A judge in Colorado has refused to transfer an Indian Child Welfare Act case to the Navajo Nation.

Judge Pattie Swift said it was too late in the proceedings to transfer the case even though the child is eligible for tribal membership. The child's father is Navajo and the child's paternal grandparents are seeking custody, a request supported by both the mother and the father.

However, Swift said the tribe was given adequate notice to take over the case. The child was born on October 30, 2010, so it's been nearly a year since the proceedings began.

Despite ruling against the tribe, Swift hasn't determined whether to place the child with the Navajo grandparents.

Get the Story:
Alamosa will decide fate of Navajo child (The Alamosa Valley Courier 10/24)