Asa'carsarmiut Tribal Council v. Wheeler

OPINION

FABE, Chief Justice.

I. INTRODUCTION

J.W. is the son of Jeanette Myre, a member of the Asga'carsarmiut Tribe, and John Wheeler, a non-member. In 2007 Myre petitioned the Asa'carsarmiut Tribal Court to assume jurisdiction over the custody of J.W. After a hearing in which both parents participated, the tribal court awarded Myre primary physical custody and granted Wheeler limited visitation rights. In 2011 Wheeler kept J.W. at the end of a visitation period, alleging that he was concerned about J.W.'s safety if he were returned to Myre's custody. Wheeler also initiated eustody proceedings…