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We are Open!
We have made several changes, to create a safe museum experience driven by social distancing measures, access to safety and sanitization equipment, and routine facility cleaning. Learn more »
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Plan Your Visit
Located in the heart of St. Joseph’s Indian School in the town of Chamberlain, South Dakota, along the banks of the beautiful and majestic Missouri River the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center tells the unique stories of the history of the Northern Plains Indian Tribes as no other museum can. We invite you to connect personally with the culture and traditions of the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota people through our exhibits and programs. Learn more »
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Story Time with Uŋčí and Lalá
Story Time with Uŋčí & Lalá has gone virtual! Due to COVID-19 and new social distancing rules our museum Story Time is being offered as an online program every Tuesday at 10:30 AM CDT. The program is geared toward elementary age children but children young or old will enjoy stories read by elders of the Lakota and Dakota communities. Browse our bookshelf for all our favorite stories!
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Gift Shop
The Akta Lakota Museum offers a wide selction of unique, Indian made, items for purchase. All sales are used to fund programs for the Lakota children in our care at St. Joseph's Indian School. Shop our store »
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About Us
The Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center, an educational outreach of St. Joseph’s Indian School, is committed to promoting the knowledge and understanding of the Northern Plains Indian Culture past, present and future, through the preservation of historical artifacts and contemporary works of art. Read more »
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Medicine Wheel Garden
Our Medicine Wheel Garden is one of our newest exhibits at the Aktá Lakota Museum. Visitors may sit in quiet meditation among the native plants listening to the sound of the Mni Wicóni (Waters of Life) or stroll around the perimeter and enjoy the Lakota directional prayers displayed on interpretive panels resembling sacred buffalo hides. Learn more »
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Historical Center
St. Joseph's Indian School's Alumni & Historical Center was dedicated in May 2013.
Tokéya uŋkí nájiŋpi (We Stood Here in the Beginning) will preserve the memories of St. Joseph’s Indian School and share accomplishments of the students, religious staff and benefactors. Read more » -
Artist Biographies
Want to learn about the Native American artists? Read more »
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Annual Powwow
As an outreach program of St. Joseph's Indian School, the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center will be offering cultural activities with our 44th Annual American Indian Day & Powwow Celebration. Read more »
WE ARE HIRING A MUSEUM ASSOCIATE(s)!
The Seasonal Museum Associate will work unilaterally with fellow staff in assuming the general daily responsibilities of the Museum. This position will be 30-40 hours per week and requires working weekends and summer/fall holidays April through October. Dress code required. This is a nonexempt position.
Responsibilities:
- Responsible for greeting visitors, conducting tours, and providing the public with general knowledge about St. Joseph's Indian School and its outreach programs.
- Assists patrons with purchases, transacts sales in the Gift Shop and controlling of cash handling procedures.
- Expected to gain reasonable knowledge in the day-to-day duties of the museum operations.
Qualifications:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Outgoing personality necessary for public relations
- Basic computer skills preferred
- Must like working with the public
Call 605-234-3250 or email apply@stjo.org for an application.
Pardon Our Mess!
We are remodeling our Gallery! Our gallery is closed due to construction however, the museum is open and we will maintain regular business hours. Please be patient as we strive to be good stewards of our collections and ensure comfortable viewing environment for our students and visitors. We are looking forward to unveiling our new gallery later this spring.
Museum Staff wins Awards
Wanda Bunker and Kyndra Hosek were recently recognized by South Dakota Department of Tourism for their efforts in providing outstanding customer service. For their outstanding efforts, Kyndra and Wanda received a letter from the Governor and a Great Face certificate.
As a South Dakota Great Face, these individuals took significant actions to maintain a top level of customer service for South Dakota and the Museum. The award is given to individuals who have shown outstanding performance in hospitality and customer service beyond the expectations of their job description. To receive this award an employee must be nominated, and have received three or more positive comments from customers, a testimonial from their manager, and completed the Department of Tourism’s Hospitality Training program.
Kyndra Hosek serves as the Gift Shop Supervisor and has worked at the museum for three years. Wanda Bunker has been at St. Joseph’s Indian School for over 25 years and currently serves as the Museum and Historical Center Coordinator.