Youth and Alumni Take Center Stage at St. Joseph's 50th Powwow

(Chamberlain, S.D.) – St. Joseph’s Indian School marked a milestone in September as students, alumni, families and guests gathered for the school’s 50th annual powwow, celebrating Native American culture through dance, song and community.

Youth dancers took center stage during the Sept. 19 celebration, with 163 dancers entering the arena to compete. Of those, 94 were St. Joseph’s Indian School students.

Dancers competed in traditional, jingle, fancy and grass dance styles across junior and teen divisions for boys and girls. The youngest dancers joined the celebration in the tiny-tot division.

Leading activity in the arena was 2026 St. Joseph’s Indian School graduate Delante Charger, who served as arena director. Seven drum groups provided traditional Lakota songs throughout the competition, including St. Joseph’s student drum group, the Chalk Hill Singers.

“Powwow is an important opportunity for our students to practice their culture and take pride in who they are,” said LaRayne Woster, Lead Native American Studies Teacher and powwow co-coordinator. “Whether they are dancing, singing, or participating in other ways, they are building a connection to their Native American identity and traditions that we hope stays with them long after they leave St. Joseph’s.”

The powwow also offered everyone the opportunity to enter the arena. Social dances, including the rabbit and potato dances, invited spectators to participate without regalia.

Three students entered the arena with special honors following the school’s 50th Powwow Royalty Competition earlier in September. Anjalyn Grassrope was named Miss St. Joseph’s, Arihanni Archambeau-Quiver was named Jr. Miss St. Joseph’s and Brayden Thunder Shield was selected as Eagle Staff Carrier.

“Dancing is important to me because it brings our culture back to life,” Thunder Shield said. “When I’m out in the arena, I feel connected to my ancestors. It makes me proud to be able to dance and continue those traditions.”

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The milestone celebration also brought a record-breaking alumni turnout. A total of 130 alumni stopped by the alumni booth during powwow festivities, and 40 attended the alumni breakfast Saturday morning.

Alumni also had the opportunity to enter drawings for star quilts made by Carla Thompson. James Iron Heart Sr. and Alexa Harmon were selected as this year’s recipients.

Another star quilt was presented to longtime powwow emcee Virgil Taken Alive in recognition of his many years of service to St. Joseph’s annual celebration.

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For 50 years, St. Joseph’s Indian School’s annual powwow has provided an opportunity for students, families, alumni and visitors to come together in celebration of Native American culture and tradition. This year, the generations represented in and around the arena made the milestone especially meaningful.

Dance Category Winners:

Teen Boys Traditional: