California Indian Legal Services Sues National Archives Over Planned San Bruno Records Closure

California Indian Legal Services filed a federal lawsuit on October 20, 2026, challenging the National Archives and Records Administration's decision to close its San Bruno facility and relocate archival records out of state. Yahoo reported the filing. The organization, which provides legal research and representation for Tribes and Native Americans, argues the closure would restrict access to historical records it says are not readily available elsewhere.

The San Bruno Closure Challenge

The complaint alleges the closure would significantly limit access for California Indian Legal Services, Tribes and Native communities to irreplaceable historical records. Many of the materials must be examined in person, and the organization says they are essential to its legal research and representation of Tribes and Native Americans. The records support efforts to protect Tribal sovereignty, pursue federal recognition, establish ancestral land claims, safeguard sacred places and preserve Native American family histories.

The San Bruno facility serves at least 59 of California's 109 federally recognized Tribes, as well as Tribes that have not received federal recognition. Its holdings include California census rolls compiled under the California Indians' Jurisdictional Act of 1928 and other historical documents used by Tribal governments, attorneys, researchers and families.

California Indian Legal Services said its own experience shows the importance of preserving access to these records. Its attorneys spent countless hours reviewing materials housed in San Bruno during the Tillie Hardwick litigation, which helped restore federal recognition to 17 California Tribes following 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.

The lawsuit raises concerns about the practical consequences of moving archival materials away from the communities and legal advocates who rely on them. For California Tribes pursuing recognition, protecting ancestral lands and documenting their histories, access to federal records can be essential to establishing legal claims and preserving connections to their ancestors. The legal challenge seeks to contest the planned closure of the San Bruno facility and the relocation of its records out of state.

The National Archives and Records Administration announced in June 2026 that it planned to close its San Bruno and Chicago archival facilities. The California Indian Legal Services lawsuit follows a separate legal challenge filed by California Attorney General Rob Bonta on October 14, 2026. National American Indian organizations oppose the proposed closings.

What Comes Next In The San Bruno Case

The lawsuit was filed on October 20, 2026, and seeks to contest the planned closure of the San Bruno facility and the relocation of its records out of state. The National Archives and Records Administration announced the planned closures of its San Bruno and Chicago facilities in June 2026. California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a separate legal challenge on October 14, 2026.