Is a Western Apache of the Eagle Clan and is the great-grandson of Aravaipa Chief Hashkebansiziin (Eskiminzin).
Received the Heritage Fellowship Award from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1989 for his making of traditional Apache violins. One of his art pieces is in the musical instruments collection in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
Is a Korean War veteran.
Is an active member of the Apache Medicine Men Society.