On September 29, 2025, between 2:00 am and 2:20 am, tipis and lodges were stolen from Chief Joseph Elementary School (5305 3rd Ave S) and Loy Elementary School (501 57th St N). A video released by the Great Falls Police Department shows the suspects, who appear to be a male and a female. However, they have taken significant measures to conceal their identities, making them hard to identify. The stolen tipis and lodges are clearly marked with “Property of Great Falls Public Schools.”
Jordan Lankford, the Indigenous Education for All Instructional Coach at Great Falls Public Schools, stated, “The tipis and lodges are purchased by the GFPS Indigenous Education Department and are quite expensive. They are set up at all 21 school buildings for the students’ education and the enjoyment of our community. A lot of effort and hard work goes in to ensuring all of the buildings have the tipi/lodges. Throughout the fall months, all GFPS students learn about the tipi/lodges and the distinct cultural heritages of our American Indian community. These thefts definitely impact the students’ ability to learn, it’s disheartening to experience and certainly not a victimless crime.”
The Great Falls Police are asking anyone with information about the perpetrators or the current whereabouts of the tipis and lodges to please contact School Resource Officer Stadel at 406-268-6517, send a private message to the Great Falls Police Department on Facebook, or visit P3TIPS.COM. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
By Karen Anderson: October 3, 2025 – Great Falls, Mt
Author: Karen Anderson
Karen is the Editor-in-Chief overseeing all news operations at Foxys Publishing Co. She also loves photography and spending time with her dogs.
