Born and raised on the White Mountain Apache reservation in the Whiteriver community of North Central Arizona, Joe Tohonnie, Jr. draws inspiration for performing from his culture. His grandfather, Stacey Classey, was a medicine man who sang traditional Apache songs, while his father Joe Tohonnie Sr. shared traditional Navajo songs with him.

Both Apache and Navajo influences of songs have brought Tohonnie, Jr. full circle to find his own personal voice. In honor and respect of these two tribal influences he chose to find a peaceful resolution instead of conflict. In addition, Joe’s Dzilth Ligai White Mountain Apache Crown Dancers are his family, they protect him in many ways. It is with great respect that they honor their traditional values and their integrity with who they are and what they represent.

Joe has been honored by accepting invitations from the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, the 2002/2003 Gathering of Nations Powwow in Albuquerque, NM, and the Santa Fe Indian Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Joe is well on his way to crossing tribal barriers that may have divided us, but in the end only bring us closer to who we are.