On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, Maȟpíya Lúta High School students continued a beloved annual tradition—serving a Thanksgiving meal to relatives and community members at Sacred Heart Church in Pine Ridge.
Each year, students volunteer to give up one day of their Thanksgiving break to prepare, cook, and serve the meal. Their day begins long before sunrise as they gather in the kitchen to start chopping vegetables, seasoning turkeys, preparing sides, and organizing the dining space. Under the guidance of staff and volunteers, students work together with energy, laughter, and a shared commitment to service.
By noon, the doors to Sacred Heart Church open and community members are welcomed in for a hot meal and warm conversation. Students greet guests, plate meals, offer refills, and ensure Elders are served with care and respect—embodying the Lakota values of generosity, compassion, and being good relatives.
The meal service continues until around 2:00 p.m., concluding a full day of service that leaves students tired but deeply fulfilled. For many, this tradition has become one of the most meaningful parts of the holiday season.
This year’s gathering once again demonstrated the strength of the Maȟpíya Lúta community—students, staff, and families coming together to honor one another and give thanks in the spirit of wóčhekiye (prayer) and wówačhaŋtognake (generosity).
