Magis in Pine Ridge, SD

Rooted in Relationship: Pine Ridge

The Pine Ridge Magis Community began in 2007 with Cohort 6, all teaching at Maȟpíya Lúta Owáyawa (formerly Red Cloud Indian School), a fellow Jesuit school, serving students in grades K-12, within the Midwest Province of Jesuits, located on sacred and sovereign land on the Pine Ridge Reservation in Oglala Lakota County in South Dakota. Over time, the program expanded to include placements at the elementary and middle school and at Wíŋyaŋ Wakȟáŋ Owáyawa (Our Lady of Lourdes School) in Porcupine, SD.

Magis teachers in Pine Ridge simultaneously participate in the Red Cloud Volunteer Program, which emphasizes justice, Lakȟóta culture, simplicity, and deep community engagement, alongside the Magis pillars of community, spirituality, and professionalism. Many Magis teachers remain beyond their initial two-year commitment, often staying for three or more years, continuing to serve the school and community in meaningful ways. Life on the reservation offers profound personal and leadership formation, shaped by relationship, responsibility, and accompaniment.  Some unforgettable shared experiences include earning a CDL to drive the school bus, learning the language, being immersed in the culture, coaching sports, cheering on the basketball teams, and spending time outdoors on the prairie.