08-04-2025
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.
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