Who is Charles Eastman

He was raised in a teepee in the traditional ways of the Sioux or Dakota people and eventually graduated from Dartmouth, then from Boston University with a medical degree. He went back to his people at the Pine Ridge reservation as a physician and was there before, during and after the massacre at wounded knee where he cared for the wounded. He defended his people from corrupt Indian agencies and worked as a lobbyist to Washington D.C for the benefit of the Native American. Here is a man that quietly worked to change the perception of the growing dominant culture to a real understanding of who the Native American really is. His hope was to preserve a way of life he knew was waining and eventually together with Ernest Thompson Seton helped to create the institution of the Boy Scouts based in large part on Native American life ways here in the United States.

According to the Wikipedia, Robert Baden-Powell started Scouting in 1907 in Great Britain and the movement began to grow overseas, although it is not clear from what I have read where these two movements converge. Charles Eastman began his association with the boy scout organization in 1910.

TRUSTWORTHY
A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.
LOYAL
A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation.
HELPFUL
A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.
FRIENDLY
A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs other than his own.
COURTEOUS
A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together.
KIND
A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.
OBEDIENT
A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.
CHEERFUL
A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.
THRIFTY
A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.
BRAVE
A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or threaten him.
CLEAN
A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.
REVERENT
A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.

"The true Indian sets no price upon either his property or his labor. His generosity is limited only by his strength and ability. He regards it as an honor to be selected for difficult or dangerous service and would think it shameful to ask for any reward, saying rather: "Let the person I serve express his thanks according to his own bringing up and his sense of honor. Each soul must meet the morning sun, the new sweet earth, and the Great Silence alone!..."

I find it amazing, and maybe you do too, that an organization like the Boy Scouts that is considered to be an "all American" institution is actually majorly influenced by the philosophy of a people who only a short 100 years ago where considered the "enemy". Think of the incredible influence it has had on our young people over all these years. Thanks to the confidence, vision and drive of Ohiyesa, Charles Eastman.

... you'll automatically be making a donation to The Acumen Fund, working to solve global poverty.

Doesn't that feel good?