Crow Tribe of Indians v. Deernose

The district court of Big Horn County entered a real estate mortgage foreclosure decree on Indian trust lands on the Crow Reservation in favor of the Crow Tribe as mortgagee and against Donald Deernose and his wife, as mortgagors. From an order denying their motion to vacate this judgment, the mortgagors appeal.

The sole issue upon appeal is whether the state district court possesses jurisdiction of the foreclosure action. We hold it does not, and accordingly set aside the foreclosure decree and dismiss the action.

The facts are nncontested. Donald Deernose and his wife, who are both members of…