The hochokaaudio’s Podcast

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.