Member-only story

How Susan La Flesche, a Native American Woman, Overcame Racial and Gender Inequality

Ron Blair

·18.6k Followers· Follow

Published in A Warrior Of The People: How Susan La Flesche Overcame Racial And Gender Inequality To Become America S First Indian Doctor

4 min read · 1 week before

705 View Claps

81 Respond

Save

Listen

A Warrior of the People: How Susan La Flesche Overcame Racial and Gender Inequality to Become America's First Indian Doctor

by Joe Starita

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1427 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	321 pages

Portrait Of Susan La Flesche Picotte, A Native American Woman With Dark Hair And Eyes, Wearing A White Dress And A Beaded Necklace. A Warrior Of The People: How Susan La Flesche Overcame Racial And Gender Inequality To Become America S First Indian Doctor

Early Life and Education

Susan La Flesche Picotte was born on June 17, 1865, on the Omaha Indian Reservation in Nebraska. She was the daughter of Joseph La Flesche, a prominent Omaha chief, and Mary Gale, a mixed-blood woman of Omaha and French descent. Susan's parents were committed to education and saw it as a way for their daughter to bridge the cultural divide between Native Americans and white society.

At the age of 15, Susan was enrolled in the Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania. Carlisle was a boarding school that aimed to assimilate Native American children into white culture. Susan struggled at Carlisle, but she persevered and graduated in 1886 as the only female student in her class.

After graduating from Carlisle, Susan attended the University of Pennsylvania, where she studied medicine. She was the first Native American woman to attend medical school in the United States. Susan graduated from medical school in 1889 and returned to the Omaha Indian Reservation to practice medicine.

Medical Career

Susan's medical practice was based on the belief that it was important to treat the whole person, not just their physical symptoms. She provided medical care to Native Americans and white settlers alike, and she also worked to improve public health conditions on the reservation.

In 1892, Susan married Henry Picotte, a white trader. Together, they had three children. Susan continued to practice medicine until her husband's death in 1905. After Henry's death, Susan moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked for the Indian Health Service.

Social Activism

In addition to her medical work, Susan was also a social activist. She spoke out against the government's policies toward Native Americans and worked to improve the lives of her people. Susan was a founding member of the National Council of American Indians, and she served as the organization's president from 1923 to 1925.

Susan La Flesche Picotte was a remarkable woman who overcame racial and gender inequality to become a successful doctor and social reformer. She dedicated her life to bridging cultural divides and advocating for the rights of Native Americans. Susan's legacy continues to inspire people today.

Legacy

Susan La Flesche Picotte died on January 28, 1915, at the age of 49. She is buried on the Omaha Indian Reservation in Nebraska. Susan's legacy continues to inspire people today. She is remembered as a pioneer for Native American women and a tireless advocate for social justice.

In 1993, Susan La Flesche Picotte was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame. In 1999, the United States Postal Service issued a stamp in her honor. In 2005, Susan was inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame.

A Warrior of the People: How Susan La Flesche Overcame Racial and Gender Inequality to Become America's First Indian Doctor

by Joe Starita

4.5 out of 5