Irish Build Memorial to Choctaws Who Helped in Famine 160 years ago (Today's good news) [View all]

[ND-Dem]

A sculpture is being erected in Ireland to thank a Native American tribe for sending what little money they could to the Irish people suffering from starvation at the height of the Great Famine more than 160 years ago.

On March 23, 1847 the Choctaw Native American tribe, who had known great hardship during their forced march to Oklahoma, collected whatever spare money they could and sent $170 to Ireland through a charity relief group.

To remember their generosity and friendship, a huge stainless steel sculpture of nine eagle feathers will be installed in Midleton, County Cork, on a grassy expanse in the town’s Bailic Park.

The Choctaw people donated the money 16 years after they, and other tribes, were forced from their homelands in Mississippi, Alabama and Florida and made to walk 500 miles along what is now known as The Trail of Tears... during one of the coldest winters on record.

In today’s money, the $170 sacrificed by the Choctaw would be close to $4200.

Choctaw leaders have been invited to the grand unveiling, which will be in a few months.

http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/irish-town-builds-memorial-to-thank-native-americans-who-helped-during-famine/

"In 1831, the Choctaw became the first Nation to be removed, and their removal served as the model for all future relocations."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trail_of_Tears