John Doe v. Shoshone-Bannock Tribes

W. JONES, Justice.

I. Nature of the Case

This case arises out of Appellant’s, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes (Tribes), intervention in the adoption proceedings of a minor child (Child). While the adoption itself is not at issue on appeal, disputes that arose during the adoption proceedings are. Respondents, Jane and John Doe (Does), initiated adoption proceedings for Child after the rights of Child’s parents were terminated. Because Child may qualify for protection under the laws protecting an Indian child’s welfare, the Tribes were given notice and intervened in the adoption proceeding. The trial…