After completing High School Wes was drafted into the army and served eighteen months in Vietnam, with the 9th Division. After Vietnam he entered Tulsa Junior College on the G.I Bill. It was during this time he became interested in Indian politics and issues, joining the National Indian Youth Council. He was arrested in 1973 while driving a supply truck into Wounded Knee.

It was only after the break-up of his second marriage that Wes turned to acting. He appeared in a number of stage productions as well as a series of short films. In 1983 he was offered the part of "Long Runner" in the feature length PBS motion picture "The Trial of Standing Bear."  This was the beginning of an exciting career, which include such movie roles as :

Wes continues to work on stage and film, and also performs and records with his rock band "Wildcats of Discord". He is also an accomplished stone carver, and author of two children's books. He has two children from his second marriage and is at present unattached.