Stories aren’t just words on a page; they’re lifelines, pieces of history, and bridges between pain and healing. For Thomas Spotted Elk, storytelling is not merely a craft—it is the essence of his identity. A Chiricahua Apache, artist, musician, and retired medical professional, he has dedicated his life to overcoming hardship and sharing truths that many prefer to overlook.
A Childhood of Survival
Growing up on a reservation in Arizona, Thomas learned the harsh meaning of struggle early on. His childhood home barely stood against the wind, and a potbelly stove was all that kept the family warm. Hunger was a familiar companion, but so too was resilience. His father, a man of unwavering dedication, had served two tours in the military, embodying strength that echoed through generations.
But no amount of physical strength could prepare the Chiricahua Apache’s for the cruelty of what came next. Many of the children were forced into Catholic Boarding Schools, stripped of their language, forcing them to cut their long hair as a symbol of their identity, all the children were treated less than human. If they were caught speaking their native language, they were beaten. Misbehavior, led to punishments so severe, that in today’s society, it would definitely be considered torture. They would be locked I’m small cages for days at a time. No food, no water and they could not even move around. They had to be in a fetal position to be able to fit inside, left in total darkness to endure the pain in silence. Many of our people, children died from all the unkindness and torture. The Catholic School got away with murder saying that those kids ran away. Now they have found mass graves in those schools of the children they murdered. It was this time that Thomas’s father had enough! He took his family and escaped. That was the first step towards California. To this year and date of 2025, the Chiricahua Apache’s are still considered POW’s, or Prisoners Of War! It is a sad time we live in.
For many, experiences like that would leave scars too deep to heal, but Thomas learned something different. The world teaches hate, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. People can change—if they’re willing to listen. And that’s why he tells his story. Not for sympathy. Not for anger. But for understanding.
The Fight to Speak the Truth
Writing about his past wasn’t easy. It forced him to relive things he’d rather forget. There were moments he wanted to stop, times when the weight of his memories threatened to bury him. But every time doubt crept in, he reminded himself: if he felt this way, others did too. Maybe his words could reach someone still fighting their way through. Maybe they could make a difference.
His books became more than just stories. He tackled the hardest topics—suicide, school shootings, drug abuse, bullying—things people turn away from because they’re too uncomfortable to face. But ignoring them doesn’t make them go away. If anything, silence makes them worse. His books weren’t just about telling stories; they were about giving people a voice, a way to confront the pain they carried.
Some might think his audience is limited, that his words are meant only for those who grew up like he did. But pain isn’t bound by culture or geography. Depression, addiction, bullying—they happen everywhere, to everyone. That’s why he writes for all. Because no one should have to feel alone in their suffering.
The Hidden Cost of Progress
Poverty was a constant reality in Thomas’s youth, but the rise of casinos has introduced financial resources to Native communities. However, this newfound wealth has also brought its own challenges. Tribal members receive their shares only upon turning 18, leading many young adults to mishandle sudden wealth and fall into cycles of reckless spending and substance abuse. Tragically, some did not survive the consequences.
Thomas draws parallels to Killers of the Flower Moon, which recounts the exploitation of the Osage people. It is a reminder that even today, Native communities continue to confront the pitfalls of greed and manipulation.
Fighting for His Place in Medicine
Education proved to be another battleground, marked by discrimination and doubt. Despite facing prejudice and learning disabilities, Thomas insisted on his right to an equal education. While his peers grasped concepts quickly, he worked twice, even three times as hard. Yet he thrived—not only passing but excelling, ranking first in every medical rotation and eventually teaching at USC Medical School, defying all expectations set before him.
Choosing Purpose Over Praise
Despite his accomplishments, Thomas has never sought the spotlight. When asked for this interview, he felt overwhelmed and unworthy of attention. Yet, he realized that his story is not about pride; it is about revealing that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope and an opportunity for change. His narrative serves as a testament to resilience, proving that the human spirit can rise, no matter how many times it is challenged.
In a world that often overlooks the importance of Indigenous storytelling, Thomas’s journey underscores its vital role in healing historical trauma and inspiring modern understanding. By sharing his story, he advocates for a future where pain is acknowledged, and transformation is possible.
About The Author
Thomas Spotted Elk is an Apache from the Chiricahua band of Natives, now residing in Huntington Beach, California. With a background spanning many years in the medical field, he brings a unique perspective to the topics he explores in his writing. Thomas is passionate about sharing stories that resonate with contemporary challenges faced by children and parents today. His dedication to these issues, combined with his experiences, positions him as a credible voice in discussions around the well-being of youth. He is currently developing a series of books aimed at encouraging and empowering readers through their personal journeys.