Program Overview
CILS focuses on the legal needs of the Native American community. They seek to advance Native American rights through highly efficient and effective legal services. Everything they do is informed by their history of working on behalf of Native American communities for over 50 years. CILS provides individuals and tribes with free or low cost legal services pertaining to federal Indian law.
Services
CILS handles the following matters for individuals:
- Domestic Violence Protection & Support
- Expungement
- Educational Rights
- Denial of State/Federal Public Benefits Due to Tribal Benefit Payments
- Unsealing Birth Records
- Individual Indian Allotment Rights & Protections
- Trust Land Rights & Protections
- Discrimination Based on Race
- Draft Indian Wills for Estate Planning
- Legal Assistance on Native American Jurisdictional Issues
- Recognition & Enforcement of Tribal Court Orders
CILS does not handle criminal cases or representation of parties other than Tribes in child custody and family law proceedings.
How to Get Support
CILS has four field offices in the state of California that deliver effective, high-quality services to uniquely respond to the needs of the Native American community. If you are an individual or tribe seeking services, contact one of the field offices at the telephone number listed below:
Southern Office (Escondido): 760-746-8941 / 800-743-8941 toll free
Eastern Office (Bishop): 760-873-3581 / 800-736-3582 toll free
Central Office (Sacramento): 916-978-0960 / 800-829-0248 toll free
Northern Office (McKinleyville): 707-443-8397 / 800-347-2402 toll free