St. Francis Mission facts for kids
Lakota Chief Spotted Tail
requested Jesuit educators |
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| Established | 1886 |
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| Location |
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Board of
Directors |
President Fr. John Hatcher, S.J. |
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Area
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34 acres (14 ha) |
| Affiliations | Jesuit, Catholic |
| Website | SF Mission |
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St. Francis Mission
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St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church
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| Location | Rosebud Indian Reservation |
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| NRHP reference No. | 75001723 |
| Added to NRHP | June 20, 1975 |
The St. Francis Mission is a special place on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in St. Francis, South Dakota. It serves the Lakota (also known as Sioux) Native Americans. This mission was started in 1886 by priests from the Society of Jesus, often called Jesuits.
The Jesuits were invited by Bishop Martin Marty. They quickly built many buildings to help the Lakota people. Sadly, most of these buildings were destroyed in a big fire in 1916. But many were quickly rebuilt!
Today, the mission has 26 buildings. The most important ones are St. Charles Borromeo Church and Drexel Hall, built in 1916. Drexel Hall is a big building with classrooms, meeting rooms, and places to live. The mission also has a rare statue of a Native American saint, Kateri Tekakwitha. The entire mission complex was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. This means it's an important historical site.
History of the Mission
Early Beginnings with Jesuit Priests
A Jesuit priest named Fr. Peter DeSmet visited the Plains Indians in the 1840s. He came from Saint Louis, Missouri. During his travels, he met the Lakota.
Lakota Chiefs Request Educators
Because people trusted Father DeSmet, and because Jesuits were known as good teachers, Lakota leaders wanted them to come back. In 1877, Chief Sinte Gleska (Spotted Tail) and Chief Red Cloud asked President Rutherford B. Hayes for help. They wanted "Catholic priests. Those who wear black dresses. These men will teach us how to read and write English."
Building the Mission and School
A Jesuit Father and a brother arrived on the reservation after 1881. With money from St. Katherine Drexel, they built a large building by 1886. In 1888, three Franciscan Sisters came to teach at the school. They named it after St. Francis.
Another Jesuit, Fr. Florentine Digmann, worked with the Lakota people. He set up 37 small mission stations, or chapels, across the Rosebud Reservation.
Changes in School Management
Since 1974, the Lakota tribe has managed the school themselves. It is called Sapa Un Ti locally, which means "where the Black Robes live." The many small chapels have been replaced by six larger churches on the reservation.
Current Programs and Services
Who Works at the Mission?
In 2016, three Jesuit priests worked at the Mission. They were helped by members of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. Many Lakota people also help, including a deacon, lay ministers, and volunteers. They all work to serve the 20,000 Lakota people living on the reservation.
Education and Recovery Programs
The Mission helps people get their high school equivalency (GED) and offers adult education. It also runs the Icimani Ya Waste Recovery Center and the White River Recovery Center. These centers help people who are struggling. The CYO Religious Education Center in Rosebud and the Wiwila Wakpala after-school center in Spring Creek also offer support.
Sapa Un Catholic Academy
The Sapa Un Catholic Academy started in 2013. It teaches both English and Lakota languages. The school aims to help more Lakota students go to college and become leaders. It is open to students of all religions and offers scholarships. Students can also enjoy a month-long summer camp to learn about their culture.
Lakota Studies Program
The Lakota Studies program works to keep the Lakota language and culture alive. It especially focuses on the spiritual traditions. Deacon Ben Black Bear, Jr. is translating the New Testament into Lakota. He is also translating prayers and catechism instructions. In 2008, the program created a new, more complete Lakota dictionary.
KINI 96.1 FM Radio
KINI 96.1 FM radio is run by the Mission. Its broadcasts reach south central South Dakota and north central Nebraska. The station shares news about the reservation and the country. It also provides weather updates, music, local sports, and religious education. Over 20,000 people listen to KINI.
Dental Clinic
A dental clinic has been helping people since 2012. Volunteer dentists provide dental care to those who need it.
Buechel Memorial Lakota Museum
The Buechel Memorial Lakota Museum is named after Fr. Eugene Buechel, S.J. He was a famous language expert and studied cultures. He came to the Mission in 1902 and stayed until he passed away in 1954. The museum has over 2,000 items related to Lakota culture. It also has more than 42,000 photos.
See also
