Arden Pepion: Holding Hope

In honor of Arden Pepion, the Holding Hope search and rescue team is dedicated to helping families in need. Arden, a vibrant three-year-old girl, went missing on April 22, 2021, near East Joe Show Road along the Two Medicine River, south of Browning, MT, on the Blackfeet Reservation.

The initial search for Arden lasted just ten days, but since then, a small group of dedicated women and three remarkable men have tirelessly committed themselves to bringing her home.

Through this team, we honor Arden's memory and aim to provide support to other families facing similar heartaches. Together, we will ensure that no one is left behind, and every effort is made to bring loved ones home.

Holding Hope SAR Team Members

Holding Hope Manager & Co-Founder

Diana Burd, Jr.

Diana has been at the forefront of the search for Arden alongside Aaron and Arbana Pepion. As a co-founder of Holding Hope Diana brings a wealth of lived experience and technical training.

Holding Hope Co-Founder

Aaron Pepion

A dedicated father, advocate, and co-founder of the Holding Hope SAR Team. He is deeply committed to the search for his daughter, Arden Pepion, whose disappearance inspired the creation of the Holding Hope Search and Rescue (SAR) Team.

Equine Manager & K9 SAR Team

Nugget Mad Plume

Nugget has been with the search for Arden since the beginning, utilizing his knowledge of Two Medicine and horses to lead the mounted equine SAR team.

K9 Trainer & SAR Consultant

Debra Termenstien

An expert and leader in K9 SAR and training, having assisted in the training of many of the K9s in the SAR industry. Debra has been committed to the search for Arden and is instrumental in the development of our team.

Holding Hope SAR Coordinator

Tawna Bradford

Tawna is from Two Medicine, Montana and has been with the search for Arden from the beginning. Tawna assists the SAR program manager with project coordination.

Holding Hope SAR Assistant

Amber Campbell

Amber is a dedicated student member of MMIP-Montana State University. Amber joins the SAR Team to assist with communications and logistics of SAR operations.

K9 Handler & Mounted Equine Team

Erika Mad Plume

Erika is a dedicated member of our Equine Programs Team, with years of horsemanship experience. Erika assists with SAR Missions as a K9 and Equine Handler.

K9 Handler & Mounted Equine Team

Kelsey Mad Plume

Kelsey is a dedicated member of our Equine Programs Team, with years of horsemanship experience. Kelsey assists with SAR Missions as a K9 and Equine Handler.

Mounted SAR Team

Sheila Mad Plume

Sheila is a dedicated member of our Equine Programs Team, with years of horsemanship experience. Sheila assists with SAR Missions as an Equine Handler.

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Mounted SAR Team

Loren LittlePlume

Loren is a dedicated member of our Equine Programs Team, with years of horsemanship experience. Loren assists with SAR Missions as an Equine Handler.

Mounted SAR Team

Steve AfterBuffalo Jr

Steve is a dedicated member of our equine SAR team. As a youth member of our team Steve leadership promotes intergenerational connectedness through our programs and services.

Mounted SAR Team

Eden Laplant

Eden is a dedicated member of our equine SAR team. As a youth member of our team Eden's leadership promotes intergenerational connectedness through our programs and services.