Choctaw Nation Dedicates New Ireland Sculpture

Choctaw tribal members, tribal leaders, and dignitaries from Oklahoma and Ireland gathered at the Choctaw Capitol Grounds in Tuskahoma, Oklahoma, to unveil a new sculpture honoring the Choctaw-Irish connection. This connection was established through The Gift, a donation made by the Choctaw Indians for famine relief in Ireland in 1847.

The sculpture, named Eternal Hearts, was jointly funded by the Government and the Chahta Foundation as a companion piece to Kindred Spirits in Co Cork, Ireland, dedicated in 2017 to commemorate The Gift. Designed by Choctaw Nation tribal member Samuel Stitt, Eternal Hearts combines Celtic and Native American elements, symbolizing the eternal bond between the two nations.

This piece is a testament to the generosity and compassion of the Choctaw people, highlighting the enduring friendship between the Choctaw and Irish communities. Minister of State Thomas Byrne expressed the significance of this memorial as a symbol of solidarity and goodwill during times of adversity.

The sculpture serves as a reminder of the shared values of caring and giving, embodying the strength and resilience of both the Choctaw and Irish people. As the Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton stated, the Eternal Hearts sculpture ensures that the legacy of The Gift lives on, inspiring future generations to embrace compassion and solidarity.