About
Student Stories
Every gift you make writes a new chapter in a child’s life.
The children of St. Joseph’s Indian School come from communities that have faced generations of hardship, yet every day on our campus, we witness resilience, joy and an unquenchable spirit. Our student stories capture real moments: a child conquering fear in the classroom, a young dancer finding pride in their heritage, an alumnus returning to give back. These are the stories your support makes possible.
Makaia Makes History as Homecoming Queen
Queen Makaia and Native American Studies teacher LaRayne smile for a photo during Chamberlain’s Homecoming parade. To some, it might just be a crown. To the St. Joseph’s Indian School community, it’s a place in school …
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Introducing the 2026 Powwow Royalty of St. Joseph’s Indian School
Introducing the 2026 Powwow Royalty of St. Joseph’s Indian School The drums hadn’t even started yet, but the Rec Center was already buzzing. It was the kind of excited, can’t‑sit‑still energy that only happens when students …
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Embracing Life at St. Joseph’s: Zukai’s Story
Embracing Life at St. Joseph’s: Zukai’s Story Even as a new student, Zukai proudly danced and sang at St. Joseph’s 49th Annual Powwow. Spend just a few minutes with seventh grader Zukai, and it might be …
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St. Joseph’s Students Explore Faith and Future at Notre Dame
Some moments help students see a wider horizon than they knew existed. For four St. Joseph’s Indian School middle schoolers, stepping onto the University of Notre Dame campus became one of those moments — a chance …
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Senior Suitcase: St. Joseph’s Graduates Shop for the Future
“I am in line to check out everything for my future right now,” Delante said as he looked down at a shopping cart piled high with essentials for adulthood.
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Students Explore Faith, Service and Discovery at Summer Institute
Some journeys shape students long before they return home. For four St. Joseph’s Indian School students, a week in Milwaukee, Wisc., became more than a trip. It became a chance to see themselves as part of …
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Stepping Up: St. Joseph’s Indian School Student Finds His Voice as a Leader
One evening at the Rec Center, Bryan, St. Joseph’s Indian School’s Athletic Director, found himself short a basketball referee. The game was about to begin, and he needed someone dependable who could step in quickly. Kansas, …
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St. Joseph’s Graduate Earns $10,000 Scholarship
Meet Mersayis, an extraordinary young woman whose resilience, compassion and dedication have earned her the prestigious Dr. Henry C. Mueller Scholarship, awarding her $10,000 toward her dreams of becoming a nurse. Growing up in the foster …
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St. Joseph’s Student Shoots for the Stars … Literally
At St. Joseph’s Indian School, every student has a story. Some stories are rooted in athletics, others in overcoming challenges, and some, like Marybella’s, are destined for the stars. Marybella, a bright and determined high school …
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Brooklynn
Brooklynn is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Her favorite memories at St. Joseph’s include staying in the break home with her sister and going on home trips. Brooklynn’s favorite trip was going to Thunder …
Brooklynn
Brooklynn is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Her favorite memories at St. Joseph’s include staying in the break home with her sister and going on home trips. Brooklynn’s favorite trip was going to Thunder Road because her houseparents let her drive the go-karts! Her favorite activity she’s done at school is “I Hate Winter Day” because she loves snow cones and competing in the coloring contest. Something Brooklynn has learned at St. Joseph’s is how to clean and how to manage her money. After 8th grade graduation, Brooklynn plans to stay and attend the St. Joseph’s high school program. She also wants to get a job to earn money for family members if needed. Brooklynn’s dreams for the future are to be a voice actor and have other side jobs. She’d also like to have a house or apartment!
Janessa
Janessa’s favorite school memory is spending time with her best friend, Mykah. Her favorite memory from her campus home is staying up late in 7th grade to tell scary stories in the basement. Janessa’s favorite trip …
Janessa
Janessa’s favorite school memory is spending time with her best friend, Mykah. Her favorite memory from her campus home is staying up late in 7th grade to tell scary stories in the basement. Janessa’s favorite trip while at St. Joseph’s was the 7th Grade Cultural Trip. Her favorite activity is playing volleyball. While at St. Joseph’s, Janessa has learned to get along with others and social skills. She plans to join the St. Joseph’s high school program after 8th grade graduation. Janessa’s dream for the future is to go to cosmetology school!
James
James is a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe. James’ favorite school memory was the 7th Grade Cultural Trip because he learned more about his culture. His favorite memory from his campus home is playing basketball …
James
James is a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe. James’ favorite school memory was the 7th Grade Cultural Trip because he learned more about his culture. His favorite memory from his campus home is playing basketball with Malikai. James’s favorite trip while at St. Joseph’s was the Donor Event in Dallas, Texas. He spoke in front of the donors and answered their questions. He also got to experience virtual reality for the first time! His favorite activities at St. Joseph’s are basketball and football. James has learned how to control his anger and how that can keep him out of trouble while at St. Joseph’s. He plans on continuing with St. Joseph’s high school program after 8th grade graduation. James’ dreams for the future are to go to college and play basketball or maybe join the military!
Tyree
Tyree is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Tyree’s favorite school memory was meeting his mentor, Ben. His favorite memory in his campus home has been game night in Perky Home. Tyree’s favorite trip at …
Tyree
Tyree is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Tyree’s favorite school memory was meeting his mentor, Ben. His favorite memory in his campus home has been game night in Perky Home. Tyree’s favorite trip at St. Joseph’s was a school trip with his campus home. His favorite activity with St. Joseph’s is softball. Tyree has learned how to cook while being at St. Joseph’s. After 8th graduation, he plans to set the highest bench press record. Tyree would like to succeed and strive for better.
Mykah
Mykah is a member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe. Mykah’s favorite school memory is meeting and spending time with her best friend, Janessa. Her favorite memory from her campus home is going on a trip to …
Mykah
Mykah is a member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe. Mykah’s favorite school memory is meeting and spending time with her best friend, Janessa. Her favorite memory from her campus home is going on a trip to a hotel. She and Rylee both fell off the slide; she thought it was funny. Mykah’s favorite trip at St. Joseph’s was the 7th Grade Cultural Trip. Her favorite activity she’s participated in at St. Joseph’s is playing basketball. Something Mykah has learned at St. Joseph’s is to focus on things and never give up. After 8th grade graduation, she plans to continue with the St. Joseph’s high school program. Mykah’s dream for the future is to work as a mechanic.
Rayne
Rayne is a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. Rayne’s favorite school memory is attending the Donor Event in Sacramento, CA, with Jesse and Pte San. She has enjoyed all the homes she’s been in. …
Rayne
Rayne is a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. Rayne’s favorite school memory is attending the Donor Event in Sacramento, CA, with Jesse and Pte San. She has enjoyed all the homes she’s been in. Rayne’s favorite trip at St. Joseph’s was to a museum in with Claire, the librarian, and her classmates. Her favorite activity at St. Joseph’s was the pajama days and volleyball with coaches Jennie, Kim and Jesse. Since being at St. Joseph’s, Rayne has learned manners, cleaning up after herself and taking on responsibility. After 8th grade graduation, she plans to join St. Joseph’s high school program. Rayne’s dreams for the future are still undecided!
Kellen
Kellen is a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. Kellen’s favorite school memory is when the teacher dressed up as students. His favorite memory from his campus home is when they would go to Sioux …
Kellen
Kellen is a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. Kellen’s favorite school memory is when the teacher dressed up as students. His favorite memory from his campus home is when they would go to Sioux Falls on a home trip. Kellen’s favorite trip since he’s been at St. Joseph’s is when the 7th-12th grade went to Sioux Falls for a Skyforce game. His favorite activities at St. Joseph’s have been basketball, cross country and boat races in Dan’s science class. Since being at St. Joseph’s, Kellen has learned how to speak the Lakota language. After 8th grade graduation, he plans to finish high school. Kellen’s dream for the future is to play college basketball.
Randi
Randi is a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. Randi’s favorite school memory is doing the boat races in Dan’s science class. Her favorite memory from her campus home is when they went to Rapid …
Randi
Randi is a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. Randi’s favorite school memory is doing the boat races in Dan’s science class. Her favorite memory from her campus home is when they went to Rapid City and went to a water park on a home trip. Randi’s favorite trip was when the 7th-12th grades went to the Skyforce game in Sioux Falls. Her favorite activity at St. Joseph’s has been basketball. Something Randi has learned at St. Joseph’s is, “Don’t do drugs; they are bad.” After 8th grade graduation, she plans to join St. Joseph’s high school program and graduate. Randi’s dream for the future is to be a movie producer!
Blayze
Blayze is a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. Blayze’s favorite school memory is the Staff vs. Students games. His favorite memories from his campus home were going to Rapid City and hiking with the …
Blayze
Blayze is a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. Blayze’s favorite school memory is the Staff vs. Students games. His favorite memories from his campus home were going to Rapid City and hiking with the Perky Home in 6th grade. Blayze’s favorite trip while at St. Joseph’s was the 7th Grade Cultural Trip. He also enjoyed going to the State Fair. His favorite activity at St. Joseph’s has been playing basketball outside with everyone and his coaches, Evan and Colton. Something Blayze has learned while at St. Joseph’s is you can’t always win, sometimes you have to lose. After 8th grade graduation, he plans on continuing with high school. He would also like to continue to play football and basketball. Blayze’s dreams for the future are to get a D1 scholarship for basketball or join the military!
Tristine
Tristine is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Tristine’s favorite school memory is going on the 7th Grade Cultural Trip. Her favorite memories in the homes were being in her 6th grade home and April …
Tristine
Tristine is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Tristine’s favorite school memory is going on the 7th Grade Cultural Trip. Her favorite memories in the homes were being in her 6th grade home and April Fool’s Day. Tristine’s favorite trip while at St. Joseph’s was going to Washington, D.C., in 7th grade. Her favorite activity at St. Joseph’s has been playing volleyball. Tristine has enjoyed all the knowledge she gained while at St. Joseph’s. After 8th grade graduation, she plans on continuing to high school. Tristine’s dream for the future is to be a journalist!
Victor
Victor is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Victor’s favorite school memory is building the boats and then racing them in the pool in Dan’s science class. His favorite memories in his campus home were …
Victor
Victor is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Victor’s favorite school memory is building the boats and then racing them in the pool in Dan’s science class. His favorite memories in his campus home were going on trips and having water balloon fights. Victor’s favorite trip at St. Joseph’s was going to Houston, Texas, at the end of 6th grade. He also enjoyed the 7th Grade Cultural Trip for the hikes. His favorite activities were track, cross country, football and softball. Something Victor has learned while being at St. Joseph’s was how to take care of himself. After 8th grade graduation, he plans on joining St. Joseph’s high school program. Victor’s dream for the future is to go to college.
John
John is a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. John’s favorite school memory was being in Nancy’s 7th grade class because she taught them a lot about their culture. He also enjoyed the fashion show and …
John
John is a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. John’s favorite school memory was being in Nancy’s 7th grade class because she taught them a lot about their culture. He also enjoyed the fashion show and taking pictures during that event. His favorite memory from the campus home was going to the State Fair in Huron. John’s favorite trip he’s taken while at St. Joseph’s was the 7th Grade Cultural Trip. He liked learning more about his culture and the hikes. His favorite activity at St. Joseph’s was playing sports like basketball and football. He also enjoyed playing hide-and-seek with his houseparents. Some things John has learned while at St. Joseph’s are more about his culture, how to speak more clearly and how to dance in the Powwow. After 8th grade graduation, he plans to work in the summer and join St. Joseph’s high school program. John’s dream for the future is to make a lot of money!
Darnel
Darnel is a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe. Darnel’s favorite school memory was going to the Badlands in 6th grade. His favorite memory from his campus home was his 6th grade trip with Fisher Home. …
Darnel
Darnel is a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe. Darnel’s favorite school memory was going to the Badlands in 6th grade. His favorite memory from his campus home was his 6th grade trip with Fisher Home. Darnel’s favorite trip while at St. Joseph’s was the 7th Grade Cultural Trip. His favorite activities were basketball, football and track. While at St. Joseph’s, Darnel has learned how to take care of a home. After 8th grade graduation, he plans on continuing to high school. Darnel’s dream for the future is to go to the military!
Tatiyopa
Tatiyopa is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Tatiyopa’s favorite school memory was when Nancy, her teacher, randomly danced in class. Her favorite memory from her campus home was watching a meteor shower with her …
Tatiyopa
Tatiyopa is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Tatiyopa’s favorite school memory was when Nancy, her teacher, randomly danced in class. Her favorite memory from her campus home was watching a meteor shower with her houseparents. Tatiyopa’s favorite trip while at St. Joseph’s was going to the Skyforce game with the 7th-12th graders. Her favorite activities were volleyball and the inflatables. Some things Tatiyopa has learned while at St. Joseph’s are taking responsibility and thinking before you act. After 8th grade graduation, she plans to join St. Joseph’s high school program and possibly join volleyball. Tatiyopa’s dreams for the future are to become a paramedic, a traveling nurse or join the military!
Sophia
Pte San Sophia’s favorite school memory was when she went on the 7th Grade Cultural Trip. Her favorite memory in her campus home was wrapping presents with one of her houseparents. They wrapped them so they …
Sophia
Pte San Sophia’s favorite school memory was when she went on the 7th Grade Cultural Trip. Her favorite memory in her campus home was wrapping presents with one of her houseparents. They wrapped them so they were hard to open! Pte San’s favorite trip while at St. Joseph’s was going to Rapid City and down the “Toilet Bowl” at Watiki Waterpark. Her favorite activities are volleyball, basketball, track and softball. At St. Joseph’s, Pte San has learned how to make friends and improve her basketball skills. After graduation, she plans to join St. Joseph’s high school program. Pte San’s dreams for the future are to be a welder and open a bakery! She also wants to continue playing basketball and live in Sacramento, California!
Brayden
Brayden is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Brayden’s favorite school memory was the Staff vs. 8th Grade games. His favorite memory from his campus home was going on a haunted trail. Brayden’s favorite …
Brayden
Brayden is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Brayden’s favorite school memory was the Staff vs. 8th Grade games. His favorite memory from his campus home was going on a haunted trail. Brayden’s favorite trip while at St. Joseph’s was the 7th Grade Cultural Trip. He also enjoyed going to the State Fair in Huron. His favorite activity was playing basketball and learning how to play football. Something Brayden has learned while at St. Joseph’s is how to be mature and to set an example. After 8th grade graduation, he plans to continue to learn and develop. He also plans to train in the sport he loves. Brayden’s dreams for the future are to play basketball at a D1 level or make the league.
Alexis
Alexis is a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. Alexis’s favorite school memory was playing hide-and-seek with the 7th-8th grade community at the park. Her favorite memory in the campus home was telling scary stories …
Alexis
Alexis is a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. Alexis’s favorite school memory was playing hide-and-seek with the 7th-8th grade community at the park. Her favorite memory in the campus home was telling scary stories in the basement with her friends. Alexis’s favorite trip while at St. Joseph’s was was going to Sioux Falls for a Skyforce basketball game. Her favorite activity was playing basketball in 7th grade. Something Alexis has learned while at St. Joseph’s is how to talk to new people. She is undecided about where to attend high school. Alexis’s dream is to become a professional beaded earring maker!
Aiden
Hi, my name is Aiden. I am from Lower Brule/Kul Wicasa. I’ve been attending St. Joseph’s for eight years — since the fourth grade. A major activity I took part in was basketball. I love the …
Aiden
Hi, my name is Aiden. I am from Lower Brule/Kul Wicasa. I’ve been attending St. Joseph’s for eight years — since the fourth grade. A major activity I took part in was basketball. I love the sport. For my favorite memory, I would say it took place last summer when my friends and I went on a trip to Germany. It was so fun! Throwback to my younger years, I loved going on home trips with all the boys and my houseparents Odis and Theresa in the Cyr Home. I am very thankful for my later houseparents, Norm and Lilli. They’ve given me lots of advice growing up through high school and believed in me the most ways anyone could have. They have helped me become who I am. I really appreciate what they’ve done for me. Thank you! My future plans are to pursue a degree in graphic design at Lake Area Technical College.
Angie
Hi, my name is Angelina, but most know me by Angie. I’ve been attending St. Joseph’s for 10 years. Some activities I’ve enjoyed here are going on the Europe trip, dancing in the annual powwows, playing …
Angie
Hi, my name is Angelina, but most know me by Angie. I’ve been attending St. Joseph’s for 10 years. Some activities I’ve enjoyed here are going on the Europe trip, dancing in the annual powwows, playing kickball and cheerleading at the high school. Through it all, my favorite memory is definitely the Europe trip because it felt amazing to make connections across seas and stand in front of the Eiffel Tower. A closer-to-home memory I love would have to be being with my community. When I was in the Mathias Home, I loved when everybody would run home from school to throw down their backpack and grab their friends and basketball or a jump rope. Even in high school, I love it when the community comes together to have a bonfire with s’mores in the Kateri backyard. I would like to give a thank you and hugs to the staff and peers I’ve met along the way. More specifically, Richard Z. for always seeing the best in me, Tia F. for making my head a lovely place to be in and Amanda H. for sticking by my side since I came to St. Joseph’s. My advice to younger students is to not dim your light to fit in somewhere. If you still like unicorns in 10th grade, then you rock with that like no other. Being your authentic self feels so natural and easy, don’t make it hard for yourself. My future plans are to attend Native American Art Institute in New Mexico. I also plan to remain a good person to my environment, my loved ones and my mental health.
William
Hi, my name is William. I have been at St. Joseph’s for 11 years. I am enrolled in the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. At St. Joseph’s, I participated in different types of activities like football, softball, …
William
Hi, my name is William. I have been at St. Joseph’s for 11 years. I am enrolled in the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. At St. Joseph’s, I participated in different types of activities like football, softball, wrestling, basketball, Native American Club and going to the Rec Center. My favorite St. Joseph’s memory would be when I was in sixth grade. We were sitting in the cafeteria having breakfast for lunch when one of the girls to my right threw their bag of mini pancakes at us. It hit my friend’s chocolate milk, causing it to go all over his white sweatshirt. I would like to thank my houseparents, Mr. Brian and Ms. Glenda, as well as important teachers like Mr. Teil, Mr. Graves and Mr. Kurtz for allowing me to find an interest I would like to pursue after graduation. My future plan is to apply to Lake Area Tech and major in welding.
Mersayis
Hi, my name is Mersayis. I’ve been attending St. Joseph’s for 10 years, (that’s actually crazy). Some activities I participated in while in middle school were track, volleyball, softball, basketball, cheer and the St. Joseph’s Annual …
Mersayis
Hi, my name is Mersayis. I’ve been attending St. Joseph’s for 10 years, (that’s actually crazy). Some activities I participated in while in middle school were track, volleyball, softball, basketball, cheer and the St. Joseph’s Annual Powwow where I was Jr. Miss St. Joseph’s for two years. Activities/clubs I’ve participated in while in high school are volleyball, girls’ basketball manager, Health Occupations Students of America and Native American Club. My favorite and most painful memory had to be when Aiden and I were riding scooters in Germany and I fell trying to keep up with him, thinking I could do parkour. Another favorite memory would be when we were in Paris and ate at a corner café. It was so beautiful and I was surrounded by all the people I love the most in this whole world! Some staff I would love to thank are all my middle school teachers, middle school houseparents — especially Mr. Rigo, Mrs. Julie, Benny and Angie. I would also send a huge thank you to all the people who worked with me my high school years. Counselors, residential coordinators, floats, subs, the garage men … Of course I was always “fender bender-ing” something. Without all of the staff, I would not know the true meaning of family. I want to thank St. Joseph’s as a whole for being there to help shape me into the young woman I am today. Two more people who deserve the biggest shout-out of them all are Tia and Dave F. — thank you for loving and caring for me as if I were one of your own. These four years have had highs and lows and you were there throughout it all. I’m so lucky to have had you a part of my support system, cheering as loud as can be. One last thank you would be the faculty of Chamberlain High School. Thank you for giving me the chance to be a part of your community. I’ve learned and grown so much! Thank you Mr. Steckelberg for letting me pick on you. Advice I would give to younger students would be: you didn’t come this far to come this far and not be happy. My future plans are to attend Dakota Wesleyan University and major in nursing.
Landon
My name is Landon and I’ve been at St. Joseph’s Indian School since third grade. From fourth through sixth grade, I took part in wrestling. I’d like to thank Scott W. for being my counselor, as …
Landon
My name is Landon and I’ve been at St. Joseph’s Indian School since third grade. From fourth through sixth grade, I took part in wrestling. I’d like to thank Scott W. for being my counselor, as well as a thank you to Norm and Lilli for being my houseparents during high school. My advice for younger students is to pursue your creative talents and allow yourself to grow and improve as a person. After I graduate, I will continue my summer job until I go to college at Minot State University in North Dakota. I plan to major in art to pursue a career as a professional freelance artist.
Building a Future: Taivin’s Alumni Story
At St. Joseph’s Indian School, we believe the values we instill in our students — respect, gratitude, hope and integrity — don’t just shape young lives. They ripple outward, touching families, communities and future generations. As …
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Chelsea’s Story
The slogan for Chelsea Wilson’s “RezKutz” business is, “Your satisfaction is my goal,” and it’s something she lives out through the satisfaction of giving back to the school she attended from 1st through 8th grade: St. …
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Richard’s Story
Richard Two Two has had many titles already during his young life. He’s been called son, brother, student, husband, dad, corrections officer and more. But, recently he added another title to that list — one he …
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LaToya’s Story
When LaToya Crazy Bull thinks about her future, it’s not necessarily a scene of events that come to her mind — rather, it’s the faces of those she loves most. At 29-years-old, she cares for her …
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Lily’s Story
Every year, approximately 200 students live and learn on the campus of St. Joseph’s Indian School. We clothe them, supply them with virtually limitless educational resources, and nourish their bodies with healthy foods and their souls …
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Christian’s Story
Higher education is expensive. It’s the simple fact of the matter. Not everyone can afford college, as well as the living expenses that go along with it. And the idea of paying back a large amount …
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Jacob’s Story
If you were to call someone on the phone, the most common response you’d expect to hear upon their answer is, “Hello, this is [insert name].” But Jacob Lacota is not your typical 22-year-old. He answers …
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Martina’s Story
Martina, an alumna of St. Joseph’s Indian School’s graduating class of 2016, was recently awarded the Army Achievement Medal for the second time! Martina attended St. Joseph’s for 11 years and was very involved in the …
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Irene’s Story
Irene, an alumna of St. Joseph’s Indian School’s graduating class of 2016, was recently awarded the Army Achievement Medal. Irene, of Lower Brule, S.D., attended St. Joseph’s from first grade through her senior year, graduating from …
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Shay’s Story
Shay, a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at a veteran’s hospital, was working a night shift when she heard an alarm sound. The alarm was to signal that a patient was in need of help, so she …
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The DreamMakers are a special group of friends who give automatic monthly gifts to ensure the Lakota (Sioux) children are provided for year-round … and will help provide dreams for the future.
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Our Mission
Since 1927, St. Joseph’s has educated Lakota (Sioux) children in mind, body, heart, and spirit.
Lakota Culture
Explore the traditions, language and ceremonies woven into daily life at St. Joseph’s.
Your Impact
See how friends like you bring hope and opportunity to Lakota children and families.
