Allison was born in Mexican Springs, New Mexico on the Navajo Indian Reservation in the Spring of 1958.  He attended boarding school until the 8th grade and it was there he was given the last name Lee because they could not translate his Navajo name.  His middle name, Snowhawk, was his grandmother's name. He attended high school and graduated in 1977 where he won his first award for "Most Artistic" out of a class of 160 students. During the summers while attending high school, Allison would work at shops in Gallup, NM.  At first he was hired to clean floors and such, but in time he became acquainted with various silversmiths who would teach him their techniques in making jewelry.  That was the beginning of a way of life that would earn Allison awards for his jewelry at prestigious events such as the Santa Fe Indian Market.  Allison is married and has three sons.