Former Choctaw-Ireland scholarship recipient, Skylee Glass reflects on her time in Ireland and the lasting bond between peoples that continues to this day.
How a historic gift continues to bind nations and empower individuals
The tapestry of human connection is often woven through threads of compassion, shared struggle, and unexpected generosity. My personal journey with the Choctaw-Ireland Scholarship has been an illuminating odyssey, revealing not only the depths of my own indigenous identity but also the extraordinary kinship between two nations separated by oceans yet united through empathy and history.
Rediscovering identity in Ireland
When I first learned of the Choctaw-Ireland Scholarship, I was struck by its unique premise—a bridge built on a legacy of kindness, stretching from the Choctaw Nation to the heart of Ireland. As I embarked on this adventure, I found myself not only pursuing academic excellence but also stepping into a vibrant world where my own culture was celebrated, my voice amplified, and my identity reaffirmed.
Surrounded by allies who encouraged me, I experienced a sense of empowerment born from the affirmation of my heritage. The scholarship was more than financial support or opportunity; it became the means for me to reclaim my place as an advocate for my tribe. In Ireland, I discovered a safe space where curiosity was welcomed and cultural exchange flowed freely. I was invited to teach others about Choctaw traditions, history, and the ongoing journey of my people. In return, I learned about Irish customs, folklore, and the indomitable spirit of a nation that had faced its own hardships.
This reciprocal education was transformative. Being able to discuss the meaning behind our dances, songs, and symbols while listening to Irish stories of resistance and renewal instilled in me a global perspective. It was as if a door to the world had been opened, allowing me to see the common threads that unite disparate peoples.
The scholarship was more than financial support or opportunity; it became the means for me to reclaim my place as an advocate for my tribe.
Skylee Glass, graduate of the 2024 Choctaw-Irish Scholarship Programme
Extraordinary connections: A shared history of trauma and resilience
The Choctaw-Ireland alliance is rooted in a remarkable act of generosity. The $170 sent by the Choctaw Nation to aid the Irish during their suffering in 1847 was a humble gift born from empathy, but its impact blossomed into a profound and unexpected bond between two peoples united by shared resilience and compassion. This gesture, given by people who had lost so much, resonated across continents and generations. It is nothing short of extraordinary that my tribe found kinship with another culture that endured similar trauma and adversity.
Living in Ireland afforded me the chance to explore these parallels firsthand. I delved into the histories of both nations, uncovering stories of forced migrations, loss, and the relentless pursuit of dignity. The resilience shown by both the Choctaw and Irish peoples became a source of inspiration, reminding me that hope can be born from even the darkest chapters of history.
As I interacted with Irish families, sharing meals, sharing laughter, and exchanging stories, I realized that the connections we forged went far beyond formal alliances. These were genuine bonds, rooted in mutual respect and compassion. Many of the people I met welcomed me into their homes, treating me not as a visitor but as one of their own. The gift sent decades ago is truly the gift that keeps on giving. It still echoes in acts of kindness and solidarity today.
The resilience shown by both the Choctaw and Irish peoples became a source of inspiration, reminding me that hope can be born from even the darkest chapters of history.
The scholarship: more than education
To say that the Choctaw-Ireland Scholarship is just about obtaining a great education would be to vastly underestimate its significance. It represents inclusion, diversity, encouragement, and a continual cultivation of friendship between our peoples. The scholarship is a living testament to what happens when two nations commit to supporting one another, honoring their shared past while building a future together.
Through this scholarship, I was given a platform not only to excel academically but also to serve as an ambassador for my tribe. By educating others about Choctaw culture and history, I helped foster understanding and appreciation, breaking down barriers of ignorance and prejudice. At the same time, I was enriched by the depth and richness of Irish culture, a culture that welcomed me, taught me, and made me feel at home.
This mutual exchange fostered a sense of global citizenship in me. My worldview expanded, shaped by the realization that our stories of suffering and strength are neither isolated nor unique. Instead, they are part of a broader human narrative, one that demands empathy, cooperation, and a willingness to learn from one another.
The alliance continues: acts of generosity and hope
The alliance between the Choctaw and Irish peoples is not merely a relic of the past; it continues to grow and flourish in the present. In 2020, as the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Irish people raised nearly two million dollars in aid for the Navajo and Hopi tribes, another gesture inspired by the Choctaw’s historic gift during the Great Famine. These acts of generosity reveal a spirit that transcends borders and generations.
“Iyyi Kowa,” a Choctaw expression meaning community coming together, embodies this enduring partnership. Throughout history, both the Choctaw and Irish peoples have had to rely on themselves for survival and strength. Today, however, we find ourselves able to lean on each other, forming a community that spans oceans.
The continuing friendship is reflected in joint initiatives, cultural exchanges, and shared celebrations. Each encounter, each story told and heard, strengthens the alliance, ensuring that the legacy of empathy and generosity remains alive.
Each encounter, each story told and heard, strengthens the alliance, ensuring that the legacy of empathy and generosity remains alive.
A vision for the future: strengthening bonds
Looking ahead, I am optimistic about the ongoing and future alliance between our nations. The connections forged through the Choctaw-Ireland Scholarship and subsequent acts of kindness have laid the groundwork for even deeper collaboration. Whether through educational programs, cultural festivals, or humanitarian efforts, the bridge between the Choctaw and Irish peoples will only grow stronger.
For me personally, this journey has been a process of rediscovery and growth. I have found my voice and learned to use it in service to my tribe and our shared humanity. I have witnessed firsthand the power of inclusion, the beauty of diversity, and the necessity of encouragement. The scholarship has given me tools not just for academic success, but for life to advocate, educate, and inspire.
I now walk in the footsteps of those who came before, carrying the legacy of generosity and resilience. I am grateful for the families who invited me into their homes, for the friends I made who have become family, and for the opportunity to serve as a bridge between our cultures.
Conclusion: The gift that keeps on giving
In reflecting on my experiences to date, I am struck by the transformative power of empathy and alliance. The Choctaw-Ireland Scholarship is more than a program, it is the embodiment of history, hope, and the human spirit. It reminds us that, even in times of suffering, a single act of kindness can reverberate across centuries, creating bonds that endure and deepen.
As the alliance between our nations continues to unfold, I am confident that the values of inclusion, diversity, and encouragement will guide us. Together, we can create a future where our cultures enrich each other, our voices advocate for justice, and our communities support those in need. The gift given almost 200 years ago has blossomed into a partnership that honors the past, strengthens the present, and promises a brighter tomorrow.
The Choctaw and Irish peoples will forever have each other to lean on, and as I move forward, I carry with me the lessons, friendships, and hope born from this extraordinary journey. The gift endures and with it, the alliance, the love, and the promise of a better world. Because of the Choctaw Gift, a gesture born of compassion across oceans, I’ve been blessed with more than opportunity. I now have two homes, two families, and a heart that beats in harmony with both. What began as an act of kindness has become a lifelong bond, and I carry that legacy with deep gratitude and pride.
Skylee Glass is a former Choctaw-Ireland Scholar who completed her Master’s in Applied Psychology at University College Cork (UCC), where she explored the effects of historical trauma on marginalized communities. Today, she remains active in the mental health field and is working toward her vision of establishing a clinic dedicated to serving underserved Native populations.
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