Weekly Update from Chief Flanagan 3/15/2026
Update:
Good afternoon,
This was a fairly productive week. Antler Chief Kersh and myself met with Senator-elect Brad C Simon at his request to discuss our immediate community concerns, especially Millcreek Mountain, as well as our interests in improving the communities within our treaty territory. Senator-elect Simon seemed to be attentive and sympathetic to our concerns and interests during the meeting and I believe he came away with a greater understanding of our tribe’s rich history.
Arkansas State Representative Candidate Charlene Fite gave me an online visitation request form to meet with Sarah Sanders. I filled it out immediately last Monday, I have received no response from her office. The letter reads:
“The purpose of this event is to raise awareness of our tribal history in Arkansas. We would also like to express our ambitions for economic development in the communities that our tribal citizens call home. Furthermore we would like to discuss the potential for our tribe to be involved in the planning for state projects as well as any and all archeological studies being undertaken for these projects as we are the only tribe with treaty rights in Arkansas. We look forward to communicating and working with state government in order to better the lives of it’s citizens.”
The Charleston Chamber hosted a very informative luncheon that I was able to attend. Mr. Mathew Lundy shared a great deal of tips and information regarding online marketing and consumer outreach for various online platforms. I hope to implement some of these techniques to help with the outreach on our TCN Press page which is geared more towards informing and educating.
Later last week I attended the Franklin County Quorum court in Charleston and found it to be informative, uplifting and encouraging. The county appears to be in a good place financially and indicates that service to it’s citizens remains it’s highest priority. There was public input concerning the prison project on Millcreek Mountain and several of the attending public gave insight and reports on their hard work in vigilant opposition of this project. Judge Rickey Bowman commended those present on their stalwart and steadfast nature. Members of The Chickamauga Nation were among those commended.
Later still, members of the tribe met with Dr. David Jurney to review the extensive studies where he has located and documented our sacred sites, burial grounds and former council areas over our Arkansas treaty territory.
All in all a great week. I look forward to what this one brings.
Thank you.
Justin Flanagan
Western Region Medal Chief
The Chickamauga Nation