Hóčhoka Podcast
The Lakota word Hóčhoka means the center of the camp circle. The name speaks to the actual location of the recording studio, the centrality of the mission of St. Joseph’s Indian School to all that we do, the role of the podcast to be at the center of the Native American educational conversation and gather others around that conversation.
The Lakota word Hóčhoka means the center of the camp circle. The name speaks to the actual location of the recording studio, the centrality of the mission of St. Joseph’s Indian School to all that we do, the role of the podcast to be at the center of the Native American educational conversation and gather others around that conversation.
Episodes

Monday Jun 08, 2026
Hóčhoka Season 9 Episode 12 – Alumni team is here to serve
Monday Jun 08, 2026
Monday Jun 08, 2026
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.

Monday May 25, 2026
Hóčhoka Season 9 Episode 11 – 8th graders take the big step into High School
Monday May 25, 2026
Monday May 25, 2026
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.

Monday May 11, 2026
Students visit culturally significant sites
Monday May 11, 2026
Monday May 11, 2026
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.

Monday Apr 27, 2026
Hóčhoka Season 9 Episode 9 – MMIR Awareness at St. Joseph’s Indian School
Monday Apr 27, 2026
Monday Apr 27, 2026
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.

Monday Apr 13, 2026
Hóčhoka Season 9 Episode 8 – Walking with Students as They Become Adults
Monday Apr 13, 2026
Monday Apr 13, 2026
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.

Monday Mar 30, 2026
Hóčhoka Season 9 Episode 7 – Helping Students Grow Spiritually
Monday Mar 30, 2026
Monday Mar 30, 2026
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.

Monday Mar 16, 2026
Monday Mar 16, 2026
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.

Monday Mar 02, 2026
Hóčhoka Season 9 Episode 5 – Senior Privileges: The Real Stuff
Monday Mar 02, 2026
Monday Mar 02, 2026
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.

St. Joseph’s Indian School's video podcast series showcases the people and ideas that make our school the special place it is.
Watch, listen and learn more about what the school has to offer. Listen to the wisdom of thought-leaders on Native American education today. Laugh, hope, warm your heart and sharpen your mind at the center of the school’s camp circle.


