INDIAN HEROES AND GREAT CHIEFTAINS

Every age, every race, has its leaders and heroes. There were over sixty distinct tribes of Indians on this continent, each of which boasted its notable men. The names and deeds of some of these men will live in American history, yet in the true sense they are unknown, because misunderstood. Charles Alexander Eastman presents some of the greatest chiefs of modern times in the light of the native character and ideals, believing that the American people will gladly do them tardy justice.

Charles Alexander Eastman (Sioux: Ohiyesa, (pronounced Oh hee yay suh), February 19, 1858 - January 8, 1939) was a Native American author, physician and reformer. He was active in politics and helped found the Boy Scouts of America.

In 1902 Eastman published the autobiographical Indian Boyhood, recounting his first fifteen years of life among the Sioux during the waning years of the nineteenth century. In the following years he wrote a total of eleven books, most concerned with his Native American heritage. They enjoy regular reprints and some books have translated in French, German and other European languages. A compilation of his writings was published posthumously as The Essential Charles Eastman (Ohiyesa)

With the publication of his books and his work with the Boy Scouts, he was in demand as a public lecturer. Eastman was chosen to represent the American Indian at the Universal Races Congress in London in 1911.[2] His public speaking continued for the remainder of his life.