Community Outreaches

Serving Native American Communities Far Beyond Our Campus.

At St.Joseph’s Indian School, our mission reaches well beyond the students who live and learn on our campus. Through a network of outreach programs, partnerships, and community initiatives, we work alongside Native American communities across South Dakota to strengthen culture, expand educational opportunities, support families, and meet critical needs. From preserving Lakota heritage and promoting literacy to providing community resources and faith-based support, our outreach efforts reflect a commitment to serving Native children, families, and communities wherever they are.

Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center

The Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center is an educational outreach of St. Joseph’s Indian School dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota people. Meaning “to honor the people,” Aktá Lakota promotes understanding of Northern Plains Indian culture-past, present and future-through historic artifacts, contemporary Native artwork and educational experiences that inspire learning, appreciation and cultural preservation for visitors from around the world.

 Thrift Store & Outreach Runs

The St. Joseph’s Thrift Store supports students, families and surrounding communities through donated clothing, toiletries and essential items, which are first distributed directly to those in our programs. Surplus goods are then offered at a nominal cost in our Chamberlain thrift store, with all proceeds benefiting children in our care. The store also provides part-time employment for high school students, helping them build job skills, responsibility and financial awareness.

Through the Sharing Our Gifts outreach initiative, additional items are delivered to more than 30 communities across South Dakota’s reservations, including clothing, books, toys and household essentials. Seasonal deliveries provide critical winter items such as coats, hats and gloves to support families in need.