Maza Hoksila have been host drum and co-host drum at numerous powwows over the years. They also have competed and won drum contests.
Maza Hoksila has sung for various events, made many presentations have conducted learning workshops throughout the years. They are very respected and appreciated for not only their talent but also by their commitment to keeping the Lakota traditions, and by doing this they are preserving these songs and ways for future generations.
Members of Maza Hoksila are active also in their native community and are members of the American Indian Center of Chicago.
The name of Maza Hoksila is the Lakota translation of the family name Iron Boy. It was the name given to the father and grandfather of the founding members of this drum, Francis Swiftbird. Francis was an enrolled member of the Oglala Nation of Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Francis was a very well known and respected singer and song maker, believing anonymity was a Lakota virtue. He traveled extensively and sang with numerous well known Lakota drums while maintaining this belief. Francis left behind a strong legacy that is at the very core of what this drum is today.
