Susie Walking Bear Yellowtail

Susie Walking Bear Yellowtail

Susie Walking Bear Yellowtail (1903–1981) was a pioneering American Indian nurse who made significant contributions to public health and the well-being of Native American communities across the United States. Born on the Crow Reservation in Montana, Yellowtail became the first Crow woman to earn a degree in nursing, overcoming numerous obstacles related to her heritage and the societal norms of her time.

Early Life and Education

Susie Walking Bear Yellowtail was born into a world where opportunities for Native Americans, especially women, were severely limited. Despite these challenges, she pursued higher education, a rarity for Native American women in the early 20th century. Yellowtail attended the Boston City Hospital School of Nursing, where she graduated in 1927, marking the beginning of a long and impactful career in healthcare.

Career and Advocacy

Throughout her career, Yellowtail was a staunch advocate for the health rights of Native American people. She traveled extensively across Native American reservations, assessing health needs, providing nursing care, and educating communities about public health practices. Her work was instrumental in bridging the gap between traditional Native American healing practices and Western medicine, ensuring that care was culturally sensitive and effective.

Yellowtail's advocacy extended beyond direct healthcare. She was involved in policy-making and played a key role in the push for the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, which aimed to provide better health services for Native Americans. Her efforts were pivotal in improving the standards of healthcare delivery and accessibility for Native American populations across the country.

Legacy

Susie Walking Bear Yellowtail's legacy is one of resilience, advocacy, and groundbreaking achievements in the field of nursing and public health. Her work has inspired generations of Native American healthcare professionals and has had a lasting impact on the health and well-being of Native American communities.

In recognition of her contributions, Yellowtail received numerous awards and honors, including the President's Award for Outstanding Nursing Health Care. Her life and work continue to be celebrated for their profound impact on improving healthcare for Native Americans and for breaking barriers for women in the healthcare profession.

See Also

• History of Nursing in the United States
• Native American Women in History
• Public Health in the United States