Charles Eastman, or "Ohiyesa" in Santee, came of age during a period of increasing tension and violence between Native and "new" Americans. Raised to become a hunter-warrior, he was nevertheless persuaded by his Christianized father to enter the alien world of white society. A remarkably bright student, Eastman graduated from Dartmouth College and the Boston University School of Medicine. Later on he served as government physician at the Pine Ridge Agency (and tended casualties at Wounded Knee), as Indian Inspector for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and as Indian secretary for the YMCA, and helped found the Boy Scouts of America. Concurrently, however, he also worked on special congressional legislation to settle Sioux claims and was a charter member and later president of the Society of American Indians. It was his writing, though, which most clearly established Eastman's determination to hold on to his roots. In works such as Indian Boyhood, The Soul of the Indian, and Indian Heroes and Chieftains he reconfirmed his native heritage and tried to make white society aware of the Indians' contribution to American civilization.

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.

Ohiyesa, a Dakota Indian also known as Charles Alexander Eastman, is one of America s most fascinating and overlooked individuals. Born in Minnesota in 1858, he obtained postgraduate degrees and advised U.S. presidents before returning to traditional living in native forests. This beautifully packaged reissue contains Ohiyesa s insights on spirit, the human experience, and white culture s impact on Native American culture."

This collections of writings by revered Native Americans offers timeless, meaningful lessons and thought-provoking teachings on living and learning.

The importance of Eastman's life story was reiterated for a new generation when the 2007 HBO film entitled Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee used Eastman, played by Adam Beach, as its leading hero. This book presents an account of the American Indian experience as seen through the eyes of the author.

No, children, you are mistaken. Once upon a time there was a piece of wood. It was not an expensive piece of wood. Far from it. Just a common block of firewood, one of those thick, solid logs that are put on the fire in winter to make cold rooms cozy and warm. I do not know how this really happened, yet the fact remains that one fine day this piece of wood found itself in the shop of an old carpenter. His real name was Mastro Antonio, but everyone called him Mastro Cherry, for the tip of his nose was so round and red and shiny that it looked like a ripe cherry. As soon as he saw that piece of wood, Mastro Cherry was filled with joy. Rubbing his hands together happily, he mumbled half to himself: "This has come in the nick of time. I shall use it to make the leg of a table."

Autobiographical account of how Eastman became a young Indian scout reveals secrets of the Sioux: how to read footprints, hunt with a slingshot and bow and arrow, trap and fish, much more. 27 illustrations.