The remarkable life of Charles Eastman, known also by his Dakota name, Ohiyesa, stands as a testament to resilience, intellect, and an unwavering commitment to bridging two vastly different worlds. As the first Native American certified in Western medicine, a prolific writer, a national lecturer, and a tireless reformer, Charles Eastman dedicated his life to advocating for indigenous rights and preserving the rich heritage of his people.
Born in the winter of 1858 near Redwood Falls, Minnesota, Charles Eastman entered a world on the cusp of dramatic change. His birth name was Hakadah, meaning Pitiful Last, a poignant reflection of being the youngest of three brothers and one sister, and tragically, losing his mother, Wakantakawin (Winona), shortly after his arrival. His father, Tawakanhdeota (Face of Many Lightenings), was full-blooded Santee Sioux, while his mother carried mixed heritage, being the daughter of Seth Eastman, a prominent army officer, and Wakantakawin (Stands Sacred), daughter of the Santee Dakota chief Cloud Man. Raised by his devoted grandmother, Stands Sacred, young Hakadah was later given the name Ohiye S’a, meaning Always Wins, a traditional Dakota appellation marking his passage into early youth and reflecting his determined spirit.
Early Life and the Dakota War of 1862
Life for Ohiyesa took a dramatic turn at the tender age of four with the outbreak of the devastating Dakota War of 1862. This conflict led to Ohiyesa’s separation from his father and siblings, as his grandmother, Stands Sacred, fled with him to the relative safety of North Dakota and Canada, believing the rest of their family had perished. For the next decade, Ohiyesa experienced the traditional nomadic existence of his tribe. Under the careful tutelage of his uncle, he was immersed in the ancient ways of his people, learning vital skills of hunting, tracking, and the responsibilities of a warrior, shaping his understanding of Dakota culture and survival.
A Journey Towards Western Education
At fifteen, Ohiyesa was preparing for his first warpath, driven by the desire to avenge his father’s presumed death. However, fate intervened with the unexpected reappearance of his father, who had survived the war, embraced Christianity, and adopted the name Jacob Eastman. Jacob brought his teenage son to Flandreau, South Dakota, where several Sioux families had established themselves as farmers and homesteaders. Initially, Ohiyesa struggled to adapt to this new world, longing for his tribal life. Yet, he soon excelled in his mission day school education, demonstrating an exceptional aptitude for learning. His dedication led him to walk 150 miles to attend a more advanced mission school in Santee, Nebraska. His rapid progress there earned him a selection for Beloit College in Wisconsin. It was during this period that he formally adopted the Christian name Charles Eastman, signifying his deliberate step into a new identity that would bridge his indigenous roots with Western society.
His academic journey continued with distinction, leading him to Knox College in Illinois, Kimball Academy, and eventually Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, from which he graduated in 1887. Committed to further intellectual pursuits, he immediately enrolled in the Boston University School of Medicine, achieving his M.D. degree in 1890. This accomplishment marked him as the first Native American to be formally certified in Western medicine, a pivotal moment not just for him but for indigenous representation in professional fields.
The Physician at Pine Ridge and Wounded Knee
Upon earning his medical degree, Dr. Eastman was appointed as the government physician to the Pine Ridge Agency in South Dakota. He held this crucial position for nearly three years, serving his people and the broader community. His unique background made him a figure of curiosity and respect, often referred to as the “white doctor who is an Indian.” It was during this tenure that he faced one of the most tragic events in American history: the Wounded Knee Massacre.
In 1890, the Ghost Dance religion, a spiritual movement inspired by the Paiute Indian Wovoka, swept through Native American communities, offering hope amidst dire reservation conditions. Wovoka’s vision promised the vanishing of whites, the return of buffalo, and the restoration of Indian lands and culture if the dance was performed. When the Ghost Dance spread to the Lakota, it alarmed Indian Agents, leading to military intervention. This culminated in the horrific massacre of approximately 200 men, women, and children at Wounded Knee. In the aftermath, Charles Eastman was the only physician available to provide medical care to the wounded survivors, working tirelessly under grim circumstances, an experience that deeply shaped his understanding of injustice and suffering.
A Voice for His People: Author, Activist, and Reformer
In 1891, Charles married Elaine Goodale of Massachusetts, a poet and passionate Indian welfare activist. Together, they would raise six children. After leaving Pine Ridge, Eastman attempted a private medical practice in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1893. When the practice proved financially challenging, Elaine encouraged him to share his childhood stories. This pivotal suggestion led to his first published articles in St. Nicholas Magazine in 1893 and 1894, marking the beginning of his prolific writing career.
Over the next two decades, Eastman became a celebrated author and lecturer. His memoir, Indian Boyhood (1902), vividly recounted his first fifteen years among the Sioux, offering unprecedented insights into traditional Native American life. This book was followed by ten more, predominantly focusing on his indigenous culture and experiences. His literary achievements and active involvement in establishing 32 Indian groups of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) brought him national recognition. His work was so influential that the founders of the Boy Scouts of America and the Camp Fire Girls sought his expertise. Charles Eastman played a critical role in promoting these organizations, providing guidance on summer camp structures, and even managing one of the first Boy Scout camps on the Chesapeake Bay. In 1915, his family established and ran their own successful summer camp at Granite Lake, New Hampshire.
Beyond his literary and youth engagement, Eastman was a significant figure in national politics, tirelessly advocating for Indian rights. He frequently represented the Sioux in Washington, D.C., and was a co-founder of the Society of American Indians (SAI), an organization dedicated to fostering freedom and self-determination for Native Americans. While his public life flourished, his personal life saw changes; he and Elaine separated in 1921, though they never legally divorced or publicly acknowledged their estrangement.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
From 1923 to 1925, Charles Eastman served as an appointed U.S. Indian Inspector under President Calvin Coolidge. His insightful recommendations and deep understanding of Native American communities were instrumental, later forming a foundational basis for President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal for the Indians. This transformative policy sought to grant greater freedom and self-determination to indigenous peoples, a direct reflection of Eastman’s lifelong advocacy.
In his later years, Eastman found solace and inspiration at a cabin he built on the eastern shore of Lake Huron, spending his summers there and his winters in Detroit with his son, Charles Jr., also known as Ohiseya. On January 8, 1939, Charles Eastman Sr. passed away in Detroit at the age of 80 due to a heart attack. His life traversed an extraordinary path, from a traditional Dakota childhood to becoming a pioneer in Western medicine and a powerful voice for Native American rights. Charles Eastman remains an enduring symbol of cultural bridge-building, an eloquent interpreter of indigenous experiences, and a relentless advocate for justice and understanding, leaving behind a profound legacy that continues to inspire.
