Born July 10, 1951 in San Carlos, Arizona, his name, Yatzie Dee, means Silver Eagle. He was named after his father who is Micozuky, Seminole. His mother is Chiricahua, Nde.

Yatzie Dee had a love for nature as a child. In his youth, Yatzie Dee portrayed the people with special interest and incorporated the vast history of his Native American culture into his work. He followed the teachings of the Medicine Wheel by including the children with the Elders in his art.

When Yatzie Dee left home as a teenager, he made his living by selling his drawings while exploring the country. His journey took him as far as Canada and Europe where he learned the different languages of the old world as well as new ideas.

During the 1980’s, Yatzie Dee overcame a difficult period by concentrating on his artwork with renewed enthusiasm. He traveled to art shows and Native American Powwows throughout the country. His portraits of Native American Chiefs and their people as well as his drawings of nature and wildlife reveal the intensity of his style that tells the stories of their struggles.

In 1991, Yatzie Dee moved to California and this became his permanent residence. He continues to show his artwork at Native American events where visitors will find some of his best and most inspiring creations.