Narbona was one of the wealthiest Navajo of his time due to the number of sheep and horses owned by his extended family group.

However, he was very influential in the tribe due to the status gained from his wealth, personal reputation, and age during the time he negotiated with the white men.

[2][3] In 1849, Narbona, with several hundred of his warriors, rode to meet a delegation led by Col. John M. Washington to discuss peace terms between the Navajo and the "New Men", Americans who had driven the Mexicans from what is now the Southwestern United States.

Washington commanded his troops to unlimber their cannon and prepare to fire if the Navajo refused to return the, now absent, property the Americans said was stolen.

He was buried by his sons in the traditional Navajo fashion, bound in a "death knotted" blanket and cast into a crevice.