Charles Alexander (Ohiyesa) Eastman

About the Author

Charles Alexander (Ohiyesa) Eastman, born in 1858 in the Santee Sioux tribe in Minnesota, was a pioneering Native American physician, writer, and advocate for indigenous rights. Raised in the traditional ways of his people until age 15, he later pursued Western education, graduating from Dartmouth College and Boston University School of Medicine. As one of the first Native Americans to become a physician, Eastman worked tirelessly to bridge cultures, serving as a government doctor and founding the Boy Scouts' YMCA program for Native youth. His writings eloquently capture the clash between Native traditions and modern civilization, offering profound insights into Sioux life, spirituality, and the challenges of assimilation. Through his influential memoir From the Deep Woods to Civilization, Eastman illuminated the resilience and wisdom of his heritage while championing education and cultural preservation until his death in 1939.