An Indian mother in South Dakota is seeking to regain custody of the son she gave up for adoption two years ago.

Juanita Good Bird gave a Minnesota family custody of her son when he was 2 years old. But because the agreement wasn't executed properly under the Indian Child Welfare Act, a judge ordered Christian Hofer, now 4, to be returned to his mother.

The Hofers are devastated. They can't understand why Good Bird wants her son back. They have appealed the judge's ruling.

Christian is eligible for membership in the Three Affiliated Tribes of North Dakota. The tribes are backing Good Bird in court.

Get the Story:
Indian Welfare Act may void adoption (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 1/30)