First Native American Female Physician 1889 1 of 5

Susan La Flesche Picotte was born on the Omaha reservation in northeastern Nebraska in 1865. She was the first Native American woman to earn a medical degree.

Susan was the younger sister of Susette "Bright Eyes" La Flesche Tibbles, Standing Bear's interpreter during his trial in 1879. Susan and the other La Flesche children were leaders who continued their father's legacy of helping the Omaha people make the painful transition to white society while holding onto Omaha culture. Susan's father had a very big impact on her life.

Joseph LeFlesche Susan's father, Joseph La Flesche, also known as Iron Eye, was the last recognized chief of the Omaha. Source — NSHS. Mary LeFlesche Susan's mother, Mary La Flesche, was also known as One Woman. Source — NSHS.

 

J. Sterling Morton


 
This module was funded in part by the Cooper Foundation,
Abel Foundation, and the Nebraska Humanities Council.