St. Joseph’s Indian School

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by Karen DeMers Dowdall

 

 

For a couple of years now, I feel as though I have adopted many children just by sending them cards, letters, and sometimes gifts. I love them. It is the most wonderful thing in the world to do. I hope that anyone interested would consider these beautiful Lokota Indian children by sending them a card, a letter and/or a small donation or gift. Anything at all would make a difference in their lives. They have already lost so much that is breaks my heart and so giving just a little love, joy, and care helps them so much.

Native American (Lakota) Culture

Culture is defined as the established beliefs, social norms, customs and traditions of a group of people. The same is true for Native American culture. Factors like geography, history and generations of spirituality, stories and traditions also shape the culture of any given tribe or people. Native Americans are no exception.

Here at St. Joseph’s Indian School, we have had the privilege of working with Native American families and communities since 1927. In 1991, the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center was established on our campus to honor and preserve the historical artifacts and contemporary art that tell the story of the Lakota (Sioux) people of the Northern Plains.

Native American culture is sometimes thought of as a thing of the past. However, contemporary powwows, art and language revitalization efforts make a real difference in their lives as their traditional identity.

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Karen DeMers Dowdall

Karen DeMers Dowdall was born in West Hartford, Connecticut. She has lived in Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, and England. Karen has a PhD, MSN, BSN, RN in Nursing from Florida Atlantic University. “Books of every genre teach us about life, how we think, and view the world." She has written poems and little short stories since she was a child. Karen loves art, she enjoys drawing, painting in oils, pastels, colored pencils, and doing portraiture. She has also taken ballet, Jazz, and modern dance since she was three years old and owned her own dance studio.

39 thoughts on “St. Joseph’s Indian School”

    1. Roberta, thank you so much and I can imagine you do! I have been helping children feel cared for since I was 16 years old. I have always done this. I worked in a Chinese Children’s burn ward as a volunteer, in a leprosy colony at 22 years old that was run by French nuns. Also, at an orphanage too. At St. Jude Hospital for critically ill children as a RN volunteer. Caring for children has also been important to me. I was available and knew I just had to help. thank you, Roberta. Karen 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  5. We contribute to this, too. Problem is, we’re up to our eyeballs in dreamcatchers. We’ve handed out several to the neighborhood children, and I have one twirling near my writing desk.

    Still a good cause!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Mike, how wonderful that you are contributing to the Lakota children. So, my Dreamcatchers I use for Christmas tree decorations! I am considering having two Christmas trees next year! Karen 🙂

      Like

  9. This prompted me to google the Lakota Indians and also listen to a very interesting historical link on YouTube going back to the arrival of the Europeans. I learned that prior to the White man settling North America the Indians called it Turtle Island.what you are doing is wonderful Karen I think I will pick up the gauntlet and follow suit. Hugs!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Debbie (I hope I remembered your name correctly If not, please let me know.) I am so glad that you feel as I do, because it is a joy to do. And, yes, the Lakota Indians have a fascinating history, and it is sad to see what has happened to them, but they have survived as a culture in many ways. Thank you so much! Karen 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    1. No, they don’t regard themselves that way at all. That was for White Europeans, in their ignorance. They did not look at color the way Europeans do. They believed that all were created under one Great Chief and their believe in an afterlife was not based on sin. They did not judge so harshly humanity. Karen 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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