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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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Camille
Camille is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. She has been at St. Joseph’s since sixth grade. She likes to draw, listen to music and play on her cellphone in her spare time. Camille enjoys …
Camille
Camille is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. She has been at St. Joseph’s since sixth grade. She likes to draw, listen to music and play on her cellphone in her spare time. Camille enjoys and participates in a lot of the sports offered to her. Right now, she’s in track and softball. She has done archery, as well. She likes the staff and students at St. Joseph’s, and all the activities she gets to choose from. She says St. Joseph’s has helped her socialize and make close friends. She is thankful for her family, friends and staff! She wants to continue to the high school program, and graduate just like her brother! After high school graduation, she wants to find a fun and decent-paying job. Her hope for the future is to be successful. She wants to make her family proud and be proud of herself in everything she accomplishes.
Tristan
Hehaka Wambli (Tristan) is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. He has been at St. Joseph’s for seven years. In his free time, he likes to play basketball. He has participated in basketball and softball …
Tristan
Hehaka Wambli (Tristan) is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. He has been at St. Joseph’s for seven years. In his free time, he likes to play basketball. He has participated in basketball and softball while at St. Joseph’s. He likes the opportunities he has had at St. Joseph’s. He said going to school here has helped give him a stable environment. He is most thankful for everything St. Joseph’s has provided for him. Hehaka would like to continue to the high school program. He wants to go to college to be a mechanic after high school. His hope for the future is success in everything he does.
Zenneth
Zenneth is a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. He has been at St. Joseph’s since the first grade. He likes to play sports and be active in his spare time. Zenneth has participated in …
Zenneth
Zenneth is a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. He has been at St. Joseph’s since the first grade. He likes to play sports and be active in his spare time. Zenneth has participated in football, cross country, basketball and track while at St. Joseph’s. He likes the activities and opportunities he has had while here. He says St. Joseph’s has helped with his education, and he is thankful for that. He plans on continuing to high school after eighth grade graduation. Zenneth wants to enter the work force after he graduates from high school. His hope for the future is to have a stable life he enjoys.
Jay
Jay is a member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. He has been at St. Joseph’s since first grade. He likes to play basketball or workout in his spare time. Jay has participated in football, basketball …
Jay
Jay is a member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. He has been at St. Joseph’s since first grade. He likes to play basketball or workout in his spare time. Jay has participated in football, basketball and softball while at St. Joseph’s. Going to school at St. Joseph’s has helped him with his education, but also it has taught him to be respectful and kind. He is thankful for his family and sports. He would like to join the high school program, graduate and then play college football. Jay wants to go to college for marine biology after high school. His hope for the future is to be successful.
Crystal
Crystal is a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe. She has been at St. Joseph’s since fourth grade. She likes to hang out with friends, play games and talk to her houseparents in her spare time. …
Crystal
Crystal is a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe. She has been at St. Joseph’s since fourth grade. She likes to hang out with friends, play games and talk to her houseparents in her spare time. She has participated in volleyball, basketball, gymnastics, Dancing Dolls, track and softball while at St. Joseph’s. Crystal likes the energy, staff, students and activities she’s been a part of at St. Joseph’s. She is thankful for the staff, her friends and family, especially her mom and siblings. She would like to continue to the high school program and go to college after graduation. She wants to go to cosmetology school after she graduates high school. She is also thinking about phlebotomy! She would like to have a family, and work toward everything she’s hoped and dreamed of.
Kyler
Kyler is a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe. He has been at St. Joseph’s for seven years. He likes to play basketball and hang out with friends in his spare time. Kyler has participated in …
Kyler
Kyler is a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe. He has been at St. Joseph’s for seven years. He likes to play basketball and hang out with friends in his spare time. Kyler has participated in football, basketball and softball while at St. Joseph’s. He likes the friends he’s made, activities he’s participated in, the staff and the things they’ve taught him here. Going to school at St. Joseph’s has helped him learn what’s right and wrong. He is thankful for his teacher, Nancy; she has pushed him to keep going when things get hard. He would like to continue to the high school program and reach his goals. He wants to go to South Dakota State University after high school and play basketball. He would also like to study construction. His hopes for the future are to be an NBA player and help take care of his mom.
Aleighya
Aleighya is a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. She has been at St. Joseph’s since second grade. In her spare time, she likes to go outside and play basketball. She has participated in volleyball, …
Aleighya
Aleighya is a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. She has been at St. Joseph’s since second grade. In her spare time, she likes to go outside and play basketball. She has participated in volleyball, basketball, track and softball. Aleighya likes the opportunities she’s been given at St. Joseph’s, like donor event trips, home trips and shoes for basketball season. Going to school at St. Joseph’s has helped her find her inner self. She is most thankful for the education she’s received. She would like to continue to the high school program. After high school, she would like to go to law school, or San Diego State University. Her dream job is to be a lawyer or a probation officer. Her hope for the future is to be thoughtful, drug free and have a good education.
Jamisha
Jamisha is a member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. She has been at St. Joseph’s since second grade. In her spare time, she likes to go on walks and play basketball. She has participated in …
Jamisha
Jamisha is a member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. She has been at St. Joseph’s since second grade. In her spare time, she likes to go on walks and play basketball. She has participated in volleyball, basketball and track. Jamisha has liked learning responsibility and getting to experience different things while at St. Joseph’s. Going to school at St. Joseph’s has helped her see the world differently and in a positive manner. She is thankful for everyone who has helped her over the years. She would like to continue to the high school program. After graduating high school, she would like to go to a good college. Her hope for the future is to have a good job, be successful and become a better person each and every day.
Margaret
Margaret is a member of the Omaha Nations Tribe. This is her first year at St. Joseph’s. In her spare time, Margaret likes to play basketball, spend time with her friends and siblings, sew and listen …
Margaret
Margaret is a member of the Omaha Nations Tribe. This is her first year at St. Joseph’s. In her spare time, Margaret likes to play basketball, spend time with her friends and siblings, sew and listen to music. She has participated in volleyball, basketball, archery, track and softball. She has also danced at St. Joseph’s Annual Powwow and competed in the Royalty Competition. She likes St. Joseph’s because it reminds her of Native American values. She feels respect between students and teachers. She also likes the opportunities, welcoming community and supportive teachers at St. Joseph’s. It has felt more than just a school. Going to school at St. Joseph’s has helped her by giving her the tools and knowledge to achieve her goals. It has taught her not only academics, but also helped her stay connected to her culture, which is important to her. Margaret is most thankful for the supportive teachers and staff who care about her. The school has given her a safe place to grow, learn and dream big. She would like to continue to the high school program. After high school, she would like to go into the military and college. Her dream job is to be an entrepreneur. Her hope for the future is for growth in her culture, and to make her family proud.
Carlito
Carlito is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. He has been at St. Joseph’s since second grade. In his spare time, he likes to play basketball and hang out with his friends. Carlito has participated …
Carlito
Carlito is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. He has been at St. Joseph’s since second grade. In his spare time, he likes to play basketball and hang out with his friends. Carlito has participated in football, basketball, track, archery and softball. He has enjoyed having friends to hang out with and teachers who help him learn. He is most thankful for coming to school here because he has learned things like bravery, courage, generosity and mastery. He would like to continue to the high school program. After high school, he wants to go to college and play football or basketball. His dream job is to be a coach in the NFL. His hope for the future is for Earth to be a better place with peace. He aspires to be successful and make everyone he cares about proud.
Eduardo
Eduardo is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. He has been at St. Joseph’s since second grade. In Eduardo’s spare time he likes to play basketball or sleep. He has participated in cross country, track …
Eduardo
Eduardo is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. He has been at St. Joseph’s since second grade. In Eduardo’s spare time he likes to play basketball or sleep. He has participated in cross country, track and archery while at St. Joseph’s. He likes that he is getting a good education, and the teachers have been helpful. Going to school at St. Joseph’s has helped him be a better person. He is most thankful for his friends and teachers. He would like to continue in the high school program. After high school, he wants to go to college or enter the workforce. His dream job is to be part of a landscaping business. His hope for the future is for good things to happen, and to have helpful thoughts.
Jordanna
Jordanna is a member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. She has been at St. Joseph’s since fifth grade. In her spare time, she likes to go outside with her friends. Jordanna has participated in cross …
Jordanna
Jordanna is a member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. She has been at St. Joseph’s since fifth grade. In her spare time, she likes to go outside with her friends. Jordanna has participated in cross country, basketball and the Spelling Bee while at St. Joseph’s. She likes that her classes work at every student’s individual pace, and staff are patient. Going to school at St. Joseph’s has given her more opportunities to learn things she’s interested in. She would like to continue to the high school program. After high school, she would like to go to college. Her dream job is undecided, but she’s leaning toward a veterinarian or lawyer. Her hope for the future is to be successful in whatever career she chooses.
Romeo
Romeo is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. He has been at St. Joseph’s since first grade. In Romeo’s spare time he likes to play basketball, lift weights and hang out with his friends. He …
Romeo
Romeo is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. He has been at St. Joseph’s since first grade. In Romeo’s spare time he likes to play basketball, lift weights and hang out with his friends. He participated in powwow, football, basketball, softball and wrestling. He likes the help and opportunities St. Joseph’s has given him. Going to school at St. Joseph’s has helped him mature. He is most thankful for the staff. He would like to continue to the high school program. After high school, he would like to go to college and play sports. Romeo’s hopes for the future are to be successful in whatever he chooses to do, and to still be in touch with his friends.
Melissa
Melissa is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. She has been at St. Joseph’s since first grade. In her spare time, she likes to hang out with her friends. She has participated in Acalympics, Beta …
Melissa
Melissa is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. She has been at St. Joseph’s since first grade. In her spare time, she likes to hang out with her friends. She has participated in Acalympics, Beta Club, archery, Dancing Dolls and gymnastics while at St. Joseph’s. She likes the school, friends and staff. Going to school at St. Joseph’s has given her more opportunities to travel and gain knowledge she might not have gotten at a different school. She is most thankful for her friends and family. She would like to continue to the high school program. She would like to go to college after high school, but doesn’t have a career in mind yet. Her hopes for the future are for her friends and family to have a good life.
Persais
Persais is a member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. She has been at St. Joseph’s since fourth grade. In her spare time, she loves to read and hang out with her friends. She has participated …
Persais
Persais is a member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. She has been at St. Joseph’s since fourth grade. In her spare time, she loves to read and hang out with her friends. She has participated in basketball and track while at St. Joseph’s. She has liked the new elective classes that have been added to her schedule this year. Going to school at St. Joseph’s has helped her by teaching her new things and social skills. She is thankful for all the staff and her Family Service Counselor. She would like to continue to the high school program. After high school, she would like to go to college for a career in the medical field. She would also like to join the National Guard. Her dream job is to be a nurse, so she can help people. Her hope for the future is to be successful.
Victoria
Victoria is a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe. She has been at St. Joseph’s since sixth grade. In Victoria’s spare time she likes to hang out with her friends. She has participated in volleyball and …
Victoria
Victoria is a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe. She has been at St. Joseph’s since sixth grade. In Victoria’s spare time she likes to hang out with her friends. She has participated in volleyball and has enjoyed all the opportunities St. Joseph’s has provided her. Going to school at St. Joseph’s has helped her figure out what she wants for her future. She is thankful for St. Joseph’s, her teachers, houseparents and friends. She would like to continue to the high school program. After high school, she would like to go to college; although, she doesn’t have a career in mind yet. Her hopes for the future are to work for the future she wants.
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.
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