Chakotay was born on a Native American Federation colony located near the Cardassian border. His people were descendents of Mayans and the Central American "Rubber Tree People" of ancient Earth. Growing up, Chakotay never fully embraced the ways of his people, but was fascinated by Starfleet officers and their 24th century technology. When he was 15 years old, he announced to his father, Kolopak, that he wanted to leave the tribe and join Starfleet. A year later, he passed the entrance exams and left for Starfleet Academy on Earth. It was not until he was older that Chakotay finally learned to embrace his culture.

In 2370, his homeworld was given to the Cardassians as a result of the Federation-Cardassian Treaty of 2370. His father, Kolopak, then joined with the Maquis, a group of renegade Federation citizens in the Demilitarized Zone, and was killed by the Cardassians. Chakotay resigned his Starfleet commission and joined the Maquis.

Starfleet History
2350-2354 Attended Starfleet Medical Academy.
Promoted to Lieutenant Commander.
Posted to Starfleet Security, Advanced Tactical Training. Instructor.
2368 Resigned commision in Starfleet to become a Maquis captain.
2371 When the Maquis ship was destroyed after being pulled into the Delta Quadrant, the crew was transferred to U.S.S. Voyager, where Chakotay became first officer of the combined crews.

Chakotay was first seen in "Caretaker" (VOY).