In re M.E.M. Youth in Need of Care

This is a dependency and neglect action involving a Sioux Indian child. The case requires application of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, Pub. L. No. 95-608,92 Stat. 3069 (codified at 25 U.S.C.A. sections 1901-1963, West Supp. 1979). All parties agree to its application. The parental rights of the child’s mother, also an enrolled tribal member, were terminated by order of the District Court February 26, 1981. She appeals from that judgment.

M.E.M., age 5, and her natural mother are members of the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Tribe. The mother has an IQ of approximately 53 and receives…