BISMARCK, N.D. – On Sunday, Nov. 22, in response to continued community and family efforts to locate 20-year-old Standing Rock Tribe member Renzo Bullhead, who has been missing since March 16, a team conducted a coordinated and legally authorized search of a restricted ground area near the train bridge on the Bismarck side of the river.
According to a press release from Spirit Lake Public Information Officer Vicki Alberts, the search team consisted of approximately 10 trained volunteer ground searchers, including family members who have participated in previous searches for Bullhead and other missing Indigenous people, as well as certified cadaver dogs and handlers from Northstar Search & Rescue of Minnesota.
AMES Construction and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad granted two-and-a-half hours access to the designated location.
The Northstar cadaver dog team focused their efforts in the water based on information from a recent online Facebook session from a psychic suggesting that Bullhead may have been dragged from the water. At the same time, the volunteer ground team concentrated on the restricted access area on the Bismarck (east) side of the train bridge.
This specific area has been off limits since the earliest days of the search and had never been legally accessible to the family or volunteers until Nov. 22. Gaining coordinated and legally authorized access to this long-restricted location marked a significant milestone in the case and allowed the team to finally examine an area that had not yet been searched.
The areas flagged by ground searchers will be followed up through the proper law-enforcement channels.
Northstar’s role was limited to identifying a potential area of interest in the water where Bullhead could possibly be located, based on canine indications. All information gathered during this search must be provided directly to law enforcement and thoroughly investigated by the appropriate agencies.
This operation was organized at the request of the family and community after many had viewed the session from an astrologist and psychic from Billings, Mont. who identifies himself as “Big Sky medium” indicating this specific area. Northstar K9 teams evaluated the water locations and will revisit any areas warranting deeper assessment.
Coordination support for this search was provided by:
• Mike Faith, Vice Chair of Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
• Scott Davis, Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs (U.S. Department of the Interior)
• Rep. Jayme Davis, North Dakota House of Representatives, District 9
The Spirit Lake Nation also provided Alberts, who has assisted the family since March 2025.
A representative from the Bismarck Police Department was present during the search. All identified areas of interest will be turned over to the Mandan Police Department, the Bureau of Indian Affairs MMIP Unit, and because this portion of the river falls on the Bismarck side, the Bismarck Police Department will also assist with follow-up.
“We wanted to ensure this was done legally and safely,” said Vice Chair Faith. “When we learned that individuals were planning to search the area on their own, we stepped in to help coordinate proper channels so the family could have peace of mind.”
“I am always willing and grateful for the opportunity to assist families in these situations,” said Rep. Davis. “Whatever we can do to support them in seeking answers, we will do.”
Deidre “Roxy” Leaf, Bullhead’s mother, said, “I was amazed at how quickly this search came together. I am grateful for the continued efforts. I will not stop fighting for my child until there is some resolve.”
Weather conditions were cooperative during the day of the search, according to the press release. Notices to the broader public were limited out of respect and caution following recent incidents in the region, including the discovery of remains of Isaac Hunt on the Spirit Lake Reservation earlier this month.
Alberts added that the search represents a united effort between family, tribal leadership, state partners, and federal resources to bring answers for Bullhead. Additional follow-up operations are expected as flagged areas are evaluated by the proper authorities.
