This event is free and all are welcome

The Sharing Lands project is deeply rooted in the Choctaw concept of ima – the powerful tradition of giving. The project is inspired by the remarkable story of the $172 sent by members of the Choctaw tribe to the starving in Ireland during the Great Famine in 1847. The donation came soon after the Choctaw’s forced relocation from their homelands in the 1830s, which caused immense suffering. At the same time, Ireland faced its own hardships from colonial expansion. Ironically, some Irish migrants and Irish American settlers, including President Andrew Jackson, later contributed to expansionist U.S. policies that had a terrible and lasting impact on American Indians

Join us on at 1.15 on 5th June at Nano Nagle Place in Cork city for a moving and unifying experience with LeAnne Howe (enrolled citizen of the Choctaw Nation), Padraig Kirwan, Gillian O’Brien, and Shelley Angelie Saggar, as they discuss their project, 'Sharing Lands'. We are delighted to be taking the project to Cork as the city and county have a close connection with the Choctaw Irish story. The ‘Kindred Spirits’ sculpture which commemorates the Choctaw donation is in Midleton while UCC hosts two Choctaw scholars annually.

Part of our project is about storytelling – a tradition cherished in both Choctaw and Irish cultures. We would love to hear your stories based around the Choctaw gift, or your experience with friendship, generosity, belonging or kindness – characteristics that are rooted in both cultures. At a time of upheaval, upset and division we would love to hear positive stories that span cultures, geography and time. No story is too small to be shared. Let’s come together to celebrate shared humanity through the power of storytelling!

Join us at 1:15pm if you wish to hear the Sharing Lands team talk about their experiences to date, and anytime between 2:30pm and 4:30pm if you wish to share a story with us..