Born July 10, 1951 in San Carlos, Arizona, Yatzie
Dee was named after his father who is Micozuky, Seminole. Yatzie (pronounced YAH-shee) means Silver Eagle. His mother is Chiricahua, Nde of the Aday clan.
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 story 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.
