Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center

STORY TIME WITH Uŋčí & LALÁThe First Fire
2023-07-18 10:30 - 11:30 (America/North_Dakota/Center) | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Story Time is offered every Tuesday at 10:30 AM CST. The program is geared toward elementary-age children but children young and old will enjoy stories read by elders of the Lakota and Dakota communities.
Today our story is The First Fire: A Cherokee Story written by Brad Wagnon and illustrated by Alex Stephenson.
About the story: The First Fire, A Cherokee Story takes place in a time when animals could do many of the things that people do. The Creator gave the animals the world to live in, but they were without a source of heat at night. Great Thunder and his sons saw the plight of the animals, so he sent lightning down to strike a tree. The tree burst into flames but the tree was on an island. Many animals tried to bring the fire over the water to the shore, but they were all unsuccessful. Then one small creature, Water Spider, volunteered. Curious, the animals said to her “We know you could get there safely, but how would you bring the fire back without getting burned?” Water Spider was successful and to this day the water spider is revered in Cherokee culture.
A cultural activity will follow the reading. The event is free and open to everyone – come join the fun!
July Schedule

STORY TIME WITH Uŋčí & LALÁMuskrat and Skunk
2023-07-25 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Story Time is offered every Tuesday at 10:30 AM CST. The program is geared toward elementary-age children but children young and old will enjoy stories read by elders of the Lakota and Dakota communities.
Today our story is Muskrat and Skunk / Siŋkpé na Maká: A Lakota Drum Story. Told and illustrated by Donald F. Montiieaux; Lakota Translation by Agnes Gay.
About the story: THUMP! BOOM! BAM! Animals stop and listen. A new sound is in the forest. The beat vibrates through the trees and across the meadows. What is it? Where is it coming from?
Muskrat and Skunk thump on a hollow log—BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Birds begin to dance. Buffalo and Antelope join in. There is a rustle in the bushes; a large shape emerges. The animals scatter. Muskrat and Skunk drum on.
The story of the drum connects the instrument’s sound to the heartbeat of Mother Earth—a beat inside all of us. For the Lakota people, the drum is more than something to be played. Its rhythm is felt, and it is central to many ceremonies.
Donald F. Montileaux retells the origins of the drum, using traditional stories that Lakota people still tell today. His colorful images breathe life into Muskrat and Skunk, enhancing our understanding of the Lakota culture.
A cultural activity will follow the reading. The event is free and open to everyone – come join the fun!

Scott Woster Book Signing
2023-09-02 10:30 - 12:00 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Be among the first to get your signed copy of Brave Girl: A Story on the Wind at the Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center, on the campus of St. Joseph’s Indian School, on Saturday, September 2 from 10.30 am until noon. Everyone is invited to attend. The event is free and open to everyone!

47TH ANNUAL WAČÍPI - POWWOW
2023-09-14 - 2023-09-16 | St. Joseph’s Indian School, 1301 North Main Street, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Each year, St. Joseph’s hosts an annual weekend of Lakota culture on our Chamberlain, South Dakota campus. For Full Event Details and Updates Visit www.stjo.org/powwow
Thursday, September 14, 2023
8:00 am – 5:00 pm: Guest Registration is required only once upon arrival (Nagel Business Office)
5:00 pm: Meet and Greet (Rec Center)
Friday, September 15, 2023
8:00 am – 5:00 pm: Guest Registration for new arrivals (Nagel Business Office)
9:15 am – 11:30 am: Cultural Activities (Rec Center and Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center)
11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Food Truck (Wisdom Circle)
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Equine Therapy Open House
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: School and Health Center Open House
3:30 pm – 4:15 pm: Cultural Performance (Rec Center)
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm: Tiyóšpaye Banquet (Arrowwood Resort)
Saturday, September 16, 2023
8:30 am – Noon: Guest Registration for new arrivals (Nagel Business Office)
9:00 am – 11:00 am: Homes & Chapel Open House
11:30 am: Grass Flattening/Powwow Grounds Blessing
Noon: Grand Entry & Powwow
5:00 pm: Mass at Our Lady of the Sioux Chapel
5:30 pm: Complimentary Meal (Picnic Pavilion) Powwow prizes awarded after.

Wóyake: Language in Lakota Art
2023-11-13 00:00 - 2024-02-29 00:00 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Open November 13, 2023 – April 30, 2024
Wóyake: Language in Lakota Art exhibit shares paintings and works that express wóyake the act of storytelling through words.
Wóyake a Lakota verb signifies the act of storytelling, relating, speaking, or expressing through words. The artworks for this exhibit are gleaned from the Aktá Lakota Museum’s permanent Collections and emphasize the connection of visual imagery and written work in Lakota art.
Experience a merging of works by Lakota artists Arthur Amiotte, Roger Broer, Keith Braveheart, Angela Babby, Dyani White Hawk, Nathaniel Ruleaux and more.

Opening Reception
2023-11-16 16:00 - 18:00 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
The Aktá Lakota Museum cordially invites you to celebrate the opening of our newest exhibit, Wóyake: Language in Lakota Art curated by David A. Meyer II.
The exhibit shares paintings and works that express wóyake the act of storytelling through words.
Artworks for this exhibit are gleaned from the Aktá Lakota Museum’s permanent Collections and emphasize the connection of visual imagery and written work in Lakota art.
Experience a merging of works by Lakota artists Arthur Amiotte, Roger Broer, Keith Braveheart, Angela Babby, Dyani White Hawk, Nathaniel Ruleaux, and more.
4:00 PM Opening Remarks, David A. Meyer II, ALM Assistant Curator
5:00 PM Explore the exhibit; enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and beverages.
Make plans to attend. The event is free and open to everyone.

Poetry on the Road!
2023-11-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
The South Dakota State Poetry Society is taking poetry on the road, and it is stopping at the museum!
South Dakota’s State Poet Laureate, Bruce Roseland, along with other SDSPS member poets and special guests, will be visiting the Aktá Lakota Museum on November 16, 2023, from 6—8 p.m. They will give poetry readings and host an open mic where YOU can sign up to read your own original poems!
By bringing poetry to people around our state, Poetry on the Road helps SDSPS fulfill its mission to “foster the creation and appreciation of poetry that appeals to the senses, challenges the imagination, and stimulates creative and intellectual thought.”
All are welcome to attend this FREE event. Light refreshments are provided. Come and hear some great poetry, find out more about SDSPS, and meet some of the amazing poets right here in our state!
See the complete schedule.
SDSPS’s Poetry on the Road is brought to you by the South Dakota State Poetry Society, the South Dakota Humanities Council, and many local sponsors.

Holiday Open House!
2023-11-25 09:00 - 15:00 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Support Small Businesses by joining us on Saturday, November 25 for our annual Holiday Open House! Shoppers will enjoy a 30% storewide discount. We will be offering a craft project for the kiddos and refreshments. All visitors are encouraged to sign up for door prize drawings— no purchase is necessary!
Support our artists by shopping locally! This is a one-day-only event!

Wóyake: Language in Lakota Art
2024-04-01 08:00 - 2024-10-31 17:00 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
On Exhibit Now!
Curated by David A. Meyer II
Aktá Lakota Museum Assistant Curator
The “Wóyake: Language in Lakota Art” exhibit features a stunning collection of paintings and artworks that celebrate the act of storytelling through words.
From the Winter Count pictograph’s silent narrative to pieces that incorporate written words, the exhibit highlights the versatility of the Lakota language in various forms of expression, each with a distinct linguistic approach. “Wóyake,” the exhibit’s title, means storytelling through verbal expression in Lakota.
Curated by Meyer from the museum’s collection, it features works by renowned artists such as Arthur Amiotte, Roger Broer, Keith BraveHeart, Dyani White Hawk, Nathaniel Ruleaux, and Dakota Hoska. Meyer adds, “Wóyake is a powerful testament to the resilience of a people who are determined to ensure their language and heritage is celebrated for generations to come.”

STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁThe Cottonwood Sings
2024-06-04 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Join us for Story Time every Tuesday at 10:30 AM CDT. While the program is designed for elementary-age children, stories read by elders from the Lakota and Dakota communities will be captivating for children of all ages.
Today our story is The Cottonwood Sings. Written and illustrated by Alfreda Beartack-Algeo, Lakota.
Published by 7th Generation. (May 2023)
About the story: The Cottonwood Sings is the delightful story of the lovely Hunku (First Woman), who was immortal and never aged. The animals and plants loved her, but Hunku was lonely. Every day she would go to the riverbank and cry herself to sleep. Beaver, who lived in the river, fell in love with the beautiful Hunku and begged the Great Spirit to turn him into a man. The Great Spirit agreed, and Beaver became Takahe (First Man), but the Great Spirit told him that one day he would have to go back to being Beaver. Hunku and Takahe enjoyed their life together, and they had four beautiful daughters. The day finally came when Beaver had to return to the river. Hunku missed her companion and asked the Great Spirit to turn her into a tree so she could always be close to Beaver. The Great Spirit agreed to her request, and to this day you will find cottonwood trees living near bodies of water and beavers living near cottonwood trees.
A cultural activity will follow the reading. The event is free and open to everyone – join the fun!

STORY TIME WITH Uŋčí & LALÁTatanka and the Lakota People
2024-06-11 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Join us for Story Time every Tuesday at 10:30 AM CDT. While the program is designed for elementary-age children, stories read by elders from the Lakota and Dakota communities will be captivating for children of all ages.
Today our story is A Creation Story: Tatanka and the Lakota People. Illustrated by Donald F. Montileaux, Lakota. Published by the South Dakota State Historical Society; Bilingual edition. (May 2009)
About the story: Tatanka and the Lakota People is part of the Lakota creation legend and is based on centuries of storytelling. The story tells how the buffalo came to live with the Lakotas so that they would have life-sustaining food, shelter, and clothing.
Presented in Lakota as well as in English, the book describes the Lakota’s creation, the trickery that caused them to move from the Underworld, and their ultimate survival in this world. Its dynamic color illustrations by Lakota artist Donald F. Montileaux are full of familiar characters, including not only Tatanka the Holy Man but also the Great Spirits and Iktomi the Spider. Together, the words and pictures capture the imagination of children and the interest of adults.
A cultural activity will follow the reading. The event is free and open to everyone – join the fun!

STORY TIME WITH Uŋčí & LALÁFar From The Forest
2024-06-18 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Join us for Story Time every Tuesday at 10:30 AM CDT. While the program is designed for elementary-age children, stories read by elders from the Lakota and Dakota communities will be captivating for children of all ages. A cultural activity will follow the reading. The event is free and open to everyone – join the fun!
Today our story is Far From The Forest. Written by Tracy Hauff. Illustrated by Amé Myles. Published by Itasca Books. (April 2024)
About the story: Far from the Forest is about the adventures of Kimimila (Mimi), a monarch butterfly. Mimi has emerged from her hibernation deep in the forest of Michoacán, Mexico, where she is befriended by Juan, a tree frog, who helps her prepare for her journey to America.
She travels the migration path of her ancestors and is blown off course by a thunderstorm that separates her from the Monarch swarm. Upon crashing into a chokecherry tree, her wing becomes caught on a branch. Frightened and alone, she has no idea where she is or who will help her.
A Lakota tale soars! Oglala Lakota author Tracy Hauff weaves a story of Kimimila, a monarch butterfly, on her incredible journey from Mexico to the Pine Ridge Reservation. Breathtaking illustrations by Spirit Lake Dakota artist Ame Myles bring this colorful migration to life.
Author Tracy Hauff is an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe, Pine Ridge, South Dakota, and a contributor to museum exhibits created by the Center for American Indian Research and Native Studies (CAIRNS). She is the author of “Touch the Pen,” published in the Articles of a Treaty, “The Sunflower,” published in The Gift, and “These Men,” published in Navigating Narratives, The Corps of Discovery in Teton Territory.
Holding great respect for Uŋčí Makhá (Grandmother Earth), Tracy is passionate about saving the rainforests, indigenous homelands, and endangered species. She resides on treaty land in the sacred Black Hills.
Illustrator Amé Myles is an enrolled member of the Spirit Lake Dakota Tribe of North Dakota. She is a mixed-media artist who has been creating art in various forms since childhood. Self-taught, she works with a variety of materials including watercolors, ink, colored pencils, and natural fibers with a focus on portraiture and the human form. She currently resides on Dakota homelands in Saint Paul, MN.

Meet the Author, Tracy Hauff
2024-06-18 10:30 - 13:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Join us on Tuesday, June 18, at 10:30 am at the Aktá Lakota Museum for a reading by author Tracy Hauff. Tracy will read her newly released book, “Far From the Forest,” a captivating story featuring Mimi, a monarch butterfly.
This event offers a wonderful chance for kids to discover the magic of the monarch migration and understand the vital role of milkweed in their survival.
In “Far From the Forest,” Mimi embarks on a remarkable journey from the heart of the Mexican forest, encountering new friends and obstacles along the way. Be part of this event as Tracy unfolds Mimi’s adventure, igniting a passion for nature and storytelling in young minds.
Following the reading, there will be a cultural activity and a book signing session with the author.

STORY TIME WITH Uŋčí & LALÁHow the Oceans Came to Be
2024-06-25 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Join us for Story Time every Tuesday at 10:30 AM CDT. While the program is designed for elementary-age children, stories read by elders from the Lakota and Dakota communities will be captivating for children of all ages.
Today our story is How the Oceans Came to Be. Written by Arvis Boughman. Illustrated by Alfreda Beartrack-Algeo. Published by 7th Generation. (September 2022)
About the story: In this delightful Lumbee story, clever Rabbit outsmarts a selfish Great Snapping Turtle. When Rabbit discovers many animals cannot find water, he sets out to solve the mystery. What he finds is the Great Snapping Turtle blocking the water of the Mother Spring. When the stubborn turtle refuses to move, Rabbit figures out a way to let the water flow. As the water flowed to all creatures, it also created the oceans of Turtle Island.

Following the reading, there will be a cultural activity. The event is free and open to everyone – join the fun!

STORY TIME WITH Uŋčí & LALÁPrairie Dog Goes to School
2024-07-02 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Join us for Story Time every Tuesday at 10:30 AM CDT. While the program is designed for elementary-age children, stories read by elders from the Lakota and Dakota communities will be captivating for children of all ages.
Today our story is Pispíza waŋ Wayáwa Iyáye | Prairie Dog Goes to School, a bilingual story. Produced by The Lakota Language Consortium and Delores Take Alive. Illustrated by Franktišek Valer. Published by The Lakota Language Consortium. (June 2006)
About the story: Prairie Dog Goes to School is a fun bilingual picture book designed for early elementary and preschool children. It tells the story of a prairie dog on his way to school. Along the way, he meets different animals and they join him. Children learn basic verbs of travel, sentence structure, animals, and numbers.
Following the reading, there will be a cultural activity. The event is free and open to everyone – join the fun!

STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁThe Buffalo and the Boat
2024-07-09 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Join us for Story Time every Tuesday at 10:30 AM CDT. While the program is designed for elementary-age children, stories read by elders from the Lakota and Dakota communities will be captivating for children of all ages.
Today our story is Thathanka na Wata | The Buffalo and The Boat, a bilingual story by Kayo Bad Heart Bull, illustrated by Franktišek Valer. Published by The Lakota Language Consortium. (June 2006)
About the story: The Buffalo and the Boat is an attractive bilingual Lakota-English picture book designed for early elementary and preschool children. It tells the entertaining story of a buffalo in his bull boat traveling down the river and meeting friends. Each different animal joins buffalo and they continue down the river until the surprise ending. Children learn basic verbs, sentence structure, animals and numbers.
Following the reading, there will be a cultural activity. The event is free and open to everyone – join the fun!

STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁAnimals of Khéya Wíta
2024-07-16 10:30 - 23:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Join us for Story Time every Tuesday at 10:30 AM CDT. While the program is designed for elementary-age children, stories read by elders from the Lakota and Dakota communities will be captivating for children of all ages.
Today our story is Animals of Khéya Wíta (Turtle Island), a bilingual story written by Tara Perron, illustrated by Jacqueline Paske Gill and published by Blue Hummingbird Woman (January 2022).
About the story: The Animals of Khéya Wíta is a story exploring the traits of the Turtle Island sacred animal relatives through imagination and wonder. This Dakota version is meant to teach all peoples how to care for and respect all the amazing spirits of our beautiful homeland.
Following the reading, there will be a cultural activity. The event is free and open to everyone – join the fun!

STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁFather Eagle & The Hunter
2024-07-23 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Join us for Story Time every Tuesday at 10:30 AM CDT. While the program is designed for elementary-age children, stories read by elders from the Lakota and Dakota communities will be captivating for children of all ages.
Today our story is Father Eagle and The Hunter, written and illustrated by Alfreda Beartack-Algeo, Published by 7th Generation (May 2023).
About the story: The hunter was tired of only finding berries and seeds to feed his hungry village, so he decided to look far and wide for some meat to bring to them. When he spotted a tall tree, he climbed to the top and discovered a nest with three eaglets. “What a tasty soup the three little birds will make!” thought the hunter.
Hearing the warning cries of the eaglets, Father Eagle flew to their rescue. Father Eagle told the hunter that if he did not take the eaglets, he would ask the Great Spirit to help the village. The hunter decided to trust Father Eagle and watched him soar high into the sky. Father Eagle returned and told the hunter that the Great Spirit would help his people and would not let his village perish. From that day forward, the game was plentiful, the people flourished, and the Eagle was forever respected and honored.
A cultural activity will follow the reading. The event is free and open to everyone – join the fun!

MEET THE AUTHORALFREDA BEARTRACK-ALGEO
2024-07-23 11:00 - 13:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Join us on Tuesday, July 23 at 11:00 am at the Aktá Lakota Museum for a special gathering with Alfreda Beartrack-Algeo, a talented author, poet, and illustrator from the Lower Brule Lakota Nation, Kul Wicasa Oyate, Lower Brule, South Dakota.
Alfreda draws inspiration from her tiyóspaye, her circle of family and friends, as she uses various art forms to share her stories. She believes storytelling is a powerful and beautiful experience. In her creations, from the smallest rock to the mightiest mountain, there is a story waiting to be told. With each character and tale, she feels she contributes a piece of her spirit to the rich tapestry of life.
Alfreda Beartrack-Algeo has authored three children’s books: The Day the Earth Rose Up, The Cottonwood Sings, and Father Eagle and the Hunter, along with her young adult series “Legend of Big Heart,” which includes The Land Grab, The Roan Stallion, and The River Run.
Her work has garnered critical acclaim for its deep cultural resonance and vivid imagery, earning her a place among the most respected voices in contemporary Native American literature. Each of her books not only entertains but also educates readers about the traditions, values, and history of the Lakota people.
This event promises to be an enlightening experience for all ages, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the rich heritage and vibrant storytelling tradition of the Lakota Nation.
This event is free and open to everyone.

STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁJosie Dances
2024-07-30 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Join us for Story Time every Tuesday at 10:30 AM CDT. While the program is designed for elementary-age children, stories read by elders from the Lakota and Dakota communities will be captivating for children of all ages.
Today our story is Josie Dances, written by Denise Lajimodiere, illustrated by Angela Erdrich and published by the Minnesota Historical Society Press; (May 2021).
About the story: Josie dreams of dancing at next summer’s powwow. But first she needs many special things: a dress, a shawl, a cape, leggings, moccasins, and, perhaps most important of all, her spirit’s name. To gather all these essential pieces, she calls on her mom, her aunty, her kookum, and Grandma Greatwalker. They have the skills to prepare Josie for her powwow debut.
As the months go by, Josie practices her dance steps while Mom stitches, Aunty and Kookum bead, and Grandma Greatwalker dreams Josie’s spirit name. Josie is nervous about her performance in the arena and about all the pieces falling into place, but she knows her family is there to support her.
The powwow circle is a welcoming space, and dancers and spectators alike celebrate Josie’s first dance. When she receives her name, she knows it’s just right. Wrapped in the love of her community, Josie dances to honor her ancestors.
In this Ojibwe girl’s coming-of-age story, Denise Lajimodiere highlights her own daughter’s experience at powwow. Elegant artwork by Angela Erdrich features not only Josie and her family but also the animals and seasons and heartbeat of Aki, Mother Earth, and the traditions that link Josie to generations past and yet to come.
A cultural activity will follow the reading. The event is free and open to everyone – join the fun!

48th Annual Powwow
2024-09-20 - 2024-09-21 | St. Joseph’s Indian School, 1301 North Main Street, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
September 20 & 21, 2024
St. Joseph’s Indian School ● Chamberlain, SD
Register to Attend!

A traditional Lakota (Sioux) powwow held at St. Joseph’s Indian School allows Native American children to share their culture, heritage, and traditions with visitors nationwide. Since 1976, the school has organized an annual Lakota cultural weekend on its Chamberlain, South Dakota campus. Guests are invited to join various powwow activities:

Registration opens on Thursday
Take part in cultural activities on Friday
Attend a thiyóšpaye (extended family) banquet on Friday night
Explore St. Joseph’s campus, school, and children’s homes through guided tours
Attend an all-day powwow dance competition for Lakota children of all ages
Tour the Equine Therapy Center and meet the horses
Indulge in traditional Lakota (Sioux) meals
Plus, many more exciting activities await!
Register to Attend!

Holiday Open House!
2024-11-30 09:00 - 15:00 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Support Small Businesses by joining us on Saturday, November 30 for our annual Holiday Open House! Shoppers will enjoy a 30% storewide discount. We will be offering a craft project for the kiddos and refreshments. All visitors are encouraged to sign up for door prize drawings— no purchase is necessary!
Support our artists by shopping locally! This is a one-day-only event!

Wóuŋspe – EducationCreative Collaborations
2024-12-02 08:00 - 2025-07-01 18:00 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Wóuŋspe – Education | Creative Collaborations honors the deep connection between Native American students and their mentors, seen through an artistic perspective.
This exhibition highlights the creative works of students from St. Joseph’s Indian School, developed through collaborative projects with visiting artists and the South Dakota Artists in Schools and Communities program. Each artwork embodies the powerful blend of cultural expression, artistic mentorship, and collective creativity. These collaborations allowed students to delve into various mediums and themes, enriching their connections to their artistic identities and heritage. The exhibition underscores the importance of sharing cultural traditions, artistic methods, and storytelling practices. Attendees will encounter a vibrant mix of voices and styles, showcasing the fresh insights of youth alongside the wisdom of experience. The exhibit also features artwork from Oglala Lakota Artists in Residence Micheal Two Bulls and Randall Blaze. Learn More!
Artist Reception – May 1, 2025 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM

St. Joseph’s Student Art Exhibit
2025-03-03 - 2025-03-31 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
In honor of National Youth Art Month in March, St. Joseph’s Indian School students are being recognized through a Student Art Show and Sale hosted by the Aktá Lakota Museum.
The exhibition aims to highlight the importance of art education for all children and advocate for the support of quality school and community art programs. It provides St. Joseph’s students with the opportunity to exhibit their artwork in a gallery setting.
Participation in the Youth Art Show and Sale provides students with a chance to showcase their creativity and talent to a wider audience. During the exhibition, visitors have the opportunity to purchase artwork directly from the student artists, with 100% of the proceeds going to the student.
The exhibition is currently open in Historical Center Gallery and will continue until April 1st.

Poetry on the Road!
2025-04-01 17:00 - 19:00 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Poetry is hitting the road in South Dakota, courtesy of the state Poetry Society. With events all over the state, it’s an opportunity to find inspiration, or lift your own voice.
South Dakota’s State Poet Laureate, Bruce Roseland, along with other SDSPS member poets and special guests, will be visiting the Aktá Lakota Museum on April 1, 2025, from 5—7 p.m. They will give poetry readings and host an open mic where YOU can sign up to read your own original poems!
By bringing poetry to people around our state, Poetry on the Road helps SDSPS fulfill its mission to “foster the creation and appreciation of poetry that appeals to the senses, challenges the imagination, and stimulates creative and intellectual thought.”
Find a Poetry on the Road Event near you here!
SDSPS’s Poetry on the Road is brought to you by the South Dakota State Poetry Society, the South Dakota Humanities Council, and many local sponsors.

You're Invited!
2025-05-01 17:00 - 19:00 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
The Aktá Lakota Museum warmly invites you to join us in celebrating the artists featured in our newest exhibit:
Wóuŋspe – Education | Creative Collaborations, curated by David A. Meyer II.
This unique exhibit honors the deep connection between Native American students and their mentors, explored through an artistic perspective.
The showcased works are the result of collaborations between students from St. Joseph’s Indian School, visiting artists, and the South Dakota Artists in Schools and Communities program.
Visitors will experience a vibrant blend of voices and artistic styles—where the fresh creativity of youth meets the insight and guidance of seasoned Lakota and non-Lakota artists.
Event Schedule
🕔 5:00 PM – Opening Remarks by David A. Meyer II, Assistant Curator
🕕 6:00 PM – Artist Talks | Exhibit Exploration | Light hors d’oeuvres and beverages
This event is free and open to the public—make plans to attend and be inspired by the next generation of Native artists.

STORY TIME WITH Uŋčí & LALÁ
2025-06-03 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
📚 Story Time with Uŋčí & Lalá🗓 June 3 | 10:30 AM CDT
Join us for Story Time at 10:30 AM CDT! While designed for elementary-age children, stories read by elders from the Lakota and Dakota communities captivate kids of all ages. Take part in a hands-on cultural activity following the reading!
✨ Featured Reading:Fry Bread: A Native American Family StoryWritten by Kevin Noble MaillardIllustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
🏅 2020 Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal Winner🏅 2020 American Indian Youth Literature Honor Winner
Told in vibrant, lyrical verse, Fry Bread celebrates the warmth, resilience, and rich culture of a modern Native American family. A heartfelt story perfect for all ages!
Come connect with tradition, culture, and community through the magic of storytelling. We can’t wait to see you there!
Story Time with Uŋčí and Lalá

STORY TIME WITH Uŋčí & LALÁ
2025-06-10 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
📖 STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁ🗓️ June 10, 2025 |10:30 AM📍 Museum Bookstore🎟️ Free Admission
Perfect for all ages—especially elementary kids! No registration needed, just come ready for a fun and educational experience.
Join us as we share How The Birds Got Their Songs, a beautiful traditional story by Travis Zimmerman, adapted by Marcus Ammesmaki and published by the Minnesota Historical Society. Illustrated by Sam Zimmerman, this tale tells how the Great Spirit challenged all the birds to a contest, giving birth to the gift of birdsong!
Told in both English and Ojibwe, discover how each bird earns its unique song—and how a tiny hermit thrush surprises everyone by hitching a ride on Eagle’s feathers.
Passed down through the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, this story celebrates nature, language, and the magic of birdsong.
Don’t miss it—see you there!
Story Time with Uŋčí and Lalá

Story Time with Uŋčí & Lalá
2025-06-17 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
📖 STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁ🗓️ June 17 | 🕥 10:30 AM | 📍 Museum Bookstore | 🎟️ Free Admission
Join us for a special reading of The Land of the Great Turtles by Brad Wagnon, illustrated by Alex Stephenson!
🌿 In this Cherokee origin story, the Creator gifts the people a beautiful island — with one important rule: care for the land and its creatures. But when the children choose play over responsibility, the balance begins to shift…
✨ Told in both Cherokee and English, this story gently introduces Cherokee values and language, including the Cherokee syllabary.
All ages welcome — especially young learners! Come for the story, stay for the culture and connection.
Story Time with Uŋčí and Lalá

Story Time with Uŋčí & Lalá
2025-06-24 10:30 - 23:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
📖 Story Time with Uŋčí and Lalá🗓️ June 24 | 10:30 AM📍 Museum Bookstore – Aktá Lakota Museum
Join us for a special reading of Wačhí Awášteyalaka he? (Do You Like to Dance?), a joyful children’s book from the Lakota Language Consortium. Beautifully illustrated by Oglala Lakota artist Marty Two Bulls, this story invites children to explore the Lakota language through the joyful rhythm of dance.
🎨 After the reading, stick around for a fun cultural activity that the whole family will enjoy!
This vibrant 18-page picture book introduces young learners to Lakota adverbs and basic question-and-answer structures, encouraging self-expression through movement and tradition. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate and learn the Lakota language.
✨ Free and open to all – no registration required!
