Ireland and the Choctaw Nation: A historic bond – [Video]

DURANT, Okla. (KTEN) — On this St. Patrick’s Day, members of the Choctaw Nation reflected on the tribe’s 175 years of friendship with Ireland.

That special relationship began way back in 1847.

“There’s an ongoing relationship between the government of Ireland and the Choctaw Nation,” said Audrey Jacob, director of art at the Choctaw Cultural Center in Calera. “Just recognition of similar cultures and being able to move forward.”

The Choctaw people made a donation to the people of Ireland in a time of famine over 175 years ago.

“That was shortly after our people started the first removals on the Trail of Tears, and just a horrific time in history,” said Seth Fairchild, the nation’s executive director of cultural services.

That donation was something the Irish never forgot, with the island nation erecting a 20-foot tall work of art commemorating the friendship.

“The sculpture that’s in Ireland today is called Kindred Spirits, and it’s because during most …