pm: Cultural Performance (Rec Center)
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm: Thiyóšpaye Banquet (Cedar Shore Resort)
Saturday, September 20, 2025
8:00 am – 5:00 pm: Self-tour Our Lady of the Sioux Chapel at your convenience
8:30 am – 11:00 am: Guest Registration (Rec Center)
9:00 am – 11:00 am: Student Homes Open House
11:45 am: Powwow Grounds Blessing/Grass Flattening
Noon: Grand Entry and Powwow
5:00 pm: Mass at Our Lady of the Sioux Chapel
5:30 pm: Complimentary Meal (Picnic Pavilion)
*Powwow prizes awarded after complimentary meal.
Upon your arrival to campus, please register only once at the Rec Center, where you will receive a packet of information.
Saturday’s powwow is located outdoors. Please wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket. Seating is limited. If you are able, please bring lawn chairs or blankets.
NO PETS OR SMOKING ALLOWED ON CAMPUS
NO CAMPING ON SCHOOL GROUNDS