A teepee at this school was vandalized the day after it was set up. Now they're ready for a new one

Elsie Yanik Catholic School in Fort McMurray, Alta., has been trying to build a teepee for a long time, according to the school's Indigenous liaison Michelle Janvier.

This month, the K-6 school will make a second attempt after its first teepee was vandalized in October.

Janvier said when they were able to get local teepee builder Gary Boostrom to come just before the Thanksgiving weekend, it was a big deal for staff and students. 

"We were over the moon," said Janvier, who is Métis. 

"The school was buzzing."

The day arrived and a Grade 5/6 class got the chance to help.

"The sun was shining and it was a perfect day," Janvier said. 

Boostrom, who is Métis and learned teepee-building from Cree knowledge keeper, says students are encouraged to help set up the teepee and to ask questions. 

"The kids just love it. You see their eyes light up," Boostrom said. 

After the students at Elsie Yanik finished helping him put up the canvas, Janvier smudged. 

"I asked the Creator to bless this teepee and I thanked the Creator for the beautiful day because it was so beautiful," she said.

RCMP say two suspects riding on scooters and wearing masks approached the teepee at 9:42 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11— a day after it was built — and damaged it. Someone cut holes in the canvas the students put up, broke the poles and removed the pegs, according to a news release.

Police have some surveillance footage but are asking those in the area for any other footage or information. CBC Indigenous reached out to RCMP for an update but was not able to speak with them publishing.

Janvier said when she heard the news the next morning, she was angry and devastated.