ARTIST BIO

Joe has been a part of the city's Native American artistic community since the late 70's. As a founder of the Leaf Arrow Storytellers, he has performed all over the world since 1990, representing Native Americans as a member of the Caddo Tribe of Oklahoma.

Recently, Joe's acting career has been blossoming. He's filmed four feature appearances in 2004 so far. They include The Jury, as Ron Running Elk (Fox TV); The War That Made America, a Lenape/Mohawk chief composite, (Pittsburg PBS), releasing in Spring 2005; The Conquest: NE, a Mohican chief, (A&E for the History Channel), releases Spring 2005.

In the Smithsonian's Signature Piece, A Thousand Roads, Joe plays a homeless veteran holding spiritual knowledge from the Mohawk tribe, acting under Chris Eyre, the renowned Cheyenne director. Joe states that it was an honor just to appear in this historical piece that was written by Joy Harjo. The release of A Thousand Roads is in Spring of 2005. One of the still pictures appears here.

Over the years, Joe’s appeared on the Chris Rock Show as an Indian comedian, Saturday Night Live in a skit with Pierce Brosnan and SNL regulars, The Royal Tanenbaums as a recovering alcoholic in a scene with Owen Wilson, and in recurring appearances on Cosby and David Letterman.

Joe has had an ongoing modeling and photographic career based on his "picturesque Native American looks", appearing in numerous national magazines and a few international as well. He can be shot in, either provided clothes and costume, or be hired with his own regalia. His stated dance styles are "Southern Traditional" (with otter tail), and "Northern Contemporary" (with eagle bustle). He continues to be active in recording and voice over work. Joe was selected by the Mashantucket Pequot Museum for both of these skills, as a model in their tribal canoe in their entrance, and as an announcer in their tribal elders display.

Joe's objective is to provide a lifelong service to native people both here in the New York community and nationally. He relies on his tribal connections with the Caddo and Potawatomi people, and other tribes, to accomplish this and by working through venues in the arts.