Growing Up Dakota is a true story. Charles Alexander Eastman was born in a buffalo skin teepee in 1858. His mother died when he was a baby and his grandmother Uncheedah became his loving caregiver. During a war between Dakotas and the U.S. Army, his family became separated from his father. When he was four years old, he received the name Ohiyesa, the winner. His uncle White Footprint taught him to be a brave Dakota warrior. Everything changed for Ohiyesa when he was 15 years old. He entered the white man's world. In 1887 he graduated from Dartmouth College. He became a famous physician. He always cherished his Dakota heritage and wrote books to help other people learn about what it was like growing up Dakota.