St. Joseph’s Indian School Launches Hóčhoka Podcast Season 7

Have you ever wondered what a Native American woman from South Dakota born in the latter half of the 19^th century might be able to accomplish in the incredible upheaval of the times? Well, the United States Mint found her remarkable enough to mint on one of only 25 United States American Women Quarters^tm. So, while it’s cold outside, take the time to get to know Zitkala-Šá. Hint: Women, you owe your right to vote in no small part to her.

Learn about her and so much more as St. Joseph’s Indian School rolls out Season 7 of its much-listened to Hóčhoka Podcast. The new season launches on Monday, January 20, with a summary teaser out January 13. The endeavor aims to showcase the people and ideas that make the school a leader in Native American education and to discuss issues central to Native American education today. The season runs with weekly releases through May 17, wrapping up with an exciting episode with St. Joseph’s alum Hope McCloskey of Keloland. Hóčhoka is available on Podbean, Apple, iTunes and Spotify in audio and vlog formats.

Christianity through an Indigenous Lens

The season begins with a new guest Dr. Chris Hoklotubbe, who joins four of the season’s podcasts. A Choctaw Christian theologian, with host Scott Woster he explores Christian perspectives through an Indigenous lens. Later in the season, his friend, colleague and frequent Hóčhoka guest Dr. Damian Costello joins for three episodes to talk about Black Elk, the Ghost Dance and more.

Local listeners and many from around the world will delight in two visits with Fr. Steve Huffstetter who spent more than two decades of his ministry with Native American communities in South Dakota and led the work of St. Joseph’s Indian School for several years.

Gabe dannenbring on youth

Tik-Tokers and parents of young teens won’t want to miss our sit-down with Gabe Dannenbring when he helps us better appreciate the complicated world of the middle-school student.

braiding sweetgrass discussed

Finally, the season is greatly enriched by conversations with best-selling Indigenous Canadian author Monique Gray Smith whose writings span age groups and whose adaptation of Robin Wall Kimmerer’s New York Times Bestseller “Braiding Sweetgrass” has made this truly sacred text of Indigenous wisdom accessible to many.

The Lakota word Hóčhoka (emphasis on the first syllable) means the center of the camp circle. The name speaks to the actual location of the recording studio at the heart of campus, the centrality of the mission of St. Joseph’s Indian School to all that it does, and the role of the podcast to be at the center of the Native American educational conversation and gather others around that conversation.

Why tune in to a podcast from St. Joseph’s Indian School? Learn more about what the school has to offer. Listen to the wisdom of thought-leaders on Native American education today. Laugh, hope, warm your heart and sharpen your mind at the center of the school’s camp circle.