Opinion ID: 886341
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: ICWA analysis for C.H.

Text: ¶ 15 The Department contends that ICWA does not apply in the present case. However, in an abundance of caution, the Department had Mylene Widner testify as an ICWA expert. Widner is a descendant of the Little Shell Band of the Chippewa and is an enrolled member of the Crow. Widner testified that she was familiar with the Little Shell standards for membership and their child-rearing practices. Her testimony was also based on her review of the record. ¶ 16 According to Widner, C.H.'s father qualifies for enrollment as a member of the Little Shell Band of the Chippewa by dint of his one-quarter blood quantum, the tribe's minimum standard. C.H., however, only has one-eighth blood quantum and does not qualify for enrollment. Furthermore, Widner testified that the Little Shell Band is not a federally recognized tribe. ¶ 17 We conclude ICWA does not apply to C.H. for two reasons. First, C.H. is not an Indian child as defined by ICWA. ICWA requires that a child be eligible for membership in the tribe. C.H. is not eligible because of her insufficient blood quantum. Second, ICWA does not apply to tribes which have not yet been federally recognized. Although other bands of Chippewa are recognized, the Little Shell Band is not currently recognized by the Secretary of the Interior as eligible to receive services. 67 Fed.Reg. 46,328 (July 12, 2002).