Charles Eastman

Charles Eastman (Dakota Sioux, 1858-1939) was a Native American physician, author, and activist who played a crucial role in bridging Native American and Western cultures. Educated at Dartmouth College and Boston Medical School, he became one of the first Native Americans to graduate from medical school. Eastman advocated for the rights of Native peoples, emphasizing the importance of cultural understanding and the preservation of Indigenous traditions. His writings, including books like "Indian Boyhood," reflect his experiences growing up on the Dakota Reservation and his belief in the potential for harmony between Native and non-Native societies.