PAWHUSKA, Okla. –
Parents were called to pick up their children being homeschooled at Zhinkazhin Learning Pathways on Tuesday.
Osage Nation police and Pawhuska police converged on the two sites to execute search warrants. The warrants stem from an investigation that started August 21, when the Osage Nation Police Department said it got a complaint about property being taken from the Zhinkazhin Elementary building.
Osage Nation Principal Chief Joe Tillman ordered Daposka Ahnkodapi facilities closed, citing a budget shortfall. Osage Nation Congress later allocated full funding for the schools.
The warrants served Tuesday included things like books and bookcases, but some parents said the search went too far.
“They wanted to search for and get personal devices…so iPhones, iPads, things like that,” said Princella Parker RedCorn.
Chief Tillman issued the following statement:
“I want to clarify that the Osage Nation Police Department has jurisdiction over this investigation. My office will not comment on or interfere with any ongoing investigative or legal proceedings, as these matters must be handled independently and in accordance with the law. I regret that today’s events caused a disruption. The well-being and education of our children remain a top priority.”
Osage Nation PD also issued a statement of its own:
“The Osage Nation Police Department is investigating a report involving the removal of property from the Daposka Ahnkodapi Elementary building on August 21, 2026. As part of the ongoing investigation, search warrants for several locations have been issued by the Osage County Court. The investigation remains active, and additional details are being withheld to protect the integrity of the investigative process.
The issuance of search warrants represents a step in the legal process and should not be interpreted as a determination of guilt for any party involved. Every individual is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until proven guilty through the legal process.
The Osage Nation Police Department recognizes that situations involving education, children, families, and educators can be deeply personal and emotional. We understand that there are differing perspectives and strong feelings surrounding the circumstances involved in this matter.
There are no winners in a situation like this. It is unfortunate for everyone involved, especially when children and their education are part of the circumstances.
The mission of the Osage Nation Police Department is not, and has never been, to keep a child from learning. We recognize the importance of education and the dedication of those who work to provide learning opportunities for children in our community. Our responsibility, however, is to uphold the law and protect the property and interests of the Osage Nation and its citizens. Those responsibilities do not change based on the circumstances or the individuals involved.
While we recognize that disagreements and difficult transitions can create challenging situations, the law must be respected and enforced. The same standards of accountability apply to everyone, regardless of their position, personal beliefs, or the circumstances surrounding an incident.
The Osage Nation Police Department will continue to conduct a fair, impartial, and thorough investigation, following the facts and applicable law. We ask the public to allow the investigative and judicial processes to proceed without speculation or premature conclusions.
Our hope is that, despite the difficulties surrounding this situation, the focus will ultimately return to what matters most: the well-being of our children and the future of our community.”
The experience proved unnerving for both parents and their children who are being homeschooled at Zhinkazhin.
Elizabeth RedCorn said that she felt scared watching police carry out the search, and that, “If we don’t get to go back to our school, I’m going to be really mad!”
Her mother, Princella, added, “We were all just in an uproar and confusion. Like ‘What’s going on?’, trying to get answers.”
Some parents, along with some members of Osage Nation’s congress, are calling for Chief Tillman to be impeached. It’s not clear what the next step is in that process or when it will take place. Others just want Daposka Ahnkodapi reopened.
“We wanted a system that would build future leaders, future cultural leaders and language speakers to save our language,” said Geneva Hamilton. “And he’s tearing down decades of progress.”
