Hóčhoka Podcast

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.

Here at the outset of Advent 2025, one Indigenous theologian invites, “Instead of rushing toward the baby Jesus … hang back with the prophet Isaiah.” There are lessons in hope to be found here. Let’s learn.

Not so long ago, the concept of synergy was “all the buzz.” Today it is worth revisiting in a conversation with two organizations that can identify how together they bring about a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate endeavors. Let’s join the conversation.

For Black Elk and the Lakota people, the tipi was a sacred dwelling place that conveyed deep truth. We don't often make a connection to the Bible, where for much of the Old Testament God lived in a tent, and the New Testament literally says Jesus "pitched his tent among us." Tent, tipi, tabernacle: what do these places say about where God dwells? We’re about to find out.

Fine arts, drama, music, movement, and creative writing – these programs are often the first place we look to trim the educational budget. Let’s spend some time today with two artists who can convince us that when this happens, everything else suffers. Listen up.

Is it reading, and writing, and ‘rithmatic? What about STEM? What’s your recipe for educational success? Today, we’re talking to two guys who have a dog in the fight, and they’ve got something to say about Art.

The late contemporary Irish poet John O’Donohue wrote in an unfinished poem, “I would love to live like a river flows, carried by the surprise of its own unfolding.” Our guest today embodies this open delight at life. Let’s meet this 2025 graduate of St. Joseph’s Indian School.

Many are familiar with the declaration in Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against?” This bold and rhetorical question is subject to many considerations, but for oppressed peoples seeking to interpret Christian scripture, it can be problematic. Let’s unpack the issue.

What if we were to turn the clock back some 60 years and visit this soon-to-be-100-year-old school? Who might we encounter, and what might that person tell us? Here to accompany us as we travel back through time and up to the present day, none other than the 2025 Distinguished Alum, Gerald High Elk. Let’s go!