The hochokaaudio’s Podcast

Hóčhoka Season 9 Episode 14 – Aktá Lakota Museum opens “Real Tradish” Exhibit

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.

Hóčhoka Season 9 Episode 13 – Distinguished Alumna Returns to Campus

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.

Hóčhoka Season 9 Episode 12 – Alumni team is here to serve

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.

Hóčhoka Season 9 Episode 11 – 8th graders take the big step into High School

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.

Students visit culturally significant sites

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.

Hóčhoka Season 9 Episode 9 – MMIR Awareness at St. Joseph’s Indian School

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.

Hóčhoka Season 9 Episode 8 – Walking with Students as They Become Adults

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.

Hóčhoka Season 9 Episode 7 – Helping Students Grow Spiritually

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.

Hóčhoka Season 9 Episode 6 - The Joy of Reading: A Student and Librarian Conversation

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.

Hóčhoka Season 9 Episode 5 – Senior Privileges: The Real Stuff

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.