In re R.Z. CA4/2

FACTS

The Department asked a friend of Father’s family (Friend) whether Father had

Native American ancestry. Friend then asked Minor’s paternal aunt (Aunt) whether

Father had Native American ancestry. Friend relayed to the Department that Aunt said,

“ ‘ “I think so, because [Father’s] grandfather . . . was almost 100% Blackfoot. He was

born in Alabama. His great-grandfather . . . was (almost) 100% Blackfoot. His wife . . .

was French and had No Native American Indian [sic] ancestry.” ’ ”

The Department contacted Aunt directly and she “provided dates of birth and the

birth place [sic] for her father and the paternal great-grandfather, however [Aunt] was

unable to provide documentation or confirm . . . Native American Ancestry.”

1 The juvenile court found Father is Minor’s biological father.

2 Minor has a half brother who is not part of this appeal.

2 On September 29, 2022, the Department telephoned the Blackfeet Tribe 3 and

was informed that the Tribe required requests for membership information to be in

writing. The Department sent the Tribe an email and “a certified letter inquiring as to

tribal affiliation.” The certified letter was sent on October 3, 2022 “to…