FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 22, 2026

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Indian Legal Services (CILS) filed a federal lawsuit on October 20, 2026, against the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), challenging its decision to close the San Francisco National Archives facility in San Bruno and the relocation of archival records out of state.

The lawsuit follows a separate legal challenge filed by California Attorney General Rob Bonta on October 14, 2026. Both actions follow NARA’s June 2026 announcement that it would close its San Bruno and Chicago Archive facilities.



In its complaint, CILS alleges that the San Bruno closure will significantly restrict its ability as well as Tribes and Native communities’ practical access to irreplaceable records that are not otherwise readily available to the public. Many of these materials must be examined in person and are essential to matters involving CILS research and representation of Tribes and Native Americans to protect Tribal sovereignty, federal recognition, ancestral lands, sacred places, and Native American family histories.

The San Bruno facility serves at least 59 of the 109 federally recognized Tribes in California as well as unrecognized Tribes. Its holdings include California census rolls compiled under the California Indians’ Jurisdictional Act of 1928 and other records used by Tribal governments, attorneys, researchers, and families.

CILS knows the value of these records firsthand. Its attorneys spent countless hours reviewing materials preserved in San Bruno during the landmark Tillie Hardwick litigation, which helped restore federal recognition to 17 California Tribes after years of wrongful termination.

“These records are not relics of the past. They are the foundation for decisions being made today and opportunities that will shape Tribal communities for generations to come,” said CILS Executive Director Heather Hostler.

About California Indian Legal Services

California Indian Legal Services (CILS) is the nation's oldest nonprofit Indian law organization dedicated exclusively to serving Native American Tribes, tribal organizations, and Native individuals. Founded in 1967, CILS provides high-quality legal representation, advocacy, legislative and regulatory counsel, and community-based legal services that advance Tribal sovereignty, protect Native rights, and strengthen Tribal communities throughout California.

For nearly six decades, CILS has worked alongside Tribes to address some of the most significant legal and policy issues affecting Native people, including Tribal governance, cultural resource protection, Indian child welfare, economic development, environmental stewardship, and the preservation of federal trust responsibilities. In 2026, CILS established the Tribal Sovereignty Defense Fund to support strategic litigation and advocacy efforts that defend Tribal sovereignty, enforce federal trust and treaty obligations, and protect the rights and interests of Tribal nations. Through litigation, advocacy, and direct legal services, CILS remains committed to ensuring that Tribal communities have meaningful access to justice and that federal obligations to Tribes are honored.

Media Contact

Alexis George

Legal Impact & Legal Programs Coordinator

AGeorge@calindian.org

(707) 443-8397 ext. 424

www.calindian.org

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