St Labre Indian School

The founding of St. Labre Indian School in 1884 was one of the first efforts to care for Native Americans who had been displaced as a result of homesteading. George Yoakum, a former soldier who had been stationed near Miles City, Montana, recognized the hard times experienced by the Northern Cheyenne. He contacted Montana Bishop John Brondel and told him of Indian people who were roaming the Tongue River Valley without homes or land - a reservation had not yet been set aside as their land. Land was purchased by the Bishop, and on March 29, 1884, St. Labre Indian School became a reality.

Today , St. Labre Indian School offers preschool through high school education for Crow and Northern Cheyenne children. Combined enrollment at all three St. Labre campuses is nearly 700 children and continues to grow.

Children who live more than 40 miles from our school campus stay in dormitories during the week. They arrive by bus on Sunday evening and return to their families on weekends and during the summer months. More than 1,000 meals are prepared each day including a nutritious breakfast, hearty lunch, and a full evening meal.

Our high school is fully accredited by the Montana State Office of Public Instruction and by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges. In addition to a regular program of elementary and secondary education, we offer classes in industrial arts, business, home economics, music and art, as well as a full complement of sports and athletics.

The St. Labre educational experience also places great importance on Native American culture and tradition. Instruction in Native American language and culture is a vital part of the St. Labre curriculum. We also offer courses in Native American literature, history, and tribal government.

St. Labre truly is a unique educational environment. We combine education, spirituality, and Native American culture to educate the whole child. Children not only receive a quality education, but also have the opportunity to attend Mass on a weekly basis to feed the spirit as well as the mind.