When researching the history and origin of the Boy Scouts, the story that likely comes to the surface is regarding Ernest Thompson Seton, an author, and artist that taught young men the ways of Native Americans. Seton started the Woodcraft Indians, and would eventually go on to create the Boy Scouts with the assistance, input, and guidance from author Daniel Carter Beard and British military officer Robert Baden-Powell.
Seton, Beard, and Baden-Powell began to garner more support from New York YMCA executive Edgar Robinson. In turn, Robinson got the support of the well-known Dakota author and physician Charles Eastman or ‘Ohiyesa.’
Eastman ‘Ohiyesa’ was born in 1858 As a child, Eastman was forced from Minnesota along with his community following the Dakota War of 1862.
Ohiyesa experienced a tumultuous and troubled life, he was separated from his father and siblings during the Dakota War of 1862 and he lived for many years not knowing they were alive. 15 years later, they were reunited. Ohiyesa’s father had converted to Christianity and believed in European style educations.
Following his father’s direction, and by choosing a Christian name at random from a list, Ohiyesa became known by his Christian name Charles Eastman and went to a Native residential school, then he went onto Beloit and Knox College and eventually Dartmouth. He attended Medical School at Boston University and became the second Native physician in the United States.
As a physician, Eastman worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs on the Pine Ridge and Crow Creek Reservations. He treated victims of the Wounded Knee Massacre.
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