In a landmark event reflecting the close historical ties between Native Americans and the Irish, one tribe has unveiled a sculpture dedicated to that relationship. The monument not only honors their shared past, but also acknowledges the importance of the cultural exchange that has united the two peoples over the years.
‘Eternal Hearts’ Sculpture Unveiled: Choctaw, Ireland Celebrate Historical Ties with New Oklahoma Monument
In Oklahoma, Choctaw leaders unveiled a sculpture symbolizing their people’s historic connection to Ireland. That connection dates back to 1847, when the Choctaws provided financial aid to Ireland during a difficult time.
The sculpture, entitled ‘Eternal Hearts’, was created by Samuel Stitt on a commission that was jointly funded by the Irish Government and the Chahta Foundation.
The sculpture features a Celtic trinity intertwined with a heart and faces Ireland. It complements the Kindred Spirits sculpture in County Cork.
The Trail of Tears: A Journey Through Historical Wounds and Cultural Experiences
In 1847, the Choctaw tribe in Oklahoma made a significant donation of $170 to help people suffering from famine in distant Ireland. That sum is equivalent to tens of thousands of dollars in today’s money.
At the time, Native Americans were experiencing the expulsion from their traditional lands known as the Trail of Tears. Thousands of them died of starvation, exposure and disease en route to new reservations in southeastern Oklahoma. During this difficult period, the Choctaw tribe made a heartfelt donation that was sent to Middleton, County Cork, providing vital aid to those suffering from famine in Ireland.
‘Soulmates’ as a Symbol of Irish-Choctaw Connection
In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Irish showed their solidarity by donating €2 million to help Native Americans who desperately needed support during this difficult period. In turn, in 2018, former Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar established scholarships for members of the Choctaw tribe to support their studies in Ireland.
At the dedication ceremony in Tuskahoma, Oklahoma, Irish Minister of State Thomas Byrne said the new memorial would be “an everlasting representation of the deep and meaningful friendship between our nations.” “The bond that began during the Great Famine has become a symbol of solidarity and unparalleled generosity,” Mr. Byrne said. Choctaw Chief Gary Button described the new sculpture as a sign of “an everlasting connection” and expressed pride that his people consider the Irish “friends and kindred spirits.”
Former US soldier and creator of the Eternal Heart sculpture Samuel Stitt drew inspiration for his piece from a sculpture he saw in Cork called Soul Mate. “When I saw that piece in Ireland many years ago, it made a huge impression on me,” he told Irish broadcaster RTÉ. “I thought if there was a sculpture like that in Ireland, it would be great to have something like that in the Choctaw Nation in Oklahoma,” Stitt added.
Samuel Stitt said he hoped his sculpture would become a significant pilgrimage site, as he was impressed by how many members of the tribe travel to Ireland solely to visit the Soul Mate sculpture. The Choctaw tribe, the third largest Native American tribe in the United States, has nearly 230,000 members, most of whom live in Oklahoma.