Charles Eastman, born Ohiyesa on February 19, 1858, was a Native American physician, author, and reformer. He was a member of the Santee Dakota tribe and played a significant role in bridging Native American and European-American cultures at the turn of the 20th century.
Charles Eastman was born near Redwood Falls, Minnesota, into the Mdewakanton Dakota band. His father, Many Lightnings, was a chief, and his mother, Tȟaíŋzíwíŋ, died when he was young. After the Dakota War of 1862, his father, who had converted to Christianity, took the family to Canada, where Eastman was raised by his grandmother and uncle in traditional Dakota ways.
At age 15, Eastman reunited with his father, who insisted he attend a mission school to learn English and adopt Christianity. He attended Beloit College in Wisconsin, where he was known as "Charles Alexander Eastman." His education continued at Dartmouth College, graduating in 1887, and then at Boston University School of Medicine, where he received his medical degree in 1890, becoming one of the first Native Americans to do so.
Eastman worked as a physician, first on reservations, and later with the Indian Health Service in the Pine Ridge Agency. His medical work brought him into close contact with the aftermath of the Wounded Knee Massacre, an experience that profoundly influenced his views on Native American relations with the U.S. government.
Eastman became deeply involved in Native American rights, particularly in advocating for better living conditions, education, and cultural preservation. He worked with organizations like the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) to help Native Americans adapt to the changing world. His most famous work in this area was the establishment of the Camp Fire Boys and Girls, later known as Camp Fire, which aimed to foster understanding and cooperation between Native and non-Native youth.
He also authored several books, including:
These works provide a unique insight into Native American life, customs, and philosophy from an insider's perspective.
Charles Eastman's contributions to Native American literature, health, and cultural understanding are significant. He was one of the first to articulate Native American perspectives in a way that was accessible to a wider American audience. His work has been praised for its authenticity and for fostering a greater understanding between cultures. Eastman died on January 8, 1939, but his legacy continues through his writings and the organizations he influenced.