JJ is the adopted son of a Oglala Lakota woman.  As a speaker , musician, actor and educator JJ represents the Oglala Lakota Nation

whose heritage is indelibly inked on his soul.

Some years ago, JJ was asked to share his knowledge of Native American history and story telling tradition with school children,

 this has become an important part of a spiritual journey for many. He has spoken at many different educational levels from college to elementary. 

To name a few, UT at Martin, MTSU, TN Conference for International leadership

, Kiwanis Club, Oregon State Universty, Universty of Alabama at Huntsville, and TPAC's Polk Theatre Nashville TN, 

 in the play " Warrior". JJ's flute album "Come and Get To Know Me" was Nominated at the 2005 Native American Music Awards 

and Indian Summer Music Festival Awards. 2008 Silver Arrow Award.

 JJ played " Red Elk" in the Lifeways Productions film, 

" The Fire". JJ has also been involved for the past 2 years in the re-enactment of The Battle Of Little Big Horn featured each year in Montana.

 JJ has another CD called "I Am Red".

 It received a nomination for Contemporary Instrumental Album of the Year at the 2008 Indian Summer Music Festival Awards in Milwaukee, WI . 

In September. He was also nominated for Flutist of the Year at the 2008 Native American Music Awards from that CD on Oct.4, 2008 in Niagara Falls, N.Y. 

His newest CD produced by George Noriega will carry my late wife's Lakota name, which was "Tate' Topa Win", which means "Four Winds Woman". 

Judy Lopez, Host DreamCatcher Entertainment blog talk radio