Dr. Charles Alexander Eastman was a respected leader among Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. His mission in life was to educate others about the lifestyle of Native people, preserve traditions and culture through sharing it with all he encountered. Dr. Charles Eastman affectionately known as Ohiyesa was a social justice advocate ahead of his time. Through the many books he authored, he built awareness of Indigenous philosophy and rights of the first people. It was in 1894 when Dr. Charles Eastman began working with the YMCA as the secretary of the International Committee. Through this work he built community and trust between the YMCA and several Indigenous communities.
Dr. Charles Eastman once said, “[Native] names were either characteristic nicknames given in a playful spirit, deed names, birth names, or such as have a religious and symbolic meaning.” Eastman was given his own symbolic name, Ohiyesa, after winning a race as a child. Ohiyesa means the winner of bravery, endurance and patience in Sioux culture. It was in the early years of establishing a camp near Holly, Michigan that staff at the Detroit YMCA decided to honor Eastman by naming the camp after him. Dr. Charles Eastman resided in Detroit and would visit camp periodically. His spirit and legacy is felt at Camp Ohiyesa.
We graciously honor his work and commitment to educate and serve all on this Indigenous People’s Day.
Sources:
https://www.innermosthousefoundation.org/
The Story of the Detroit YMCA 1852-1952 By A.G. Studer
The Essential Charles Eastman: Light on the Indian World By Charles Eastmand and Michael Oren Fitzgerald