Letter from Chief Flanagan to Vanir CEO Jerry Avalos 12/10/2025
I am writing this in hopes that leaders of our tribe may meet with you or representatives of your company so that we may express our concerns in person.
Mr. Avalos,
I am the Western Region Medal Chief of The Chickamauga Nation. Our tribe stands in opposition to a project that Vanir is involved with here in Franklin County Arkansas.
I am writing this in hopes that leaders of our tribe may meet with you or representatives of your company so that we may express our concerns in person.
The Chickamauga Nation is a tribe that is federally recognized through treaty.
Franklin County is an area within our treaty and promised jurisdiction.
We have tried numerous times to reach out to the Arkansas governor’s office over the past year to set up a meeting, yet we have not been received.
It is the purview of the leaders of our tribe to work for the betterment of the lives of our citizens as well as the preservation of our sacred sites.
As a company that is respectful of Native American Heritage, I am hopeful that you will entertain a meeting with us.
Thank you,
Justin Flanagan
Western Region Medal Chief
The Chickamauga Nation