From the Deep Woods to Civilization

Charles Eastman (born 1858) was one of the highest educated Indians of his time, who became, through his social work and his writings, one of the best-known Indians of the early 20th century. He spent most of his life helping Indian people cope with the changes to their world and trying to reconcile the opposing values and beliefs of white society and Sioux culture. This autobiography begins by describing his days at Pine Ridge Agency, treating the injuries sustained by the survivors of the Wounded Knee Massacre. He then goes on to tell of his life as a doctor in St. Paul, Minnesota. Within his writing he includes current events of the day.