[3] Deciding who will take on a name for future generations is generally determined by the elders of the tribe in the first couple of years of a child's life.
[3] His grandmother was an elder who taught Tlingit dance and song within the community, therefore growing up he was surrounded by his lively culture and tradition which would influence his art in the coming years.
[3] He recounts many times in which he would see masks and tribal clothing in his room which he says was similar to the “backstage” of a show.
After residing in Alaska for his entire childhood and teenage years, he moved to New York City to pursue his interest in the arts.
[3] Shortly after, he moved to New York City and in 1978 he began to attend The School of Visual Arts and studied photography until the year 1981.