Latest news with #ChickamaugaNation
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Chickamauga Nation discuss findings of archeological study, opposing Franklin County prison
CHARLESTON, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — As the controversial proposed prison in Franklin County persists in the state legislature, one native tribe continues to oppose the land it will be built on. On Monday, the Chickamauga Nation held a press conference to announce its findings after conducting its own archeological survey of the site where the proposed prison will be built in Franklin County. Chickamauga Chief Jimmie Kersh says their findings show the existence of stone box graves, arrowheads and other hunting equipment on the proposed site, found by Dr. David Jurney. The Arkansas Department of Corrections (DOC), the group overseeing the construction of the proposed prison, acknowledged that concerns about a possible Native American burial site were raised early in the planning process. The DOC released a statement in March that says it has been 'mindful of these concerns' and has completed preliminary assessments and has found 'no evidence of a burial site to date.' Chickamauga Nation raises concerns over Franklin County prison site The U.S. Department of the Interior does not recognize the Chickamauga as one of 547 federally recognized tribes. However, Chief Kursh, claims the Chickamauga people have rights to the land with a vast history in North America. He is now calling on the community to submit public records requests to force the government to make public its study. The conference was held on the same day that Senate Bill 354 failed to pass for the fourth time. The bill would allocate $750 million to construct the prison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Axios
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Arkansas prison bill advances amid tribal land dispute
A $750 million appropriations bill for the proposed prison project in Franklin County was approved by the Joint Budget Committee on Thursday, a day after members of the Chickamauga Nation claimed the land as an archaeological site, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette first reported. Why it matters: The contentious 3,000-bed project's location is opposed by many area residents, who were surprised by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders' October announcement that the state had purchased land for the project. Many lawmakers and public safety officials note the need for more state prison capacity as inmates wait in local jails, creating overcrowding at the county level. State of play: Members of the Chickamauga tribe are buried on the land, Chief Jimmie Kersh told the Democrat-Gazette on Wednesday. "These are the graves of our people. … The sacredness of this area is amazing," he said. The 815-acre site was formerly the Toby Breeden Ranch and was purchased by the state for $2.95 million. A state Department of Corrections spokesperson told the paper there's been no evidence of a burial site. A state site assessment doesn't mention burial sites, artifacts or archaeological features, and a Sanders spokesperson called the tribe's claim "absurd." The latest: Thursday's appropriations bill is the second attempt to earmark money for the project. The budget committee voted down a $330 million proposal in late February due to a lack of a firm estimate on the project's construction costs. The following week, the state's contracted construction management firm provided a letter estimating the cost at $825 million. In response, Sen. Jonathan Dismang (R-Little Rock) filed SB354, seeking appropriations "not to exceed" $750 million, which takes into account $75 million already set aside. What they're saying:"While we aren't privy to the tribe's internal affairs, we think this is yet another example of the importance of doing due diligence prior to spending taxpayers' money purchasing property for a theoretical prison," Adam Watson, executive director of Gravel & Grit, an advocacy group that opposes the project. "Projects of this nature demand local input and cooperation, to understand and avoid cultural and other issues," Watson told Axios, adding that the appropriations recommendation is "shortsighted." The other side:"This is a strong step forward toward the Governor's goal of building a safer, stronger Arkansas, and the Governor encourages all members of the General Assembly to support our county judges, sheriffs, and law enforcement and finally address Arkansas' chronic prison bed shortage," a Sanders spokesperson said to Axios about the appropriations bill.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Chickamauga Nation raises concerns over Franklin County prison site
CHARLESTON, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The Chickamauga Nation is voicing opposition to the proposed construction of a 3,000-bed prison in Franklin County, arguing that the site may contain culturally significant burial grounds. The group claims the land, located north of Charleston, was promised to the Chickamauga by President Thomas Jefferson in 1809 as part of a land exchange. According to an article on the Chickamauga Nation website, the area includes 'Stone Box Graves,' a burial practice historically used by their ancestors. The Arkansas Department of Corrections (DOC), which is overseeing the project, acknowledged that concerns about a possible Native American burial site were raised early in the planning process. The DOC said in a statement that it has been 'mindful of these concerns' and has completed preliminary assessments and has found 'no evidence of a burial site to date.' 479 All Stars: Van Buren High School boys wrestling team makes history This is a developing story. Stay with KNWA/FOX24 for the latest. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
