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Susan La Flesche Picotte: A Trailblazing Physician and Advocate for Native American Rights

John Green

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Published in Susan La Flesche Picotte: Discovering History S Heroes (Jeter Publishing)

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Susan La Flesche Picotte (1865-1915) was a pioneering Omaha physician and advocate for Native American rights. Born into a prominent Omaha family, she overcame numerous obstacles to become one of the first Native American women to earn a medical degree. Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to providing healthcare to her people and fighting for their rights.

Early Life and Education

Susan La Flesche was born on June 17, 1865, on the Omaha Reservation in Nebraska. Her father, Joseph La Flesche, was a respected Omaha chief, and her mother, Mary Gale La Flesche, was a devout Christian. From a young age, Susan displayed a keen intellect and a desire to help others.

Susan La Flesche Picotte: Discovering History's Heroes (Jeter Publishing)

by Diane Bailey

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1362 KB
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Print length	:	140 pages

In 1889, Susan enrolled at the Hampton Institute in Virginia. Hampton was a prestigious boarding school for Native Americans, where she excelled in her studies. She was particularly drawn to science and medicine, and she became determined to become a doctor.

After graduating from Hampton, Susan attended the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania. She was the only Native American student in her class, and she faced discrimination and prejudice from some of her classmates and professors. However, she persevered and graduated with honors in 1895.

Medical Career

After graduating from medical school, Susan returned to the Omaha Reservation. She established a small clinic in Walthill, Nebraska, where she provided free healthcare to her people. She also traveled extensively throughout the reservation, providing medical care to those who could not reach her clinic.

Susan's medical practice was not without its challenges. The Omaha Reservation was located in a remote area, and travel was often difficult. In addition, the federal government provided inadequate funding for healthcare on the reservation. Despite these obstacles, Susan remained committed to her patients.

Susan's work as a physician had a profound impact on the health of the Omaha people. She introduced new medical practices and technologies, and she helped to reduce infant mortality and improve overall health conditions. She also provided education on hygiene and nutrition, and she worked to improve sanitation on the reservation.

Advocacy for Native American Rights

In addition to her medical work, Susan La Flesche Picotte was also a vocal advocate for Native American rights. She witnessed firsthand the injustices and discrimination that Native Americans faced, and she dedicated herself to fighting for their rights.

In 1898, Susan helped to organize the National Council of American Indians (NCAI). The NCAI was a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the rights of Native Americans and promoting their self-determination. Susan served as the organization's president from 1908 to 1911.

As president of the NCAI, Susan traveled extensively throughout the United States, advocating for Native American rights. She spoke before Congress and met with government officials, and she worked to raise awareness of the challenges facing Native American communities.

Susan's advocacy work was instrumental in securing a number of important victories for Native Americans. In 1924, the Indian Citizenship Act was passed, granting citizenship to all Native Americans. In 1934, the Indian Reorganization Act was passed, providing funding for Native American education, healthcare, and economic development.

Legacy

Susan La Flesche Picotte died in 1915 at the age of 49. She was buried on the Omaha Reservation, near the clinic where she had dedicated her life to serving her people.

Susan La Flesche Picotte was a true pioneer. She overcame numerous obstacles to become one of the first Native American women to earn a medical degree. She dedicated her life to providing healthcare to her people and fighting for their rights. Her legacy continues to inspire Native Americans today.

Susan La Flesche Picotte was a remarkable woman who made significant contributions to the health and well-being of Native Americans. She was a pioneering physician, a tireless advocate, and a role model for generations to come. Her story is a testament to the power of one person to make a difference.

Additional Resources

* Susan La Flesche Picotte: A Pioneer in Medicine and Activism * The National Council of American Indians * The Indian Citizenship Act * The Indian Reorganization Act

Susan La Flesche Picotte: Discovering History's Heroes (Jeter Publishing)

by Diane Bailey

4.7 out of 5