A St. Joseph’s Christmas Season Tradition Continue

The St. Joseph’s Indian School Thrift Store came alive with the joy of Christmas this week as students shopped for presents for their families from among the many new toys, books, blankets and clothes.

Lakota Value of generosity

The annual “Christmas store” allows students to select presents at no cost to take home for Christmas. Gift giving is especially important to the Lakota, for whom a key value is wówačhaŋtognakA (generosity) – the sharing and giving of life freely.

Annual Christmas Store

“I am getting a basketball for all my cousins to share. They like basketball,” said seventh-grader Jasleen Archambeau.

“I got my dad a red and black blanket. Those are his favorite colors and I got my mom a green purse because that is her favorite color,” commented eighth-grader Tristine Larvie as she smiled with gratitude.

St. Joseph’s Indian School receives donations throughout the year, which are sorted with care to make sure that foremost all of the students’ needs are met. Sometimes there is an excess of donations. These items find a new purpose at the St. Joseph’s Annual Christmas Store where rows and rows of shelves are stocked with toys, clothing, books, blankets and other items.

“I am shopping for my mom. She really likes earrings,” said eight-grader Rayne Grassrope as she shopped.

“I got my sister a weighted blanket. I think she will really like it,” remarked seventh-grader MarieOnna Neal.

The staff and students of St. Joseph’s Indian School are grateful for the generosity of so many who make this annual experience possible. The school sends best wishes to all of our thiyóšpaye and looks forward to the New Year when we welcome students back.