Calista Corp. v. Mann

OPINION

ERWIN, Justice.

This case presents an issue of first impression in Alaska, the recognition of the *55doctrine of equitable or virtual adoption. This issue will be addressed after a statement of the facts.

Appellant Calista Corporation is a Native Regional corporation established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act1 and organized under the laws of the State of Alaska.

Appellee Katie Mann is a Yup’ik Eskimo woman who resides in Hooper Bay, Alaska. Appellee Catherine Peters is an Athabascan woman who resides in Bethel, Alaska.

On April 15, 1975, appellee Katie Mann submitted to…