Manuelito was born about 1818 near the Bear's Ears due west of Blanding in southeastern Four Corners area of Utah.

He was a violent war raiding chief of the Navajo (Diné) people who fought not only the oppressive U.S. military but also the Mexicans, Hopis, Pueblo, Utes, Comanches, and Apaches.

Manuelito is also known as Ashkii Diyinii (Holy Boy), Dahaana Baadaané (Son-in-Law of Late Texan), Haastin Ch'il Haajinááh Jiltaa (Black Weeds), "Bullet Hole" for a wound in his chest.

Along with other Navajos including a sizable herd of sheep, he avoided capture by the U. S. Army which was aided by Col. Christopher "Kit" Carson. Manuelito escaped "The Long Walk" to Fort Sumner, Arizona. Those, both old and young who did not keep up with the forced march, were shot by the soldiers or left behind to die. The number of dead reached 300+ men, women and children.

In 1868 Manuelito was instrumental in securing and signing along with 28 other tribal leaders (each with their "x" mark) a 13 article treaty granting the Navajo people a reservation, the greater part being in Arizona, extending also into Utah, and New Mexico.