The Essential Charles Eastman (Ohiyesa): Light on the Indian World

by Charles Alexander Eastman, Raymond Wilson (Foreword), Janine Pease (Introduction)

This revised and updated edition contains the most important writings of Charles Eastman (Ohiyesa), the first Native American author to live simultaneously in both the traditional world of the Santee Sioux and the modern civilization of the white man. Dr. Eastman also attended the injured at the Battle of Wounded Knee. Ohiyesa's works represent a complete explanation of the philosophy and moral code of the Plains Indian. Ohiyesa's message speaks to every person who seeks a spiritual way in the midst of a society increasingly dominated by materialism and industrial technology. Sun Dance chief, James Trosper writes, It is a small miracle that these important spiritual teachings have been preserved for us. This new edition contains 10 sepia photographs from Eastman's life and a thought-provoking foreword by Raymond Wilson.

Genres: History, Native Americans, Native American

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Charles Alexander Eastman is unique among Indian writers, whether storytellers or oral historians. He was raised traditionally, as a Woodland Sioux, by his grandmother, from 1858 - 1874, until he was 15. He thus gained a thorough first-hand knowledge of the lifeways, language, culture, and oral history.

His father (thought to have been hanged at Mankato, Minnesota) reappeared and insisted he receive the white man's education. Educated at Dartmouth and Boston University medical school, Eastman became a highly literate physician, who was the only doctor available to the victims of the Wounded Knee massacre in 1890 -- a major historical event, often described as "ending the Indian wars".

Other Indian writers of this period were either entirely acculturated -- had never lived the traditional life of their people or been educated out of their native knowledge -- or were not literate, and were able to provide only "as told to" materials, through the filters of interpreters and non-Indian writers. Eastman had the lifeways and historical events experiences, and he did not need the literary filters of translators and white anthropologists or collectors.

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Reviews

[Gail Johnson, Ph.D · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is about Charles A. Eastman (Ohiyesa) who was born into the Sioux Tribe during 1858. Also, the book is a retelling of his life from birth, growing up in the wilderness, boarding school, college, and his professional career. It is a good book on Indian culture.

[Gabe Mianulli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enlightening book, for every American.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved reading about Ohiyesa's youth. There were some poignant moments when he entered white culture. Would certainly like to read more of his writings.