"The Gift" Choctaw Sculpture donated to the National Famine Museum | Strokestown Park, Ireland.

"The Gift" commemorating the generous aid provided by the Choctaw Nation to Ireland during the Famine, was unveiled outside the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park, Roscommon in August 2024.

Esteemed American sculptor Brendan O’Neill, based in Maryland, USA, replicated his original piece displayed at the Choctaw Cultural Centre in Oklahoma. The sculpture, generously donated by the O’Neill Family to the Irish Heritage Trust, is now permanently installed in the courtyard adjacent to Ireland’s National Famine Museum, which offers insights into one of the most significant periods in Irish history.
www.strokestownpark.ie

CHOCTAW NATION
Up until the 1830s, the Native American Choctaw had their traditional lands in Mississippi in the rich south-eastern part of the United States. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 looked to forcibly clear them from these lands and resettle them in what is now Oklahoma. Most Choctaws took the journey which became known as the “Trail of Tears” and many thousands died on the trail.
When Ireland was deep in the throes of the Great Famine in 1847, the international call for aid for the starving Irish was heard by the Choctaw. These people, who had no connection with Ireland and were themselves impoverished and marginalised, gave generously to the cause of Irish famine relief. This remarkable selfless act from people who were themselves still suffering following their displacement, has since been honoured and remains a great symbol of the humanity of giving to those in greater need. It has created a lasting friendship between the two nations.