In 1847, Ireland was suffering through the Potato Famine. Across the Atlantic Ocean, the Choctaw Nation felt the pain of the Irish and gathered together to raise funds. They sent a gift of $170 to Ireland to buy food for those who needed it, despite still suffering from the effects of displacement on the Trail of Tears. That $170 is the equivalent of $5,000 today, and represented a real sacrifice. The Irish never forgot that generosity from Native Americans. In 2020, Navajo and Hopi people are suffering from the pandemic, particularly due to lack of running water, so they set up an account to take donations to ensure the supply of food and bottled water through the Rural Utah Project Education Fund. Donations poured in, many from Ireland, and the account has raised $1.5 million so far.
One Irish donor, Pat Hayes wrote: ‘From Ireland, 170 years later, the favour is returned! To our Native American brothers and sisters in your moment of hardship.’
Another donor shared, ‘Solidarity with the Navajo people from Ireland. Ní neart go cur le chéile.’
While a third wrote: ‘Remembering the help you gave us during the Great Famine – not forgotten. Go raibh maith agaibh. Thank you.’
An investment in humanity is paying off 173 years later. -via Metafilter
(Image source: Go Fund Me)