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.
Fiction Favorites 
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.
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I agree. Thank you, Adele.
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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.
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Thanks for sharing, Grant. I take it you are a member of the Choctaw Nation.
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Yes, and my family has experienced the faith-based generosity.
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Terrific.
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We could all learn this valuable lesson that the Choctaw and Irish continue to show.
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I agree, GP. The warmth of that relationship should extend to all of us. Thank you. 😊
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Really cool piece of positive history.
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I agree. In times like these these two nations could serve as a real example of an elevated human spirit.
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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.
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I agree, Linda. This is an example of the best in human nature.
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That is amazing. What a feel-good story. My husband is 100% Irish (I’m a mutt) and will enjoy hearing this history.
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Yes he should like it.
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What a wonderful piece of history. I am so happy that it is still remembered.
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Yes. Remembered by a few that is for sure.
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This amazing story is heartwarming, John.
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Thanks, Tim. I agree with you.
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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.
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I agree with you, Debbie on all counts. Thanks so much for the lovely words
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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.
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I think keeping these kindnesses alive is what separates us from the animals. (or it should)
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This is amazingly beautiful. My paternal great-great grandfather was Chief of the Ottawa Indians, and he took an Irish Canadian woman as his wife, Carrie Fitzgerald! The bond of Indigenous and Irish is my heritage.
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Great story, Annette. Thanks for sharing.
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As always, thanks for passing on the good news, John. Have a good weekend!
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Have a good weekend too Becky
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An absolutely beautiful story. And both sculptures are equally beautiful. Thanks for sharing this, John.
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My pleasure, Betsy. Thanks for the visit.
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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!
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You have written very wise word, Jan. Thank you.
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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. 🌞
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I hope you have a wonderful weekend as well. It is a great story. 😊
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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. 💙
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Goosebumps is the way to describe it, Monika. Thanks.
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I’d never heard this, John – what a wonderful, heartwarming story. Have a great weekend!
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I agree with you. Thanks, Teri. Have a wonderful weekend too.
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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❣️
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Thank you, Cindy. You have expressed the situation very well.
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I didn’t know anything about this bit of history. I’m so glad you shared it with us today!
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I am too, Liz. 😁
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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. 🙏🏻
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I thought it showed the best of human compassion. Thanks, Michele. 😊
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I agree! Many heartwarming and life-affirming elements to that story. Thank you!
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😁
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I’ve read about this before but it is indeed a beautiful story. Compassion is one of the most inspiring human traits.
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I so agree with you, Thomas. Compassion tends to be one of those traits that can be infectious. Thanks.
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My goodness, this is wonderful!
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It is isn’t it?
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Oh yes!
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Such a beautiful and touching connection, John. Your good news posts remind me of the kindness people are capable of. Loved this. Thanks for sharing.
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Given the regular news these days we all need a break to focus on the best parts of human nature.
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I couldn’t agree more!
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😊
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I learned about this when I was in Ireland. A wonderful, uplifting story.
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Yes it is, Noelle. 😊
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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!
☘️🪶 ☘️🪶 ☘️🪶 ☘️🪶
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It is a great story, Resa. I think it shows the best of human kind. I’m glad you liked the post and JohnKu (I like the shamrock and feather combo) ☘️🪶 ☘️🪶 ☘️🪶 ☘️🪶
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Human kind is A+ in this Fri-Yay.
Shamrocks and feathers… who knew?
☘️🪶 ☘️🪶 ☘️🪶 ☘️🪶
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Who knew indeed. ☘️🪶 ☘️🪶 ☘️🪶 ☘️🪶
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💋☘️🪶💋
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😊X
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Thanks for sharing the heartfelt good news John. The sculptures are fantastic! 🙂
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Thank you, Debby. 😊
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🙂
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😊
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Wonderful news, dear John. We need to read more about people who do generous acts to change ourselves.🥳🙂🌞🍻🍤🍤🍤
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I agree, Maria. I’ll keep looking for those stories. 🥂🍰
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It’s interesting how the people who experience adversity are the first one to recognize the need to help others when crisis hits. A great story, Boss.
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Thanks, Pilgrim. I so agree with you.
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🙂
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Thank you for this heart-warming story, John. It warms the cockles… Being half-Welsh I like the Celtic design. xx
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I’m half Welsh as well. The other half is Scot.
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‘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.
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I have not visited Wales but did visit Scotland.
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This is an incredible story, John. The unselfish generosity of strangers is an example we should all follow. And in this case, it’s amazing what they did!
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I agree, Barbara. Thanks.
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