Magis in Pine Ridge, SD

Rooted in Relationship: Pine Ridge

Located on the sacred and sovereign lands of the Pine Ridge Reservation in Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota, the Pine Ridge Magis Community offers a distinctive experience shaped by relationship, culture, faith, and a deep sense of community.

The Pine Ridge Magis Community began in 2007 with Cohort 6, with teachers serving at Maȟpíya Lúta Owáyawa (formerly Red Cloud Indian School), a fellow Jesuit institution serving students in grades K–12. Over the years, Magis teachers have also served at Wíŋyaŋ Wakȟáŋ Owáyawa (Our Lady of Lourdes School) in Porcupine, South Dakota.

Magis teachers in Pine Ridge also participate in the Red Cloud Volunteer Program, providing an additional opportunity for formation centered on justice, Lakȟóta culture, simplicity, and community engagement. Living and serving on Pine Ridge invites teachers to enter into relationships with humility, openness, and a willingness to listen and learn. The experience complements Magis formation as teachers grow professionally, personally, and spiritually while becoming part of the school and broader community.

Life in Pine Ridge is filled with experiences unique to this community. Magis teachers may find themselves learning the Lakȟóta language, coaching sports, cheering on basketball teams, spending time on the prairie, or even earning a CDL to drive a school bus. These shared experiences become opportunities to learn, build relationships, and more deeply understand the people and place they are privileged to call home during their time with Magis.

The relationships formed here often extend well beyond the initial Magis commitment. Many teachers have chosen to remain for additional years, continuing to teach, serve, and participate in the life of the community. Pine Ridge is a place where formation happens through presence and relationship—walking alongside others, learning from the community, and discovering how those relationships continue to shape who you become as an educator and a person.

Forming Teachers. Serving Students. Transforming Communities.