The campaign has received several donations inspired by the Great Hunger Famine in Ireland when, in 1847, the Native American tribe Choct...
The campaign has received several donations inspired by the Great Hunger Famine in Ireland when, in 1847, the Native American tribe Choctaw Nation provided $170 (equivalent to $5000 today) of relief aid to Irish people.
 |
| Add caption |
MIDLETON, COUNTY CORK, IRELAND – On June 18, 2017 the Choctaw Nation was honored at a dedication of the sculpture Kindred Spirits in Midleton, County Cork, Ireland. Kindred Spirits is a breathtaking sculpture comprised of nine stainless steel eagle feathers that reach almost twenty-three feet towards the sky. Representing a bowl of food for the hungry, the piece evokes the story of how the Choctaw people came to the aid of the Irish in 1847 during that country’s Great Famine of 1845-1852.
Kindred Spirits, an original artwork by Cork-based artist Alex Pentek, is a reminder of the good that can come when people pull together their resources to benefit others.
Chief Gary Batton and Assistant Chief Jack Austin Jr. were a part of the Choctaw delegation that attended the special ceremony in Bailick Park.
In an interview with the Irish Examiner, Chief Batton said, “Your story is our story. We didn’t have any income. This was money pulled from our pockets.” Referencing the Choctaw’s Trail of Tears that had recently taken place, he said, “We had gone through the biggest tragedy that we could endure. The bond between our nations has strengthened over the years. 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.”
No comments