Hóčhoka Podcast

Native American Day is every day at St. Joseph’s Indian School, but the official observance gives us an opportunity to celebrate in special ways. In this episode, Sharla Krogman, Associate Native American Studies Teacher, highlights the activities taking place throughout Native American Day week and shares how she helps first through fourth-grade students explore and connect with their Native culture through meaningful lessons and experiences.

In this episode of Hóčhoka, Joe Tyrell, Director of Mission Integration, discusses how St. Joseph’s Indian School creates a safe place for truth and healing for students and families experiencing the intergenerational effects of boarding schools. He also shares how the school honors Orange Shirt Day and provides staff with opportunities to grow in understanding and support the work of truth and healing.

St. Joseph’s Indian School started a student powwow back in 1976. Each year, the Powwow celebrates Native culture through dance, drums, food, and crafts. This year marks 50 years of Powwow, join LaRayne Woster, Native American Studies Teacher and co-coordinator of the powwow, as she explains the significance of the event and what to expect

The child services team at St. Joseph’s Indian School includes the school, counseling, residential, and health care services. Together, all of these services form the circle of care that wraps around students to meet their needs. Meet Robyn Knecht, the executive director of Child Services.

St. Joseph’s Indian School educates students from first through eighth grade. Providing that education are teachers. Meet Craig Barcal, who is starting his 25th year teaching at St. Joseph’s. He is excited about the start of a new year.

Feeding teenagers is always a challenge, but feeding 200 on-campus students is, too. Amy Thomas, the Cafeteria Manager at St. Joseph’s Indian School, talks about feeding students, and there is more than just a cafeteria involved. St. Joseph’s has its own grocery store for houseparents to get supplies for the student homes.

Having 12 boys at home and caring for them sounds chaotic, but Stephen and Robbie Chapman love it and love the kids. St. Joseph’s Indian School students live on campus in homes with houseparents.  Listen to the story of how houseparents care for students, help them grow, learn and thrive.

Casey Walsh, curator at the Aktá Lakota Museum, describes the new exhibition as featuring artworks that blend modern and traditional elements. She brings her love for history and her appreciation for Native art to her first curated exhibit. Join the conversation and meet Casey.

LaToya Crazy Bull graduated from high school in 2006. Since then, she has been working hard on her education and improving her community. She was recently honored as the 2026 Distinguished Alumna. On this episode of Hóčhoka, she shares how her experiences and education at St. Joseph’s Indian School shaped who she is today.

The alumni team from St. Joseph’s Indian School hits the road every summer with the bookmobile, taking books to people across South Dakota. Andy Lepkowski has worked at the school for 50 years and is delighted to meet alumni, share their stories, and offer assistance if needed. Listen in on his story.