Remember “Bright Eyes.” Susette La Flesche. This walkway, Allée Susette La Flesche, honors an extraordinary woman.
Allée Susette La Flesche is more than just a path. It’s a tribute to a Native American activist. Susette La Flesche fought tirelessly for Native American rights. She used her voice and pen to fight injustice.
Susette La Flesche was born in Bellevue Nebraska around 1854. Her father was Chief Joseph La Flesche. He was also known as “Iron Eyes.” He was the last recognized chief of the Omaha tribe.
Susette’s early life was marked by significant change. In 1854 the Omaha gave up their hunting grounds. They moved to a reservation in northeastern Nebraska. Education was important to the La Flesche family. Susette attended the Presbyterian Mission Boarding Day School. She learned to read write and speak English. She also learned to cook and sew.
Susette continued her education at the Elizabeth Institute for Young Ladies in New Jersey. Her writing skills were recognized and encouraged. The New York Tribune published one of her essays. After graduating she returned to the reservation. She became a teacher at the government school.
In 1877 the Ponca Tribe was forced to move to Indian Territory in Oklahoma. Susette’s paternal grandmother was Ponca. Susette and her father went to investigate the conditions. She witnessed the terrible conditions they endured.
Susette became an interpreter for Chief Standing Bear. He sued the U.S. Government for its treatment of his people. Standing Bear won his case. The court declared that Native Americans were persons under the law. This was a landmark civil rights victory.
Susette La Flesche earned the name “Bright Eyes.” It reflected her dedication to her community. She worked with Thomas Tibbles to publicize the Ponca’s plight. She became a witness and interpreter in other cases. Native Americans sued the government with her help.
“Bright Eyes” went on speaking tours. She spoke out against injustice. Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow admired her. He likened her to Minnehaha from his poem “The Song of Hiawatha.”
Susette married Thomas Tibbles in 1882. Together they continued their advocacy. They traveled to England and Scotland. They met royalty and literary figures. Susette testified before Congress. Her testimony helped pass the Dawes Act of 1887. It was considered a progressive law.
Susette La Flesche continued to write. She addressed the Association for the Advancement of Women. She spoke on the position occupation and culture of Indian women. She also farmed her land on the Omaha Reservation.
Susette La Flesche died in 1903 at the age of 49. The U.S. Senate eulogized her. She was remembered as the first woman to speak for Native Americans. She was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1994.
As you walk along Allée Susette La Flesche remember her legacy. Remember her fight for justice. Remember “Bright Eyes.”