Charles Eastman
Charles Eastman
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Ohiyesa is the Native American name of Charles Alexander Eastman, also known as Ohiyesa Eastman.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: February 19, 1858, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota
Died: January 8, 1939
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Charles Eastman was a Native American physician, writer, and reformer. He was of Santee Sioux descent.
Early Life and Background
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Charles Eastman was born to Mary Nancy Eastman and Ohitikaht (also known as Jacob Eastman), a white missionary who worked with the Santee Sioux in Minnesota. In his early years, Eastman experienced significant cultural shifts due to his mixed heritage. He received his formal education at Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania. Eastman then went on to study medicine at Boston University's Medical School.
Major Accomplishments
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Charles Eastman made significant contributions as a physician and writer. Some of his key accomplishments include:
Promoting Native American health: He worked tirelessly to improve the medical care provided to Native Americans, often advocating for better living conditions and healthcare services in reservations.
Advocating for Native American rights: Eastman was an early advocate for Native American rights, including land reform and equal education opportunities. He also co-founded the Society of American Indians (SAI) with other prominent Native American leaders.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some notable works by Charles Eastman include:
"From the Deep Woods to Civilization: Chapters in the Autobiography of an Indian" (1916): This autobiography provides a personal account of his life experiences, offering insights into the challenges faced by Native Americans during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
"The Soul of the Indian" (1911): In this work, Eastman explores the spiritual aspects of Native American culture, highlighting the importance of connection to nature and tradition.
Impact and Legacy
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Charles Eastman's contributions have had a lasting impact on Native American communities. His advocacy for better healthcare, education, and land reform paved the way for future generations of Native American leaders.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Today, Charles Eastman is widely remembered as a pioneer in the fight for Native American rights and self-determination. His commitment to preserving Native American culture and promoting positive change has left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and guide contemporary social justice movements.
Charles Eastman's dedication to his people's welfare serves as an example of courage, perseverance, and compassion, making him a revered figure in the struggle for Native American rights and recognition.
Quotes by Charles Eastman
In the life of the Indian there was only one inevitable duty, - the duty of prayer - the daily recognition of the Unseen and Eternal.
That is, we believed, the supreme duty of the parent, who only was permitted to claim in some degree the priestly office and function, since it is his creative and protecting power which alone approaches the solemn function of Deity.
Yet, if an enemy should honor us with a call, his trust will not be misplaced, and he will go away convinced that he has met with a royal host!
Our people, though capable of strong and durable feeling, were not demonstrative in their affection at any time, least of all in the presence of guests or strangers.
It is noteworthy that the first effect of contact with the whites was an increase of cruelty and barbarity, an intensifying of the dark shadows in the picture!
It has been said that the position of woman is the test of civilization, and that of our women was secure. In them was vested our standard of morals and the purity of our blood.
The red man divided mind into two parts, - the spiritual mind and the physical mind.