Joyce Lee "Doc" Tate Nevaquaya (July 3, 1932 – March 5, 1996) was a Comanche flute player and painter from Apache, Oklahoma.
In 1953, they moved back to Apache where they had five sons and four daughters (Sonny, Jereaux, Sue, Edmond, Joycetta, Timothy, Sonia, Joseph and Calvert) who were all raised under Christian values.
Throughout his life, Nevaquaya worked as a teacher, Methodist lay minister, dancer, composer, singer, historian, painter, and Native American flautist.
[5] His devotion to his art greatly influenced the artistic pursuits of his children as well, and his sons have all become accomplished flutist, painters, or dancers.
[5] According to the National Endowment for the Arts, "The courting flute is an end-blown instrument generally made of wood and constructed with a movable block through which the musical intonation can be changed."
It is a traditional instrument common to many Native American tribes, and for the Comanche it was historically used in solo performances for courting by men.
[11] Nevaquaya died from a heart attack at the age of 64 on March 5, 1996, at Comanche County Memorial Hospital in Lawton, Oklahoma.