Bruce Wayne Klinekole II

About Bruce

Bruce Wayne Klinekole II was born on Feb 13, 1950 in Three Rivers, New Mexico. He is a Native American character actor of Comanche/Apache Tribe of Oklahoma/Mescalero Apache ancestry. Bruce is a Native American Cultural Consultant, Apache Dancer, and Camp Boss. He is a member of the Apache Blackfeet Society and a member of the War-Shield Gourd Society. Bruce lives on the Mescalero Apache Reservation in Mescalero, New Mexico. The Indigenous name Sin-co-le translates to “Catch the Horse." They call him Thunder Chief and Indian Man. Bruce served four years as a Board Member of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, 1996-2000. He enjoys making Authentic Traditional Teepees. Ask him about it.

Scalp-Victory Lance made for Sister Ruth Klinekole Tiger

Bruce Wayne Klinekole I

Father
Bruce is the son of the late Bruce Wayne Klinekole Sr. (14 Feb 1917 – 30 August 1981) who was a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army and who served in World War II during the Philippine Campaign. On 9 April 1942, his father was serving with Battery A, 515th Coastal Artillery at Bataan, Philippine Islands. On that day he was captured by the Japanese. Klinekole Sr. survived the infamous Bataan Death March and endured 1,222 days as a Prisoner of War. He was liberated on 1 September 1945, at Mukden, Manchuria. Bruce Klinekole was awarded the following medals, the Purple Heart; Bronze Star; Prisoner of War; Army Good Conduct; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign with two Bronze Service Stars; American Defense; American Campaign; Philippine Defense with one Bronze Service Star; Philippine Liberation; World War II Victory; Douglas McArthur Special Service; and the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation. Bruce served as Otero County Commissioner for the State of New Mexico for two terms. After the War, he met Virginia Shanta and subsequently became a Farmer-Rancher in Three Rivers, New Mexico, until his passing on the 30th of August 1981. Bruce will forever be 64 years old.

PRISONER OF WAR * MISSING IN ACTION

Bruce Wayne Klinekole II’s TRIBUTE TO HIS FATHER SSG Bruce Wayne Klinekole Sr.

After the BATAAN DEATH MARCH he was a POW for 1222 days

Beadwork by Bruce

Virginia Shanta Klinekole

Mother
Bruce’s mother, Virginia Shanta Klinekole (June 13, 1924 – March 13, 2011) was elected as the first woman president of the Mescalero Apache Tribe of New Mexico, and served on the Tribal Council for nearly 30 years. She was known for being the first elected female leader of a major tribe, and for her work in preserving the Apache language. She was the School Board Liaison for Tularosa Schools. Virginia Shanta Klinekole was awarded "Woman of Distinction for Otero County.” Virginia will forever be 87 years old.
Medallion on Back Dragger Beadwork by Bruce
Bruce's First Apache Moccasins
Symbols by Bruce

Education

Bruce Klinekole II spent his early life in Three Rivers, New Mexico, and graduated from Tularosa High School, Tularosa, New Mexico.
Klinekole II obtained a Bachelor of Science degree while majoring in Animal Science and Plant Science and minoring in Agriculture at Eastern New Mexico University-Portales, New Mexico.
Apache Attire
Happily Married for 54 Years

Marriage and Family

Helen Cansler Klinekole was the love of his life and they raised two children together. Bruce III, a Doctor, is presently a Chiropractor. Lydia received her Masters in Social Work. Bruce and Helen Klinekole supported and encouraged their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in all of their educational and sporting events. Bruce and Helen Klinekole were known for their triumphs in the Senior Olympics, both winning numerous Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals. Bruce has competed at the Senior Olympics in different field events, and has won medals in track and field events.
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha made for Helen
Cross made for Helen
Our Lady of Guadalupe made for Helen

Talents

Bruce W. KlineKole II has served as Head Staff and Arena Director in numerous events, and has served as the Master of Ceremonies for many tribal functions, including Pow Wows and public events; like the Golden Anniversary of Bosque Redondo, in 2023.
Bruce has served as Camp Boss when called upon for Blessings Ceremonies and Coming of Age Ceremonies in Mescalero.
Being an Apache Dancer since he was three years old, Bruce is an accomplished Pow Wow Dancer, Straight Dancer, Gourd Dancer, Apache War Dancer, Tail Dancer, and Whipman. All the Beadwork on this website was made by Bruce, except the Moccasins.
Pow Wow - San Carlos

Straight Dance Belt

Comanche Parade - Oklahoma

Skills

Bruce is a well-known Regalia maker and tailor; a skilled artisan in beadwork and woodwork; and makes traditional Apache teepees. He is also skilled as a mechanic, carpenter, electrician, plumber, welder, and heavy equipment operator. He is a skilled Horseman and has served as an Extra for numerous movies.
A runner since high school, Klinekole II has competed in the Ski Run Road Challenge covering 12 miles uphill from an elevation of 7,400 to 10,000 feet in a time of 2 hours and 48 minutes. Also, the Bataan Death March Marathon of 15 miles.

NEW MEXICO SENIOR OLYMPICS

As an expert Traditional Long Bow Archer, Bruce has been the New Mexico State Senior Olympic Champion, in his age category. Bruce was given the Honor of the Torch Carrier for the National and State Senior Olympics.
ARCHERY
June 2026 Competition in Las Cruces, New Mexico
JAVELIN
June 2026 Competition in Las Cruces, New Mexico
Talons on Eagle Staff
Apache Shield
Breast Plate Regalia

Mescalero Apache Tribe Parade Floats

Bruce Klinekole II designed and constructed these parade floats and reconstructed them on site with the assistance of the Mescalero Apache Tribe members. Jeeps and golf carts were used for motorization.

1979 Sun Bowl Carnival Parade

for the Sun Bowl in El Paso, TexasReceived the “Best Out of Town Trophy”
1980 Sun Bowl Parade
for Thanksgiving in El Paso, Texas Received the “Sweepstakes Trophy” A large Parade Float with Indians looking over the cliff at the Stagecoach.

1981 Ruidoso Aspencade Parade

Representing the local Mescalero Apache Tribe A Teepee with a Golfcart underneath pulling two Teepees.

1981 Fiesta Bowl Parade

for Arizona State University in Phoenix, ArizonaThis float received the “Corn Kachina Trophy” for the most animation due to the:Stagecoach wheels turning and smoke coming from the inside with red lights blinking like fire with the sound of burning wood, a Buzzard sitting by the chest of gold flapping its wings, a rattlesnake guarding the gold with its head bobbing up and down with a rattling noise coming from it, the sound of the Waterfall, and all the hanging Eagle feathers swaying. Bruce Klinekole II is pictured as "Geronimo, the Apache War Chief."

1981 Fiesta Bowl ASU Football Stadium Scoreboard

It Reads, "1981 FIESTA BOWL THANKS MESCALERO APACHES"

Custom Quiver Design by Bruce Klinekole II

A Suede Leather Quiver with added Red & Black dyed leather symbol accents, brass spots, deerskin fringe, and Otter Fur Borders.

Handcrafted by Bruce Klinekole II

Need A Teepee

Traditional Ceremonial Teepees
As a talented regalia maker and tailor, Bruce has outfitted a number of ceremonies using his skill as a Teepee Maker. If you have a need for a teepee, let him know so that you are ready for your special ceremony in time!Call to talk teepees; the material costs, specifications, and the timeframe. You can chat about teepees by calling Bruce at:Home: (575) 464-4688 Cell: (575) 937-3388
Sleeping Teepees - July 12, 2024
Food Teepee

Custom Teepees

Forest Green with Morning Star
Choose: Size - 6 feet to 24 feet in diameter Style - Family Teepee, Food Teepee, Sleeping Teepee. Color - Your choice Variations - Your choice. Red Accents, Blue Accents, or Traditional Symbols.

Custom Teepees

Family Teepee

Small Custom Teepees

PlayTime Teepee & Night Light Teepee

CUSTOM TEEPEE

Large Teepee, made by request of the Arrowhead Ranch.
Teepee Poles
Door Opening
Arrowhead Brand

Straight Dance Back Dragger

Night Scene at the Mescalero - July 12, 2024

Film Career

Bruce has worked as a background actor and as an extra in a number of films. Bruce has unique features and exceptional stature. Bruce is a devoted and authentic Native American Cultural Consultant. He has traditional knowledge of the Comanche/Kiowa-Apache and Mescalero Apache cultures.

Dance Stick

Filmography

Lozen - Warrior Women - Lozen: Apache Warrior S1 E5 (TV Series Documentary) Nov 26, 2003 - Victorio (Lead Actor) Into the West – Hell on Wheels S1 E4 (TV Miniseries) 2005 – Elderly Person, Warrior, Body Guard, & Chief. Cowboys and Aliens (Movie) 2011 – Apache War Dance The Lone Ranger (Movie) 2013 – Buffalo Dance A Million Ways to Die in the West (Movie) 2014 - Apache Warrior, campfire scene. The Ridiculous 6 (Netflix) 2015 – Native American Cultural Consultant, Native Warrior Woman Walks Ahead (Movie) 2017 – Tribal Member Longmire - Continual Soiree S5 E9 (TV Series) 2016 – Tribal Member Defending the Fire (Documentary) 2017 – Victorio - Cameo Appearance Scalped (TV Movie) 2017 – Native American. Two Year Promise – Victorio - Cameo Appearance Sky Valley (Post Production Sci-Fi) 2025 - Grandfather, Pap Pap

Filmography

Lozen - Warrior Women
Lozen: Apache Warrior S1 E5 (TV Series Documentary) Nov 26, 2003 Victorio (Lead Actor)
YouTube.com - Warrior Woman - Lozen (Video Clip)
Into the West
Hell on Wheels Series 1 Episode 4 (TV Miniseries) 2005 Elderly Person, Warrior, Body Guard, & Chief
YouTube.com Into the West - Part 4 - Hell on Wheels (Full Video)
YouTube.com - Into the West Music Score (Full Audio)
Cowboys and Aliens
(Movie) 2011 – Apache War Dance
The Lone Ranger
(Movie) 2013 – Buffalo Dance

A Million Ways to Die in the West

(Movie) 2014 - Apache Warrior, campfire scene.


The Ridiculous 6


(Netflix) 2015 – Native American Cultural Consultant, Native Warrior
Woman Walks Ahead
(Movie) 2017 – Tribal Member, Ghost Dancer
TubiTV.com - Woman Walks Ahead (Full Video)
Longmire
Continual Soiree Series 5 Episode 9 (TV Series) 2016 – Tribal Member
Yidio.com - Longmire - Continual Soiree S5 E9 (Video Site)
Defending the Fire
(Documentary) 2017 – Victorio - Cameo Appearance
Scalped
(TV Movie) 2017 – Tribal Member
Two Year Promise
Victorio - Cameo Appearance

Sky Valley

(Post Production Sci-Fi) 2025 - Grandfather, Pap Pap

Wild Horses on Homestead

Copyright © 2026 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Mescalero Apache Reservation Mescalero, New Mexico
Please contact Bruce if you are in need of a Cultural Consultant or would like a Teepee made.
Home: (575) 464-4688 Cell: (575) 937-3388