Choctaw Nation
Charlie Clark
DURANT – The Celtic-American entertainment group RUNA visited the Choctaw Nation for two days to research ideas for new music that will highlight the Choctaw-Irish connection. The international award-winning band is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
On Jan. 30, the five members of RUNA shared their unique blend of Irish folk and Americana roots music and dance at the Choctaw Nation Headquarters in Durant. Chief Gary Batton and almost a hundred Choctaw elders, artists and other tribal members were on hand to welcome the visitors. Choctaw heritage also was displayed through art, music, dance and storytelling.
The following day, tours were conducted at Choctaw historical sites, including the traditional capital of Tvshka Homma, the landing that marked the end of the Trail of Tears, and Skullyville.
“There is no better way than to go to the source,” RUNA spokesperson Shannon Lambert-Ryan said. “We thought we’d come and chat with a musician or two,” she said. “Never in our wildest dreams did we expect all this.” Members of RUNA currently reside in Pennsylvania, Canada and Ireland. 
The inspiration for their new musical project dates back to the infamous “potato famine,” in which Irish people were starving. The Choctaws, in 1847, hardly a decade off of the Trail of Tears, heard of the plight and collected what was then a small fortune to them, $170, and sent it to Ireland to buy food. The gift was credited with saving thousands of lives. The gratitude of the Irish people and the friendship of the two nations last to this day.