Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

~ John W. Howell

 

Choctaw Nation Photo

Today’s good news story comes from the Good News Network.

 

In the Choctaw Nation’s territory in Oklahoma, tribal leaders have erected a knotted statue to honor a 170-year-old cross-continental connection.

The “Eternal Heart” sculpture, combining a heart with a Celtic trinity shape, was designed to honor the eternal bond forged between the Choctaw Nation and the most unlikely of people: the Irish.

In 1847, when Ireland was experiencing years of starvation due to potato blight, the North American Choctaw tribe joined a compassionate campaign in the U.S. to help these strangers a whole ocean away from them.

Despite their own suffering, having been forced to relocate hundreds of miles from their native land, the tribe pooled their pennies and raised $170 (almost $5,000 in today’s currency) through a relief fund to send to Midleton in County Cork.

An early artist impression of the sculpture in Cork—released to the press.

Nine years ago, a soaring silver monument to honor these donations was unveiled in Cork, and Choctaw leaders were invited to the grand unveiling.

“The bond between our nations has strengthened over the years,” Chief Batton said. “We are blessed to have the opportunity to share our cultures, and meet the generous people who have continued to honor a gift from the heart.”

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Navajo and Hopi nations were experiencing high rates of infection, and the Irish saw their moment to demonstrate that they remembered the kindness shown to them by America’s native peoples. Irish donors raised $2.7 million for water and supplies through a GoFundMe, with many leaving messages of remembrance and hope.

“Ours is a debt that can never be repaid, but please consider this a small token of love and solidarity from your Irish brothers and sisters. Praying for the strength, well-being, and prosperity of your community always,” said Caroline Kelly, adding a Gaelic message of unity. “Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine.”

“When the Choctaw people had nothing, they gave Ireland all they could at a time when we needed it most. I know it’s not much, but I hope this helps our friends in their time of need,” added Ciaran Mc Brearty.

One of the truly wild parts of this historical story is that the people of 19th century Ireland who ultimately benefitted from the Choctaw donations didn’t learn about the aid money’s origin until decades after the famine had ended.

One can only imagine their surprise when the Midleton residents found out that it came not from Catholics or countrymen but from a group of ‘Indians,’ the conceptualizations of whom the Irish would have only possessed via written accounts of colonial explorers, and the high drama contained in early Wild West, Cowboys and Indians-like material distributed by publishers in America.

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 began a renewed commitment to honor the bond forged by the Choctaws’ selfless act.

“It is a great honor to have a hand in exemplifying the Choctaw-Irish connection through my art,” said Choctaw sculptor Samuel Stitt. “The Choctaw culture of giving and caring for others is passed down to each generation. The ‘Eternal Heart’ is an artistic interpretation of how the Irish people and Choctaw Nation will forever be connected by that human characteristic of compassion—one people for another.”

The unveiling of the “Eternal Heart” sculpture reminds us of the power of compassion and solidarity and stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between the Choctaw Nation and the people of Ireland.

The good news in this report is helping others form a bond that could last a lifetime. Today’s JohnKu talks about helping others. I hope you have a wonderful week.

A Hand by John W. Howell © 2024

A simple gesture,

Of kindness to one in need . . .

Brings both together.

76 thoughts on “Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News”

  1. I knew this story when I was little, the Choctaw did a great and wonderful thing. During Covid, I donated to the Navajo nation, we must honor and keep up the tradition of helping across the miles.

    Liked by 3 people

  2. Excellent article, John. The Choctaw tribe pours millions yearly into the multi-state community. Over the years, I’ve noted the fair administration of significant resources, especially for the young and old. Choctaws also include many artists and writers, encouraging us to learn the language and make sure we don’t lose our history.

    Liked by 3 people

  5. What a wonderful story. And imagine: the Choctaw Nation learned of the plight of the Irish, and managed to provide assistance even without the aid of a Go Fund Me site. The renewal of the ties between the two people is as wonderful as the sculpture signifying it.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. I like this story a lot, John; in fact, it brought a happy tear to my eyes! Whatever one’s religious beliefs, you just have to applaud unselfish, caring acts like these. Beautiful sculptures, too! Thanks for spreading the good news.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. The kindness that people can show to one another. It’s heartwarming. I wasn’t familiar with the Choctaw and Irish, so thank you for posting about it. And I’m glad that sculptures have been done to celebrate the kindnesses. They’ll help keep the memories alive.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. This story warms my heart. For a tribe who had so little to be so generous should serve as a great lesson to everyone today. Instead of being torn apart by hate, we could all try a little love. Thanks for sharing, John! Happy Friday!

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Oh, John, this is an incredibly hopeful post. Thank you very much for sharing it. Since moving to AZ, I’ve become more aware of the struggles of the Native peoples — and their gift to all of us. Have a wonderful weekend. 🌞

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Oh my heavens…this Choctaw-Irish connection story gave me goosebumps. Just goes to show there are good decent and loving people who are willing to do good deeds. Thanks ever so much for sharing this wonderful feel-good story, John. 💙

    Liked by 1 person

  18. What a cool connection and find, John. I do love this “One of the truly wild parts of this historical story is that the people of 19th century Ireland who ultimately benefitted from the Choctaw donations didn’t learn about the aid money’s origin until decades after the famine had ended.”
    It gives hope to our world that what we do matters as we play it forward and may never know it.
    Great lessons❣️

    Liked by 1 person

  20. What an incredible story! True brotherly and sisterly love – compassion at its finest hour. Beautiful monument, too. Thank you for sharing this inspiring historical story. 🙏🏻

    Like

  25. John, I’m all choked up.

    This is a beautiful true story, and new to me. I just adore both sculptures.

    My father’s side is Irish, and his forefathers came over during the famine.

    Thank you for this, and the lovely JohnKu!

    ☘️🪶 ☘️🪶 ☘️🪶 ☘️🪶

    Liked by 1 person

      1. ‘Indeed to goodness…’ I was evacuated to South Wales in World War 11 and loved the freedom roaming the hills and mountains. Other half is English. Did you ever visit Wales, John ? Laugharne (Dylan Thomas) is a lovely place to visit. Cheers.

        Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.