Faith, Culture, & Education
Rooted in Catholic faith and Native American culture, St. Joseph’s Indian School welcomes children of all faith backgrounds and honors the dignity of every person created in God’s image. Through Religious Studies and Native American Studies classes, students deepen their understanding of faith, culture and identity. Experiences both in the classroom and at the Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center help students strengthen their connection to the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota traditions while growing academically, spiritually and culturally.
Educating the Whole Child
Everything we do at St. Joseph’s Indian School is guided by a holistic approach to education. We strive to educate the whole child—mind, body, heart and spirit. In the tradition of Catholic education, we seek to create an environment of love and learning while fostering strong character, respect for human dignity and a lifelong appreciation for faith and service.
Mind
Academic Growth
Body
Health and wellness
Heart
Relationships and emotional development
Spirit
Faith and values
Faith and Culture in Daily Life
Faith and culture are not separate parts of life at St. Joseph’s Indian School—they are woven into the experiences, traditions and relationships that shape our community. From prayer and worship to language and cultural celebrations, students encounter opportunities each day to grow in their faith and strengthen their connection to Lakota heritage.
Worship and Spiritual Life
- When families request, preparation for their children for the sacraments of Baptism, First Reconciliation, Communion and Confirmation
- Sunday Mass where children participate in choir and as altar servers, blessing ministers, readers and ushers
- A tour of Our Lady of the Sioux Chapel
- A monthly “Lakota Mass” with appropriate cultural elements including a traditional drum group, in regalia, and selected prayers and songs in Lakota
Celebrating Lakota Culture
- Annual campus powwow
- Inipi (sweat lodge) ceremonies
- Seventh-grade cultural trip
- Sons and Daughters of Tradition for high school students
- Lakota Circles of Hope for students in grades 1–8
Daily Faith and Cultural Practices
- Morning prayer and the Lakota flag song to begin each school day
- Prayer in both Catholic and Lakota traditions
- Smudging before and after school and during Sunday Mass
Helping Students Succeed
Just as faith and culture shape campus life, our approach to learning helps students discover their strengths, overcome challenges and develop life skills
Inspiring Lifelong Learners
We encourage curiosity and foster a love of learning that helps students build confidence and develop skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
Engaging Students Through Active Learning
Students learn through a combination of direct instruction and hands-on, inquiry-based experiences that encourage questions, exploration and critical thinking.
Building on Strengths
By monitoring progress and recognizing individual strengths, we tailor support to help each student grow and reach their full potential.
Providing Individualized Support
Small class sizes and specialized resources help close learning gaps and ensure students receive the attention they need to succeed.
Strengthening Learning Over Time
Students revisit important concepts throughout their educational journey, allowing knowledge and skills to deepen as they mature.
Challenging and Encouraging Growth
We meet students where they are while encouraging them to overcome obstacles, develop resilience and learn from mistakes along the way.
Preparing Students for Life
By integrating faith, culture and whole-child education, St. Joseph’s Indian School helps students grow into confident, compassionate and culturally grounded young adults. Our goal is not only academic success, but preparing students for a lifetime of purpose, service and opportunity.
