03/27/2025
On October 28 2023, the body of 22-year-old Bryanna Ducheneaux Clown was found outside a rental cabin in Terry Peak, South Dakota. Allegedly, Bryanna froze to death just 100 feet away from the cabin and her shoes, clothing, wallet, and phone were found nearby.
A press release issued by the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office on November 6 states that foul play is not suspected in Bryanna’s death. But allegations that have come to light on social media tell a very different story.
Screenshots released by TikTok creator allege that Bryanna was at that rental cabin with a group of people significantly older than her, including two program directors for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. And, according to this screenshot, one of the program directors was hitting on Bryanna that night and “his woman actually kicked her [Bryanna] out without anything.” It goes on to say that the program director who flirted with Bryanna “sent out Snapchats of her [Bryanna’s] frozen shoes outside and was laughing the next day.”
And, according to a Facebook post from Bryanna’s aunt, nobody inside the cabin went out looking for Bryanna after allegedly finding her shoes, clothes, phone, and wallet. Apparently, Bryanna wasn’t even reported missing until people in a neighboring cabin insisted on searching with police.
“When will the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe hold their employees to a higher standard?” Bryanna’s aunt’s post reads, “The conduct of the two directors that continued to drink while a young female tribal member lay deceased outside their cabin, less than 100 feet away… Is this how leaders should behave?”
Bryanna is one of far too many Indigenous women whose death by hypothermia was labelled as “no foul play” by police after only a brief investigation. She is also one of a disproportionately high number of missing and murdered Indigenous people in the state of South Dakota. For example, Native Americans make up just under 8% of the population but account for 57% of homicide victims and, at the time of publishing, at least 42% of the state’s missing persons. And, behind those shocking statistics, are generations of heartbroken Indigenous families.
“She was my first baby and only child for 15 years.” Bryanna’s mom posted to Facebook. “She was my best friend. I miss her immensely. I want people to be held accountable. She was one of the best parts of me. She didn’t deserve this.”
Bryanna Rayne Ducheneaux Clown, Pte’ San Win (White Buffalo Woman) grew up in Eagle Butte, South Dakota. She graduated high school in 2019 and was set to earn a Business Degree from Oglala Lakota College in December 2023. According to her obituary, Bryanna was on the President’s List and a member of the American Indian Business Leaders Association among other academic achievements. Shortly before her death Bryanna was notified of her acceptance into the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks. Bryanna collected elephants and crystals and enjoyed traveling and concerts. She had a bright future ahead of her and was loved by many.
JUSTICE FOR BRYANNA RAYNE DUCHENEAUX CLOWN
