The Choctaw Nation honors its ties to the people of Ireland
As a gamer who has spent countless hours immersed in strategy games like Civilization, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of admiration and respect for the real-life stories of unity and cooperation that unfolded between the Choctaw Nation and Ireland. The Trail of Tears, the Great Famine, and now COVID-19—these are not just historical events or in-game challenges, they are moments etched into the fabric of human history.
It’s heartening to witness history not just being recalled by notable figures, but also respected and revered, as a recent gathering in Oklahoma vividly demonstrated. The intricate and extended tale of immigration into the United States is a topic worthy of deep contemplation, from the interactions between the Jamestown settlers to the asylum seekers projected for 2024. A Native American group in Oklahoma has recently revealed a monument that commemorates the bond formed between them and the Irish who immigrated to North America.
The history of kindred spirits
30th August held significance in Tvshka Homma, Oklahoma. According to an article on The Nation’s site, at the Choctaw Capitol Grounds, representatives and chiefs of the Choctaw Nations convened alongside dignitaries from both Oklahoma and Ireland. They were there for the unveiling of a new statue, which reminded everyone of Mary Robinson’s visit in 1995, an occasion that signified a fresh pledge in the relationship that was born out of the Choctaws’ generous act.
For over a century, a bond of kindness has connected Ireland and the Choctaw Nation. In 1847, following the devastating event known as the “Trail of Tears,” the Choctaw Nation extended their compassion to Ireland by sending aid during the Great Famine. They gathered approximately $500 in donations which were sent to County Cork and the people of Midleton honored this generosity by creating a sculpture named “Kindred Spirits.” This sculpture, designed by Irish artist Alex Pentek, has stood since 2017 as an eternal symbol of the unyielding bond between the Choctaw Nation and Ireland. In 2020, Ireland reciprocated this kindness by offering aid to Native American tribes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Eternal Heart”
On August 30th, representatives from the Choctaw tribe, tribal leaders, and Irish dignitaries (including @dfatirl & @ThomasByrneTD) met at the Choctaw Capitol Grounds to reveal a fresh sculpture symbolizing the bond between the Choctaw and Irish. Discover more details here: [Link].
— ChoctawNationOK (@choctawnationOK) August 30, 2024
The location of Tvshka Homma now houses an eight-foot sculpture, titled “Eternal Heart,” created by Samuel Stitt, a member of the Choctaw Nation. This installation features a unique blend of a Celtic trinity knot entwined with a heart and is deliberately positioned to face Ireland. The base of the sculpture showcases intricate diamond carvings as a tribute to a significant Choctaw symbol representing respect for the diamondback snake. Stitt explained that the artwork has no start or finish, making it everlasting. He expressed his pride in using his art to demonstrate the bond between the Choctaw and Irish peoples through the shared human trait of compassion, stating that “Eternal Heart” is an artistic representation of the unbreakable connection between these two nations.
Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton expressed his feelings on the long association:
We are grateful for the giving hearts of our Choctaw ancestors that brought us here today. We are excited to see what this eternal bond will bring to future generations of Choctaw and Irish, and we are extremely proud to call the people of Ireland our friends and kindred spirits.
Besides Irish Minister of State Thomas Byrne T.D., the event also saw the presence of another individual. Reflecting on their relationship, Byrne reminisced about a bond that started with an outstanding display of solidarity and unparalleled generosity during the most challenging times of the Great Famine.
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2024-09-02 14:32