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Missing and murdered
Xia Brave Bull, missing since March, found dead
The body of the Cheyenne River Sioux woman was found outside her community
Xia Bravebull
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On May 3, after extensive searches in the Cannon Ball District of North Dakota, the body of Xia Brave Bull was recovered.
The 35-year-old mother of four was found outside of the Cannon Ball Community.
Xia, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, had been missing since around March 22. Her older sister, Tianna Thompson, raised the alarm that Xia was missing after being unable to contact her.
Standing Rock Murdered and Missing Coordinator Alva Gabe Cottonwood and Honorata Defender assisted the family in organizing the search logistics. Xia’s body was discovered out on the plains by her brother, Ira Hanson, in a bad state of decomposition, and was retrieved by Standing Rock Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement officers.
There will be an autopsy and an initial investigation by BIA. No more information is available at this time.
The family expressed gratitude to many people, including the Standing Rock Murdered and Missing coordinators Alva Cottonwood-Gabe and Honorata Defender. Despite several unsuccessful searches, they did not give up until Xia was found.
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Relatives also recognize the efforts of Gail Used Arrow, who went above and beyond to cook and feed the searchers; to the Cannon Ball District and Wozu, for donating facilities and equipment and gas and food to feed the searchers; and to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe for a donation that helped continue the search. In addition, Swan American Horse was a pillar of support and strength throughout the search. They also recognized the searchers, who gave of their time, bringing horses and ATVs, and searching endlessly, at their own cost.
The family said they are forever grateful.
Corrections
An earlier version of this story described Xia as the mother of three children. In fact, she was the mother of four children. We have also corrected her last name, which we originally published as one word.
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