Community plans search for missing 3-yo
Pete W. Fuller
By Zoe Buchli
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BLACKFEET NATION, Montana (Missoulian) — The Blackfeet Nation community is planning a large search for missing 3-year-old Arden Pepion this weekend.
Arden, who was 3 when she went missing April 22, vanished in the area surrounding Joe Show East off U.S. Highway 89 South.
Arden would have turned 4 on the day of the search. The event is slated to last all day, running from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
It will start at Buckskins Tailfeather’s old residence in the Two Medicine area. When participants arrive, they should look for balloons at the command center where they will sign waivers and check in.
The search will commence with an opening prayer and speeches from Arbana and Aaron Pepion, Arden’s parents, about her case.
Organizers recommend searchers bring bear spray or other means of protecting against wildlife — mountain lion and bear sightings have been reported in the area. Fluorescent vests are encouraged, too.
“We want to let (Arbana and Aaron know) we’ll continue to search no matter what. So they can move on,” Diana Burd said, adding Arden’s parents are worn out and need community support.
Burd has been part of a group searching several days a week for Arden in the Two Medicine area.
Because winter weather will set in soon, they want to make one large effort to find Arden before weather conditions limit access and visibility, Burd said.
They’re hoping to have professional searchers show up, alongside volunteers who can bring horses, ATVs and chainsaws.
More information is available on the Bring Arden Home Facebook page.
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