Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center

MEET THE AUTHORALFREDA BEARTRACK-ALGEO
2024-07-23 11:00 - 13:30 (America/North_Dakota/Center) | 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!

Story Time with Uŋčí & Lalá
2025-07-01 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
📖 Story Time with Uŋčí and Lalá🗓️ July 1 | 10:30 AM📍 Museum Bookstore – Aktá Lakota Museum
Join us for a special reading of Please Don’t Step on Me written by Elly-Kree George, beautifully illustrated by Jesse Hummingbird.
This delightful story teaches children that many bugs are helpful insects! Through the charming voice of Willie the Worm, young readers are introduced to insect friends who inspire curiosity, care, and a newfound appreciation for the little creatures around us. The book also includes thoughtful questions and fun activities to help parents and teachers dive even deeper into learning.
🎨 Stick around after the reading for a hands-on cultural activity the whole family will enjoy!
✨ Free and open to all – no registration required!

Voices of Resilience Exhibition
2025-07-02 08:00 - 16:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Voices of Resilience: Contemporary Native American Women Artists invites viewers to engage with the strength and creativity of Native American women. The exhibition fosters a deeper understanding of their roles as innovators and leaders within the art community and their cultures, celebrating the rich tapestry of their experience and the resilience that defines their art. Pieces for this exhibit are pulled from the Aktá Lakota Museum’s permanent collection and includes work by Athena LaTocha, Renelle White Buffalo, Angela Babby, Dyani White Hawk, Jennifer White-Sahl, Joanne Bird, and Mikayla Patton.

Itówapi on Paper
2025-07-02 08:00 - 18:00 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Historically, paper has served as a canvas for preserving culture, documenting history, and spiritual beliefs. Contemporary artists continue to explore this medium, using it to challenge stereotypes and convey messages about identity, resilience and cultural continuity.
Itówapi on Paper exhibition presents a rich collection of American Indian artworks on paper, showcasing both historic and contemporary pieces that highlight the evolution of artistic expression within Indigenous communities. The artworks, ranging from traditional storytelling to modern interpretations and social commentary, underscore the deep significance of paper as a medium.
Visitors will engage in the layered narratives presented in each piece, appreciating how paper transcends its physical form to become vital link between past and present, tradition and innovation. This exhibition invites viewers to reflect on the power of paper as a medium for communication, connection and cultural storytelling.
Itówapi translates to picture, portrait, drawing, painting, or photograph in the Lakota language.

Story Time with Uŋčí & Lalá
2025-07-08 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
📖 Story Time with Uŋčí & Lalá
🗓️ Monday, July 8 | 10:30 AM
📍 Museum Bookstore – Aktá Lakota Museum
Join us for a special reading of Grandma’s Tipi: A Present-Day Lakota Story by award-winning author and artist S. D. Nelson.
This heartwarming picture book follows young Clara as she spends her first summer away from home on the Standing Rock Reservation with her Uŋčí and cousin. When her Uncle Louie arrives with a family tipi passed down through generations, Clara begins a journey of discovery, tradition, and connection. From painting spirit symbols to sleeping under the stars, the tipi becomes a powerful symbol of family and Lakota heritage.
🌟 Winner of the Western Writers of America Spur Award for Children’s Picture Book
🎨 Stay after the reading for a hands-on cultural activity the whole family will enjoy!

Story Time with Uŋčí & Lalá
2025-07-15 10:30 - 23:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
📖 Storytime with Uŋčí & Lalá
🗓️ Tuesday, July 15 | 10:30 AM
📍 Museum Bookstore – Aktá Lakota Museum
Join us for a special reading of Too Much — My Great Big Native Family by Laurel Goodluck, illustrated by Bridget George.
Follow young Russell as he learns that while his big, lively Native family may sometimes feel like “too much,” they’re exactly what he needs when it matters most. This heartwarming and humorous story celebrates the beauty of family, culture, and love.
🎨 After the reading, enjoy a free hands-on cultural activity — fun for the whole family!
✨ Free and open to all – no registration required!

Story Time with Uŋčí & Lalá
2025-07-22 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
📖 Storytime with Uŋčí & Lalá
🗓️ Tuesday, July 22 | 10:30 AM
📍 Museum Bookstore – Aktá Lakota Museum
Join us for a monolingual reading of Šuŋgíla waŋ Náǧi Waŋgláke kiŋ | The Fox Who Saw His Own Shadow, created by the Lakota Language Consortium and illustrated by Thomas Hilley.
When Little Red goes rabbit hunting, he’s surprised to meet another fox just like him. This playful story teaches lessons about day and night—and the importance of understanding ourselves.
🎨 Stick around afterward for a free hands-on cultural activity—fun for the whole family!
✨ Free and open to all – no registration required!

Voices of the Plains
2025-07-24 - 2026-04-30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
This exhibit features artwork from the Aktá Lakota Museum’s permanent collection, highlighting the creativity and resilience of artists connected to the Plains. Through a diverse range of styles, media, and generations, Voices of the Plains celebrates the depth and vibrancy of Native expression. The exhibition also reflects the museum’s ongoing commitment to honoring Indigenous voices and expanding its evolving collection.
Curated by David A. Meyer II
Featured artwork: Pride of the Prairie (c) 2017 by Alfreda Beartrack-Algeo, Lakota

Story Time with Uŋčí & Lalá
2025-07-29 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
📖 Storytime with Uŋčí & Lalá
🗓️ Tuesday, July 29 | 10:30 AM
📍 Museum Bookstore – Aktá Lakota Museum
Join us for a monolingual reading of Wakíŋyaŋ Aglí – The Thunderbeings by the Lakota Language Consortium, illustrated by Marty Two Bulls.
Stormy nights can feel scary with howling winds and flashing lightning — but this beautifully told story reminds us that we’re never truly alone. A comforting tale rooted in Lakota tradition.
🎨 Stay after for a free hands-on cultural activity — perfect for families and little learners!
✨ Free and open to all – no registration required!

Holiday Open House – Shop Local!
2025-11-29 09:00 - 15:00 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
🎄Holiday Open House – Shop Local! 🎄
Join us on Saturday, November 29, for the Aktá Lakota Museum’s Annual Holiday Open House!Celebrate Small Business Saturday by supporting local and regional Native artists while enjoying a fun, festive shopping experience.
✨ Event Highlights:🛍️ 30% storewide discount – one day only!🎨 Free Gift Bags!☕ Refreshments🎁 Door prize drawings – no purchase necessary!
Shop local. Support Native artists. Celebrate the season with us!

"Americans"
2026-11-07 08:00 - 2027-01-07 16:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
The South Dakota Humanities Council is bringing Americans, a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition to the Aktá Lakota Museum for an exclusive tour in 2026!
Based on a major exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC, Americans explores how deeply intertwined American Indians are in the culture of the United States.
American Indians are less than 1% of the population, yet images of Indians are everywhere. American Indian images, names, and stories infuse American history and contemporary life. Pervasive, powerful, at times demeaning, the images, names, and stories reveal how Indians have been embedded in unexpected ways in the history, pop culture, and identity of the United States.
Americans surrounds visitors with images and objects from popular culture and delves into these historical events. The exhibition invites visitors to explore this complicated history and to share local stories about Native American history, culture and identity.
South Dakota Host and Partner Sites.
September 12 – October 31, 2026 – SDSU Briggs Library, Brookings
November 7, 2026 – January 9, 2027 – Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph’s Indian School, Chamberlain
January 16 – March 6, 2027 – The Heritage Center, Red Cloud Indian School, Pine Ridge
March 13 – May 1, 2027 – AH Brown Library, Scherr Howe Event Center, Mobridge
May 8 – June 26, 2027 – W.H. Over Museum, USD, Vermillion
