Edith Emerald Johns facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edith Emerald Johns
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| Patche-Ka-Danga | |
1971 as head caseworker of St. Augustine's Center for the American Indian in Chicago
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| Born |
Edith Big Fire Johns
January 19, 1915 Winnebago Reservation in Thurston County, Nebraska
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| Died | June 10, 1999 (aged 84) Chicago, Illinois
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| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Edith Syfczak |
| Occupation | nurse, Native American activist |
| Years active | 1937-1999 |
Edith Emerald Johns (also known by her Winnebago name: Patche-Ka-Danga) was an important American nurse and community leader. She was born in 1915 and passed away in 1999. Edith was a member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and also had Nez Perce heritage. She made a big difference in the Chicago area, especially for Native American communities. She helped start the Native American Educational Services College and was honored in the Chicago Women's Hall of Fame.
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Early Life and Education
Edith Big Fire Johns was born on January 19, 1915. Her birthplace was the Winnebago Reservation in Thurston County, Nebraska. Her father was from the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. Her mother was Nez Perce.
When she was eleven, Edith went to an American Indian boarding school. In 1937, she finished nursing school. This was in Fort Wayne, Indiana. After that, she moved to Chicago.
Helping Her Community
Edith Johns worked as a nurse in Chicago for many years. She helped patients at several hospitals. Later, she became a caseworker. She worked at St. Augustine's Center for the American Indian. By 1971, she was the chief caseworker there.
Edith was very active in the "urban Indian movement." This movement helped Native Americans living in cities. She gave speeches and attended important meetings. In 1968, she went to a meeting in Seattle. It focused on issues for Native Americans in cities.
Edith Johns was a founder of the American Indian Center (AIC) in Chicago. She worked with Willard LaMere to create it. She was on its Board of Directors for many years. The center offered cultural programs. It also helped people share their skills. Edith was very good at beadwork. She taught others this traditional craft.
Education and Global Travel
Edith Johns also helped start the Native American Educational Services College (NAES). This college opened in 1974. It aimed to provide higher education for Native Americans in cities. Edith became an instructor there in 1975. She taught a course called "Dynamics of Community Health." This course covered health care and patient rights. She worked at NAES until 1978.
Edith went back to college herself. She attended the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois. She earned her bachelor's degree in 1977. She was 62 years old when she graduated.
At age 65, Edith joined the Peace Corps. The Peace Corps is a program where Americans volunteer to help people in other countries. She served as a nurse in Dominica for two years. She also traveled to Australia and New Zealand. There, she met with indigenous people.
In 1990, she started working at O'Hare International Airport. She helped travelers and immigrants. She assisted infants arriving for adoption. She also helped runaways and others needing help at the airport.
Edith Johns passed away on June 10, 1999, in Chicago. She was buried in Rosehill Cemetery.
Awards and Honors
Edith Johns received several important honors. She was inducted into the Chicago Women's Hall of Fame. She was also honored in Chicago's Senior Citizens Hall of Fame.
