Indian Boyhood

"Indian Boyhood" by Charles A. Eastman is a memoir exploring the author’s childhood experiences as a Dakota Sioux boy, likely written in the early 20th century. The book delves into Eastman's early life, cultural traditions, and the upbringing he received from his family, particularly from his grandmother, in a society that is in a constant struggle with the encroachment of Western civilization. The opening of the memoir provides a vivid and personal account of Eastman's infancy and early childhood, establishing the backdrop of his upbringing in a Sioux community. He introduces himself through the name "Hakadah," meaning "the pitiful last," given to him after the death of his mother. The narrative features the love and care he received from his grandmother, who played a substantial role in his education and cultural transmission.