Tetabiakte was born in 1857 into the Yaqui tribe of modern Sonora, Mexico. After the revered Cajeme's death in 1887, Tetabiakte gained partial support from the Yaqui people, and he along with 400 others took to the high peaks of the Sierra de Bacatete. They found refuge in some of the trenches and forts that still remained after Cajeme commanded the Yaquis in one of their worst defeats against the Yoris (Spaniards/whites). They raided local haciendas and ranches in search of food and supplies, but mainly kept in the Sierra de Bacatete.

Mexican authorities positioned soldiers in the area where the rebels were hiding, and allowed more to enter Yaqui territory, in hopes of squashing the latest rebellion. The Yaquis proved to be too elusive for the Mexican soldiers. The most they were able to find was Yaqui footprints. Even with the aid of 25 Yaquis who were now subservient to the government they were unable to find the rebels.

In February of 1897, Tetabiakte and Peinado had an active correspondence. One such communication from Peinado was as follows:

"I have always seen in you a man of good heart, and I have great affection for your people, because you are hardworking men.
I will not only give you money, but you can count on tools for cultivation, oxen for your plows, goats, cows and all the land that you wish, either in the Sierra or in the pueblos.
If you like, I could leave Vicam only for your people, so that you can occupy and work freely there; but you must give up your life in the Sierra and become friends of the government.
I have already ordered that the detachments stay in their barracks and when the peace is arranged, they would be withdrawn little by little, and will never return to pursue you.
I regret very much that you, who are our brothers, lead this life, always pursued like wild animals, when you could live in your houses peacefully with your families.
While we are arranging the peace, tell me if you need money or food and I will send them to you."

Tetabiakte informed Mexican authorities that they would consider returning to begin peace talks if all soldiers were removed from Yaqui soil, because this infringed on their right to autonomy. The Mexican government did not flinch. But Tetabiakte felt he could not let this chance pass him by, so he agreed to sign a peace treaty. The date was set for May 15, and the place was the Ortiz Station of the Sonoran Railroad in the Guaymas Valley.

Tetabiakte was joined by 400 Yaqui men, women and children. The most prestigious politicians and businessmen of the area were there to celebrate this joyous occasion. Many signed the document, including Tetabiakte, who was under the impression that the issues he brought up would be addressed in the "submission" statement.

He later found that none of the Yaquis' demands were mentioned in the document, and they were back where they had started. All that was specified in the paper is that the Yaquis are subordinate to the Mexican government and will function as members of Mexican society. The Yoris had deceived them again.

The Yaqui Nation was not satisfied with the lack of change the submission of Tetabiate brought. The Yaquis took up arms again in 1899. They fought government troops along the Yaqui River, where they were sorely defeated. Then they fled to Mazocoba, a plateau in the Sierra de Bacatete. What happened next was one of the worst defeats the Yaqui ever suffered.

An estimated 3,000 were stationed in Mazocoba, including the leader of the rebellion Pablo Opodepe. Many Mexican soldiers found their way into Mazocoba engaging in weapons and hand-to-hand combat. Many Yaquis who realized they were going to be captured by the enemy chose death by suicide instead of imprisonment. There was an estimated 400+ dead Yaquis on the battlefield, not including those who plunged to their deaths. Pablo Opodepe was also murdered in the attack.

After seeing the outcome of the battle of Mazocoba, Tetabiakte decided to revert back to the guerrilla tactics that had proven to be successful in the past. Colonel Garcia Pena drew up a new plan for pacification of the Yaqui Nation. In addition to a plan of attack, he included the following stipulations:

1. Military occupation of both margins of the river

2. Circumvallation of the Sierra de Bacatete

3. Intelligence gathering and decisive action by local authorities in the valleys to cut off communication between sierra Yaquis and pacificos (what the subservient workers were known as)

4. Colonization of the Yaqui River

The government then sent out its largest contingent to date of 4,832 troops. Laws banning the sale of firearms were reenacted. Deportation was in effect. On January 18, 1900, government forces engaged a group of Yaquis at Mazocoba. The Yaquis, mostly on foot, were pursued into a box canyon in a rugged portion of the mountains.

Six months later, Tetabiakte was assassinated by one of his lieutenants. His followers brought his body back to one of the Bacatete camps and buried him in the land for which he fought.