Minister of State Thomas Byrne joined members of the Choctaw nation in Oklahoma today to unveil a new sculpture honouring Irish-Choctaw links.
The eight-foot tall Eternal Heart sculpture, created by Choctaw nation tribal member Samuel Stitt, was unveiled at the Choctaw Capitol Grounds. The sculpture was a joint commission, funded by the Government of Ireland and the Chahta Foundation.
The sculpture combines a Celtic trinity shape intertwined with a heart and is placed facing Ireland.
Minister Thomas Byrne said:
“This memorial will be a permanent symbol of the enduring and meaningful friendship between our two nations, a relationship which began with an act of solidarity and extraordinary generosity during the darkest years of the Great Irish Famine.
“This unveiling is an important opportunity to reflect on the tragic events of our past and to remember the remarkable humanitarian efforts that forged the bonds of friendship between our nations.
“Ireland is proud of our own history of humanitarian support, particularly the recent support we saw to the Navajo & Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief Fund, as well as the work of the Irish Cultural and Learning Foundation community in Arizona during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am sure that today’s event, coupled with our shared history will continue to strengthen Ireland’s engagement and links with the Choctaw Nation.”
Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton said:
“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.”
In 1847, the Choctaw Nation, having recently endured the arduous journey known as the “trail of tears,” selflessly came together to raise over $170 (equivalent to $5,000 today) to support the Irish during the Great Famine. The Choctaw’s heartfelt donation was sent to Midleton in County Cork, providing much-needed relief.
In 1995, then Irish President Mary Robinson visited the Choctaw Nation to express gratitude and rekindle the friendship between the two nations. During the visit, President Robinson was appointed “Honorary Chief of the Choctaw Nation”. This historic visit marked the beginning of a renewed commitment to honor the bond forged by the Choctaws’ selfless act.
In 2017, the Kindred Spirits sculpture, designed by Irish artist Alex Pentek, was erected in Midleton, serving as a permanent reminder of the enduring connection between the Choctaw Nation and Ireland.
Over the years, the Irish and the Choctaws have continued to honor this bond through various acts of generosity. In 2020, amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Irish people once again demonstrated their unwavering support by providing aid to Native American tribes severely impacted by the crisis.
The unveiling of the Eternal Hearts sculpture serves as a reminder of the power of compassion and solidarity and stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between the Choctaw Nation and people of Ireland.
