A New Chapter for the Picotte Center

On June 22, 2025, we welcomed our community to the newly restored Picotte Center—breathing new life into Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte’s historic 1913 hospital. This space now stands as a tribute to her groundbreaking work and enduring legacy, offering a place where healing, learning, and community continue to thrive.

Stay tuned as we continue to update our website to better reflect our services and keep you informed about upcoming events and activities.

A black and white image of Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte's historic hospital
A present day photo of Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte's restored hospital

Restoring a Legacy, Inspiring a Community

A black and white portrait of Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte

Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte

Healer, Trailblazer, Warrior.

One woman was all these things and more to her Omaha Tribe and to the Walthill, NE community.

Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte was a trailblazer, becoming the first Native American woman in the United States to earn a medical degree.

Born in 1865 on the Omaha Reservation in Nebraska, she dedicated her life to providing medical care and advocating for public health among the Omaha Tribe and surrounding communities.

Her legacy continues to inspire and guide our mission at the Picotte Center.

A colorful feather icon laying horizontally

At the Heart of the Picotte Center

A different black and white portrait of Dr. Susan combine with an older black and white image of the Picotte Center

HEALTH
& WELLNESS

Our commitment to holistic health continues Dr. Susan’s mission of healing. The Picotte Center will include:

Medical Clinic

Providing accessible healthcare services.

Social Services & Counseling

Offering support for mental health and well-being.

A rendering of the youth room including a large stuffed buffalo, as well as pink flowers on the walls

EDUCATION &
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Fostering growth and learning for future generations with:

Youth & Educational Programs

Enriching activities and resources for young people.

Reading Room

A quiet space to inspire literacy and learning.

A Native American piece of art including a sketch of Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte looking forward and other tribal members facing her

CULTURAL PRESERVATION
& ARTS

Honoring the past and celebrating Native heritage through:

Memorial Museum

Preserving the story of Dr. Susan and the hospital’s legacy.

Art & Artifact Exhibit

Showcasing the creativity and history of the Omaha Tribe.

Native American Cultural Space

A venue for tribal celebrations and traditions.

A collage of art pieces that will be displayed in the Picotte Center including portraits of Dr. Susan, the Medicine Wheel, and others

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
& DEVELOPMENT

Building a stronger, more connected community with:

Community Gardens

Promoting sustainability and local food production.

Entrepreneurial & Technology Center

Empowering individuals with resources and opportunities for economic development.

SUPPORT THE PICOTTE CENTER AND BE A PART OF CREATING OPPORTUNITIES AND PRESERVING THE HERITAGE OF OUR SHARED COMMUNITY.

Follow Our Journey

Hello there! ❤️💚💛💙 Remember our resolution from March about sharing the meaning of the Omaha Medicine Wheel? Today, on the first day of summer, we’re back to chat about the second quarter: Moⁿshte-átathishoⁿ. MEANING: 💚 Moⁿshte-&a
🎉 You're invited! 🎉 Join us for the Open House at the Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte Center on Sunday, June 22, from 12–3 PM in Walthill, NE. ✨ Opening prayer by Nate Merrick 🍽️ Food by Chef Anthony Warrior 🎨 Artist Award Winners Announced
🎉 Happy Birthday, Dr. Susan! 🎉 On this day, 160 years ago, the first Native American—male or female—to become a doctor was born on the Omaha Reservation in Nebraska. Although she died from bone cancer at the young age of 50, her legac
☕️ Introducing TWO Signature Coffee Blends Crafted exclusively for the Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte Center and roasted locally by @a_hill_of_beans ! ✨ Moⁿkóⁿsabe Blend ✨ Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte Blend Both blends are smooth, well-balance

A Video of Our Story

Discover more about the inspiring journey and noteworthy achievements of Dr. Susan.

A black and white image of exterior of The Picotte Center
A member of the Omaha tribe speaking into a microphone at the Omaha Powwow
A black and white feather with colorful beadwork on the shaft

LEARN ABOUT THE RICH HISTORY OF DR. SUSAN FROM RESOURCES WHO HAVE SHARED HER STORY.

A black and white portrait of Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte, the first Native American Physician

We who are educated have to be pioneers of Indian civilization. The white people have reached a high standard of civilization, but how many years has it taken them? We are only beginning: so do not try to put us down, but help us to climb higher. Give us a chance.

— Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte —

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