Ralph is from the Yupik Nation in Bethel Alaska. Ralph started playing music in high school where he started out as the percussionist for the high school band. His interests later turned to playing bass guitar. Ralph studied bass at the Summer Fine Arts Camp in Fairbanks Alaska. After attending University, he played in a Yupik rock group that released a CD. They were the first Yupik group to put out original recorded material. When Medicine Dream needed a bass player, Ralph brought with him a style, talent and personality that has proven to be an unshakable foundation for Medicine Dream.