Dr. Bernard Anthony Hoehner, respected elder and American Indian Studies instructor at SF State for more than 20 years, died Thursday, Oct. 12 at the age of 71.
Born and raised on the Standing Rock Reservation in South Dakota, Hoehner served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II, and was the first American Indian in the country to earn a doctorate degree in veterinary medicine, from Colorado State University in 1952.
Hoehner's Hunkpapa and Blackfoot lineage included his grandfather, Chief John Grass, a leader in his people's struggle for land rights.
He came to SF State in 1970 and taught a variety of classes, including American Indian Science this term.
"He had a real commitment to coming to school to teach students, no matter how close their ties to Indian heritage," said John-Carlos Perea, a student of Hoehner's and a member of the Blue Horse Singers drum group.
"He felt that what he was teaching was important to living one's life, and that no one should be denied the chance to learn," Perea said.
Chapel services for Hoehner were held on Sunday in Walnut Creek. The SF State service will be announced at a later date.
"My children are my medicine," Hoehner once said.
[ Golden Gater Online October 19, 1995 ]
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