Choctaw Nation unveils sculpture

A new sculpture titled 'Eternal Hearts' was unveiled at the Choctaw Capitol Grounds in Tuskahoma, Oklahoma, to celebrate the enduring bond between the Choctaw Nation and Ireland. This 2.45-meter-tall sculpture, created by Choctaw tribal member Samuel Stitt, combines a Celtic trinity shape with a heart and faces Ireland, symbolizing the historical support the Choctaws provided during the Great Irish Famine in 1847. The Choctaw Nation collected $170 (over $5,000 today) to assist famine relief in Ireland, a remarkable act of generosity given their recent struggles with the Trail of Tears. The event was attended by dignitaries including Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton and Irish Minister of State Thomas Byrne, who emphasized the significance of this memorial in reflecting on shared histories. This sculpture serves as a companion piece to the 'Kindred Spirits' monument in Midleton, Ireland, dedicated in 2017 to honor the same connection. The unveiling is not only a tribute to past kindness but also aims to strengthen the friendship between the two nations for future generations.