VILNA – On the morning of Oct. 19, Smoky Lake RCMP received a report of mischief to a teepee located on the grounds of Vilna School.
According to RCMP, the teepee sustained significant damage and will not be safe for use by the school or community members. An investigation by RCMP determined an accelerant was likely used to spread a fire.
Police say there was no damage found to the school building or surrounding grounds.
The Village of Vilna is about 30 minutes northwest from the Town of St. Paul, located just off Highway 28. Vilna School serves communities in Smoky Lake County, along with Whitefish (Goodfish) Lake First Nation and Saddle Lake Cree Nation, and is part of Aspen View Public Schools.
According to Aspen View Public Schools, the teepee has been used at the school periodically for the past 10 years. Not other information was made available by the school division due to the active police investigation.
Smoky Lake RCMP is asking anyone who may have information related to the damage done to the teepee to contact them at 780-656-3550, or any local police.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app.
Vilna School has a population of about 210 students enrolled from pre-school to Grade 12.
