Stephen is from the Namgis Tribe of the Kwakwaka'wakw Nation, and he began his career as a wood carver at the age of 18. He trained with local carvers, including Beau Dick and Wayne Alfred. At an early age, Stephen gained a reputation for completing monumental commissions. He has completed an 18-foot totem pole for the Mitsui Corporation in Tokyo and he was Head Carver for the model Kwakwaka'wakw Village in Holland's Dolfinarium Theme Park. Stephen was also one of eight carvers selected to help design and build the ceremonial longhouse in Alert Bay. Stephen also created three poles near the U’mista Cultural Centre housefront. In 1995, he was commissioned to design and carve a 10-foot Supernatural Halibut pole for the Namgis First Nation Cemetery near Alert Bay. In recent years, Stephen has begun to create jewellery.