Native American healthcare situation

Native American healthcare situation

Many older American Indians prefer the term “Indian” to “Native American,” believing that anyone born in the United States is a “Native American,” and that the term “Indian” reflects the language used in treaties with the federal government.

In 1907, Susan La Flesche Picotte, the first Native American woman M.D., wrote a letter to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs. Her letter describes the health conditions and needs of her tribe, the Omahas, living in Nebraska. She begins to describe affairs, writing, "If you knew the conditions...." Picotte's words are echoed in the title of this exhibit ...