Hóčhoka Podcast

From St. Joseph’s Indian School student to a successful young professional, Alyssa Box continues to make her mark in the community. Alyssa is currently pursuing a degree in Office Administration while serving as the Chamberlain Area Chamber of Commerce Office Manager. With her bright personality, strong work ethic and commitment to her community, Alyssa is a wonderful example of what is possible a...

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 cult...

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 he...

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.

Schools out for the summer – well, kind of. Hear from two young ladies who are crossing from 8th grade into St. Joseph’s Indian School’s high school program. Margaret and Crystal share how their years at St. Joseph’s have prepared them for the next big step.

Each year, seventh graders at St. Joseph’s Indian School take a trip to visit sites significant to the Native American Culture. This trip has become a cornerstone of the Native American Studies Program. The sites the student learns about become real when they walk in the steps of their ancestors.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Day is May 5. For several years, a student-initiated recognition project has honored those who are missing. Amanda Hermeling joins Scott Woster to talk about this year’s event and tips for staying safe.

Moving from tween to teen years and into adulthood can be challenging. St. Joseph’s Indian School has a transition specialist who walks with students to help them along the way. Meet Julie Garcia and hear how she assists students.

St. Joseph’s Indian School is a Catholic school that helps students find and grow their faith. Joe Tyrell, Director of Mission Integration, works with students to develop their spiritual lives by balancing their Native American spirituality with the Catholic faith.

Reading is important, and St. Joseph’s Indian School takes it seriously. The library has been recognized by the State of South Dakota for excellence, and more importantly, our students are developing a lifelong love for reading. Hear from Brooklynn, a freshman, and Claire Nehring, the school librarian, about their joy for reading.

St. Joseph’s Indian School’s Residential Transition Coordinator Frank Whipple discusses the high school seniors' experience meeting certain requirements. But when we talk about the extra benefits of being a senior in St. Joseph’s Indian School’s High School Program, we are talking about so much more.

As Lent begins, we talk with Dr. Damian Costello about the Stations of the Cross and how this devotion compares to the Sun Dance.

Marlena is a seventh-grade student who plays four sports at St. Joseph’s Indian School. Learn about her experience as a student, as an athlete, and her appreciation of the recently renovated recreation center.

St. Joseph’s Indian School educates for life – mind, body, heart and spirit with wrap around care for all aspects of life for the students and families. Today we talk with Sharmel Olson the director of education about the school to better understand her role and the school.

To kick off Season 9 of Hóčhoka, meet eighth grader Tristan and senior Jamison as they share what it is like for them to attend St. Joseph’s Indian School.

St. Joseph's Indian School's Hochoka Podcast is kicking off the ninth season with a few updates. Scott Woster and Daryl Thuringer share what to expect with Season 9 in 2026.

Black Elk prayed, “Morning Star, there at the place where the sun comes up, you who have the wisdom which we seek, help us in cleansing ourselves and all the people, that our generations to come will have light as they walk the sacred path.” In the Book of Revelation, Jesus says, I am "the bright morning star." How might knowing more about the morning star enrich our faith? Let’s talk.

“Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God,” wrote Jesuit Theologian Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. And, Advent joy surprises us and invites us to wonder, says Hóčhoka guest Dr. Chris Hokklotubbe. Let’s talk about it.