Law
Blackfeet Nation in custody dispute with state
The Blackfeet Nation is asserting jurisdiction in an Indian child welfare dispute in Montana.

A tribal judge awarded custody of 4-month-old Kaden to his mother, Ronnel Fitzgerald, a tribal member. But a state judge said the boy should go to his father, Scott Preble, who is non-Indian.

Kaden, who was born off the reservation, is currently living at his grandmother's house on the reservation. The tribal council passed a resolution barring the removal of the boy until all legal issues are resolved.

Preble's attorney believes the case will end up in federal court.

Get the Story:
Blackfeet, state court at odds in custody fight (The Great Falls Tribune 4/23)