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December 2021
January Tobacco, class of 2013, has been Red Cloud's Director of Graduate and Alumni Success for the past few years. She has done an amazing job expanding this program. Check out the Q&A with January to see what Graduate and Alumni Success is all about! Read the Interview
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December 2021
Red Cloud had it's annual Buffalo Harvest on November 23, 2021. Check out some of the photos of the harvest, social dances, and thipi raising! Check It Out
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October 2021
This summer, Red Cloud senior Jordan jumped at the chance to serve as one of our Food Sovereignty interns. With plans for a career in environmental science, Jordan wanted to learn not only how to grow fresh fruits and vegetables, but also how increasing sustainability can support community wellness and help fight climate change. Read the Interview
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October 2021
We were thrilled that our local Black Hills FOX News station interviewed Jason Drapeaux Jr., Red Cloud's K-4 Lakȟóta culture teacher, for a story on the importance of teaching Indigenous history to young people! As Jason said, “Being able to teach the truth of the American history and of the history of this land, and the history of all people’s here, we are able to...embrace each other." Read the Story
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September 2021
From fresh zucchini and sweet corn to homegrown meats and even spicy salsa, the Red Cloud Farmer’s Market has something for everyone. But it’s about more than just healthy food. The market is helping to bring community members together around healthy, nourishing food—and supporting a new movement for food sovereignty. Read More
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September 2021
"Orange shirt day is a day of remembrance of the histories, legacies, and impact of Residential and Mission School systems. Our ancestors faced a lot in their time but they remained resilient and they prevailed. They held their heads high even when instructed not to. They weren’t allowed to express themselves or to rejoice in who they were. We, as young people, now have those privileges. In honor of that we invite people to join us in commemorating Orange Shirt Day. We ask those who are available to and are willing, to wear orange and participate in activities of remembrance...We hope that throughout the commemoration of this day and week, we can inspire others to remember those we lost, and to move towards a future that brings hope for Indigenous peoples." Watch the Video
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August 2021
Lakȟota food sovereignty is a vital movement to revitalize cultural ways, to care for the earth, and to build a healthy community. And we are exceptionally proud that two of our own students served as advocates for food sovereignty at the recent Native Youth Leadership Summit! Learn More
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August 2021
Exciting times lie ahead as students return to campus once again, following safety guidelines amid the continuing pandemic. Take a look at some footage from our first days back! Watch the Video
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July 2021
The pandemic heightened the already urgent need to revitalize the Lakȟóta language for future generations. This summer our team organized a Lakȟóta language camp that weaved language and cultural education together through traditional crafts and activities. We spoke with Tama, a Red Cloud language teacher and our camp’s cultural director, to learn more about the experience. Read More
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July 2021
For over six years, The Heritage Center’s Museum Educator Audrey Jacobs helped to create powerful arts-based experiences for students here at RedCloud, across the reservation, and well beyond. As she embarks on her next journey to pursue a doctoral degree, she reflects on the importance of elevating creativity and culture as a crucial part of education. Learn More
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June 2021
Spirituality and campus ministry are foundational elements of a Red Cloud education. Every year Red Cloud seniors attend at least one retreat to reflect and pray during an overnight stay in the Black Hills. This year, after almost an entire year of being separated from their classmates due to the pandemic, Red Cloud’s seniors were able to honor and celebrate their accomplishments with a different kind of retreat. Read More
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June 2021
Despite the continued challenges of the pandemic, the 53rd Red Cloud Art Show was filled with inspiration--including 186 artworks by 81 artists representing 26 Indigenous nations. Dorian New Holy's extraordinary quilt 'Gathering of the Buffalo Calf' won the Oyate, or Community Choice’ Award, and will now become a part of our permanent collection. If you missed the show, or just want to experience it again, please continue to visit the online gallery! See the Show
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June 2021
Artists are the heart of everything we do at The Heritage Center. In a fantastic new video, produced by artist Bryan Parker, some of our favorite artists share how the Red Cloud Art Show has made an impact on their careers. Watch Now
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May 2021
Red Cloud’s class of 2021 defines perseverance. For almost their entire senior year, to stay safe in the pandemic, they were separated from their teachers and classmates, all while managing the intense process of determining their journey beyond high school. Meet four of Red Cloud’s newest graduates here, and help us celebrate their extraordinary accomplishments! Read More
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May 2021
On May 2, 2021, Bishop Peter Muhich celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation at Holy Rosary Church on Red Cloud's campus with young people of our Oglala Lakȟóta Catholic Community. Read More
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April 2021
After over a year of distance learning, with lots of big smiles (covered with masks, of course!), Red Cloud students returned to their classrooms and school community earlier this month. The isolation of the pandemic has brought with it very real consequences for our students, and we’re all overjoyed to be able to provide safe spaces for them to be able to reconnect with their teachers, counselors, coaches, and of course with each other. Get a sneak peak at our first days back, and some reflections on this moment from our amazing school leaders. Read More
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April 2021
William ‘Bill’ White currently serves as the Pastoral Assistant at Christ the King Church on the Our Lady of Lourdes campus in Porcupine, SD and is also a newly ordained Deacon. Bill served in the US Military for over 38 years, serving his country in Desert Storm, and in Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom, before retiring in 2017. He started to work for Christ the King after his military career. In 2020, Bill White reached an incredible milestone and was ordained as a Permanent Deacon with the Diocese of Rapid City. Take a look at Bill’s journey in faith to become a Deacon. Read More
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March 2021
Graduation is a significant moment in the lives of our students, but it’s not the end of their relationship with Red Cloud. Our team stays connected with students as they begin their journey after graduation—to offer support, guidance, and care. Red Cloud alumna January Tobacco ‘13 remembers how much that support helped her find her way to Stanford University. Learn how she offers that same care to our current high school students as our Director of Graduate Success. Watch Now
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January 2021
Every day Museum Educator Audrey Jacobs is dreaming up new, innovative ways to connect students with Native artists, as a path to exploring their own creativity. And while distance learning continues, she knew it was even more important to provide students with activities to get them away from their screens and into the world of art. Below, Audrey explains how that realization led her to create take-home art kits for youth on the reservation. Learn More
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January 2021
From its founding in 1888 until 1980, Red Cloud was an Indian boarding school—one of over 350 institutions established in the nineteenth century created to eliminate Indigenous cultures, languages, and spiritual traditions through the assimilation of Native children. To openly and humbly grapple with that reality, Red Cloud has begun a truth and healing process led by graduate Makȟa Black Elk ‘05, who has served as an educator and leader at Red Cloud for the past seven years. The first step in this journey as an ally is to learn more about this history and this movement by viewing our website here. Learn More
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January 2021
We are working even hard to support a new generation of fluent Lakȟóta speakers through dual-language education—an effort led by the Red Cloud alumni you’ll meet in this new video! Watch Video
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January 2021
At Red Cloud, through the work of The Heritage Center, we honor and support artists as culture bearers—creating and expanding opportunities for them to express their own stories in their own voices. Learn more about our work in this new video! Watch Video
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December 2020
Quarantine doesn’t mean we can’t make art together. Our permanent collection of art and our circle of working artists inspired our Museum Educator to create this series of Art-At-Home videos, to share with students of all ages. Don’t miss watching featured artist Henry Payer (Ho-Chunk) making the piece featured above (“Bingo”) that is now a part of our permanent collection. Watch Now
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December 2020
After launching the nation’s first comprehensive K-12 Lakȟóta language curriculum over a decade ago, Red Cloud has taken another momentous step in its language revitalization work. By shifting to a dual-language education model, our teachers are now using the Lakȟóta language as the medium of education. This change will transform educational experiences for our students, and directly support broader efforts across our community to empower a new generation of fluent Lakȟóta speakers. Read More
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December 2020
In November, in honor of Native American Heritage Month, Red Cloud High School’s Student Council came together to create this beautiful video celebrating their Lakȟóta Heritage! Watch Video
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December 2020
The Oglala Lakȟóta Catholic Community, made up of Red Cloud’s six churches, has come together to create a series of new videos illustrating the Christmas story over the course of this time of Advent. The first, presented by Sacred Heart Church, shares the story of the Annunciation. Follow along through the rest of this season! Watch Video
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November 2020
A COVID-19 safety video from our own Lakȟóta Immersion program. Watch Now
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October 2020
Last year, Red Cloud launched its Farm-to-School Initiative to build our students' knowledge of how food can create a healthier community. In this reflection by Katie Chustak, our Farm-to-School Coordinator, she shares how Red Cloud’s new farmer’s market is helping to promote a community-based food system that cares for community members and our common home: Uŋčí Makȟá, or Grandmother Earth. Read More
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October 2020
Indigenous women have always been leaders of their nations. But today, Indigenous women are finally being recognized as leaders outside their tribal communities, even in the halls of the U.S. Congress. Their voices and wisdom are critical to the wellbeing not only of their Indigenous nations but of our whole global community. Meet two of Red Cloud’s newest Lakȟóta women leaders, who are forging a path for the next generation and shaping the organization’s mission for the better. Read More
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September 2020
With the strong foundation of a Red Cloud education, alumna Marlee Kelly ‘16 forged her own path at Yale University, earning her degree in English last spring during the escalation of the global pandemic. We’re thrilled she’s back at Red Cloud this year serving as an AmeriCorps member—drawing on her incredible knowledge of literature as our Elementary School Librarian—while she plans the next step in her journey: pursuing a PhD and teaching the next generation. Read More
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September 2020
Last year, Red Cloud launched its Farm-to-School Initiative to build our students' knowledge of how food can create a healthier community. In this reflection by Katie Chustak, our Farm-to-School Coordinator, she shares how Red Cloud’s new farmer’s market is helping to promote a community-based food system that cares for community members and our common home: Uŋčí Makȟá, or Grandmother Earth. Read More
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August 2020
Despite the continued adjustments due to the pandemic, things are always moving behind the scenes. One of those things is the expansion of our Lakȟóta Language Immersion program. We now have more Lakȟóta Language teachers, which means more students are learning the language! In honor of this different start to the school year, our Lakȟóta Language teachers made a short video welcoming back the students. Watch Video
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August 2020
Did you know that, if you drove a loop around Red Cloud’s six churches across the reservation, you’d drive almost 250 miles? From Oglala to Porcupine to Wamblee, Red Cloud’s parish staff cross those long distances to serve hundreds of parishioners, their families, and the surrounding communities. Check out this video to see some of the spaces where our spiritual communities are growing! Watch the Video
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August 2020
Although our art gallery remains closed as a result of the pandemic, we’re still working hard to make a difference for community artists. That’s why we’re so thrilled that the National Endowment for the Arts selected us to receive a $50,000 CARES Act grant to take our work with artists into the virtual space. As our director said, "We're just raising the voices of this very creative community. There's no Lakȟóta word for art, but it's essential to the culture." Learn More
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July 2020
Usually, during the month of July, we joyfully welcome hundreds of visitors to tour our campus and experience indigneous art at The Heritage Center. This summer, the pandemic has forced us to close our doors, and we’re missing seeing so many new faces. Please join us for a virtual tour of two extraordinary sites on our campus: Holy Rosary Church and the historic cemetery where Chief Red Cloud was laid to rest. And we look forward to welcoming you in person as soon as we’re able! Learn More
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July 2020
For many Red Cloud students, being an athlete becomes a powerful source of confidence, growth, and community. In this interview series, alum and Athletic Director Christian McGhee connects a current Red Cloud athlete with an alum who has gone on to compete in collegiate athletics. Listen in on these generations of Red Cloud athletes talk together about sports, studies, and what it takes to pursue your dreams. Watch the Series
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June 2020
Every graduating class at Red Cloud is special—but the class of 2020 has truly achieved the extraordinary. Despite the obstacles that faced them, from transitioning almost instantly to distance learning to being separated from their teachers and friends, they overcame it all. Through this series of videos—including our feather blessing ceremony, speeches by our valedictorians and salutatorian, and a special graduation parade—share in our celebration of their strength, resilience, and success. Watch the Videos
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June 2020
A Red Cloud student from pre-kindergarten through graduation—14 years! What she loved most about school is that she never felt misplaced at Red Cloud, and always thought of it as a second home. She had some of her best experiences in high school—from being surrounded by people who held the same beliefs and values to having a strong support system via her friends and teachers. Read More
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June 2020
Access to nourishing foods is essential to sustaining a healthy community. And knowledge of traditional, indigneous methods of food production supports a deeper understanding of culture. That’s why Red Cloud has launched the first Farm to School program on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Learn More
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May 2020
May 16 was scheduled as graduation day for Red Cloud’s class of 2020—and while the pandemic forced us to cancel our celebration, it hasn’t stopped our staff from celebrating our seniors! Watch this wonderful new video to meet our extraordinary new graduates. Watch Video
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May 2020
Nicholas Black Elk (1863-1950), a revered holy man among the Oglala Lakota, was a spiritual leader right here at Red Cloud. He served as part of the parish community that continues to celebrate his memory and keep his voice alive as the process for his canonization continues. A new documentary, “Walking the Good Red Road: Nicholas Black Elk’s Journey to Sainthood” tells this story, and even features many of our own staff! Read More
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April 2020
Although they are attending class from home, every Red Cloud student, from kindergarten through senior year, are continuing to learn the Lakȟóta language! Our language teachers use everything from written text to videos to teach the language. Check out this video and listen to a Lakȟóta describe how to speak about your family! Watch Video
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April 2020
In The Heritage Center, our team is finding new ways to highlight our incredible local artists. As part of a new video series, our museum educator had a chance to connect with legendary ledger artist and author Donald Montieaux (Oglala Lakota) for an inside look at his studio in Rapid City, South Dakota and at how he creates his extraordinary images. Watch Video
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April 2020
When Red Cloud’s school buildings had to close in order to keep students safe, our administrators and teachers worked together to create a comprehensive distance learning program within the span of just a few days. Read More
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March 2020
When South Dakota announced its first cases of COVID-19, Red Cloud's teachers and administrators took action. They started developing a plan to teach students everything from biology and social studies to Lakȟóta language without ever stepping onto campus, and even set up a system for using our bus routes to provide students with nourishing breakfasts and lunches. Read More
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February 2020
On Valentine's Day, we asked our community of supporters to send a Red Cloud student a Valentine's Day card with a message of support. The number of cards received was outstanding! We wanted to showcase these messages to our students, so we printed them out and hung them on the announcement boards in the schools...Read More
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February 2020
Artist Danielle Hudsepth is an artist of many talents. In addition to drawing, painting, and sculpting, she has begun focusing her creative energy on beadwork. Now she’s combining this traditional art form with her love of cutting-edge video games and modern films...Read More
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January 2020
Access to nourishing foods is essential to sustaining a healthy community. And knowledge of traditional, indigenous methods of food production supports a deeper understanding of culture. That’s why Red Cloud has launched the first Farm to School program on the Pine Ridge Reservation...Read More
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January 2020
Why does the Lakȟóta Nation Invitational hold such significance for Red Cloud students, families, and staff? It’s more than just the competition. It’s the way LNI brings the community together to honor the accomplishments of Native youth—in athletics, the arts, knowledge of culture and language, and so much more...Read More
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January 2020
Red Cloud has partnered with the American Indian Catholic Schools Network for nearly a decade to create transformational educational experiences for students here on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Check out this new video and learn how this partnership has made a difference on our campus...Read More
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December 2019
It’s no surprise that DeAndra McLaughlin ‘11 developed strong bonds with her English teachers during her time as a student at Red Cloud. As an exceptional writer with an undergraduate degree from Stanford and a masters degree from South Dakota State University, today she serves as Red Cloud’s Digital Marketing Specialist...Read More
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December 2019
On December 6, 2019, Red Cloud held their annual Buffalo Harvest - a cultural tradition, and an integral part of our Lakȟóta spirituality here at Red Cloud. The buffalo harvest is a time when our entire school community comes together to celebrate the buffalo and partake in distributing the buffalo amongst our community. Along with the buffalo harvest, various other activities take place, including: prayer, social dances, handgame tournaments, and ribbon skirt making! Take a peek at the eventful day!...Read More
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December 2019
On December 5, 2019, Red Cloud held their annual Christmas craft night! Our elementary students gathered with their parents, siblings, classmates, and teachers to create beautiful Christmas art! Gingerbread men were built, Christmas bags were decorated, tiny houses were painted, and snowflakes were made!...Read More
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November 2019
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Red Cloud Student Council served a lunch open to any and all community members. They served 181 people on November 20, 2019, in Sacred Heart Church in Pine Ridge. They served 7 hams, 48 cans of green beans, 20 cans of corn, 7 boxes of stuffing, over 200 rolls and much more. The students cooked, served, and cleaned up....Read More
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November 2019
Like many Red Cloud graduates - Genriel Ribitsch fought to find her place when she left home to start her college journey. But she soon became a leader on her college campus, serving as president of the Native American student group, and working with other young advocates to fight racism and discrimination on campus. Now, with one undergraduate degree completed and another nearly finished, she is applying to graduate school to follow her passion for science, and her dream of serving her community as a doctor. Here, she shares thoughts on her journey so far, and her hopes for the future....Read More
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November 2019
On September 20, Red Cloud’s Executive Vice President Robert Brave Heart, Sr. spoke at the Ecology of Indigenous Languages Conference, held at the University of Helsinki in Finland. The following are excerpts from Robert’s presentation, which addressed how Red Cloud has worked to integrate the Lakȟóta language into daily life on campus, and to support and encourage a new generation of Lakȟóta speakers....Read More
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October 2019
When volunteer Katie Chustak arrived at Red Cloud three years ago, there wasn’t much growing in Red Cloud’s greenhouse or garden. During her years at Red Cloud, Katie has worked side-by-side with her own students—from kindergarten through high school—to create what is quickly becoming the Pine Ridge Reservation’s first farm-to-school program....Read More
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October 2019
Tashina Banks Rama (Oglala Lakȟóta) has made her home―both personally and professionally―at Red Cloud. And after ten years of helping to direct Red Cloud’s development efforts, she has just taken on the role of Vice President of Advancement. In this essay, she shares how Red Cloud has shaped her own life experience, and why she is so dedicated to shaping the institution’s future....Read More
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October 2019
Norma Blacksmith was 12 years old and living in Oglala, SD on the Pine Ridge Reservation when her mother taught her how to make star quilts. Now, at the age of 79, Norma continues to create these quilted works of art, and carries on the legacy of her family by teaching others....Read More
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September 2019
Wayáwa Khípi! Our students are back at school! It’s a wonderful time at Red Cloud, and we invite you to be a part of it. Join us through this beautiful array of images from our first week back!....Read More
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September 2019
Almost two years ago, Nicholas Black Elk (1863-1950), the famous Oglala Lakota holy man who spent decades at Red Cloud serving as a religious teacher, was nominated for sainthood. This June, a Mass and community gathering was held at St. Agnes, the very parish where Black Elk served, to celebrate the successful conclusion of the local phase of his canonization....Read More
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July 2019
Documentary on the challenges faced by Native American young people....Read More
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July 2019
For the last 14 years—six as a board member and nine as president—Fr. George Winzenburg, S.J. has served Red Cloud with energy, compassion, and grace, working tirelessly to create new opportunities for our students....Read More
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July 2019
Father Brad Held’s first experience on the Pine Ridge Reservation, as a teacher at Red Cloud Indian School, opened his heart to serving the Lakota people. When he was called back to serve as the Pastor of Holy Rosary Mission just five years later, his initial surprise was overwhelmed by a sense that the time was right to engage with the Lakota Catholic community in a new way....Read More
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July 2019
The Oyate Award, a Community Choice award, voting will start during the Special Preview reception and run the length of the show, June 1 -August 11, 2019. The winning work will be announced at the end of the show, August 12, 2019....Read More
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June 2019
In this collection of interviews, six of our seniors‐Tierra, Nevra, Emonee, Griffey, Dorian, and Morgan—share how Red Cloud shaped their lives, their plans for the future, and the advice they’d share with the next generation....Read More
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June 2019
In the weeks leading up to graduation, Red Cloud senior Emonee Pourier ‘19 reflected on her years at Red Cloud, and thought about what she’d miss the most....Read More
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June 2019
Over the last five decades, the Red Cloud Indian Art Show has celebrated the continuum of Native art—and honored the artists who create it....Read More
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April 12, 2019
What makes a Red Cloud education effective for its youngest students? Ann-Marie Amiotte, Red Cloud’s elementary school principal, does not hesitate to answer....Read More
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April 12, 2019
Recognizing our students’ achievements, both inside and outside the classroom, is a part of every day at Red Cloud. But twice a year, our high school students and faculty gather for an official celebration of academic success....Read More
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February 26, 2019
Today there is a growing wave of young people—including many Red Cloud students and alumni—who are sparking the rebirth of their indigenous language. They are not just learning to speak the language themselves, but also sharing their knowledge with the next generation—serving as teachers and mentors for the youngest Lakota students....Read More
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February 26, 2019
The lack of affordable and safe housing on the reservation often presents an insurmountable barrier for those who want to live and work here. That reality has a particularly powerful impact on education. To change the narrative, Red Cloud began focusing on investing in new on-campus housing—as a means for retaining committed teachers and staff members who want to make their careers at Red Cloud.....Read More
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February 26, 2019
Red Cloud is proud to support SB126, a new bill being considered by South Dakota’s legislature that would make Lakota, Nakota, and Dakota the official indigenous languages of the state. Learn more about the bill and its importance in this letter by Red Cloud’s Executive Vice President Robert Brave Heart Sr.....Read More
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January 18, 2019
Over 40 years ago, when the first Lakota Nation Invitational (LNI) took place, many non-reservation high schools would not host or play Native American teams. Today this incredible four-day event engages teams from nearly 40 high schools from three states....Read More
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January 18, 2019
In recognition of its longstanding advocacy, next month The Heritage Center will receive the South Dakota Governor’s Award in the Arts for Outstanding Support of the Arts by an Organization or Business........Read More
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January 18, 2019
Paulina Fast Wolf connected deeply with her culture as a student at Red Cloud, and has become a strong advocate for tribal colleges. Today she is focusing her career on helping Lakota students find their way through the college experience........Read More
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January 15, 2019
Former college president brings extensive experience and commitment to innovative education models.
Red Cloud Indian School’s Board of Directors is proud to announce the appointment of Raymond Nadolny, Ph.D., the former president of North Dakota’s Williston State College, as its new president....Read More
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