Shawn Martinez grew up in Fort Defiance, Arizona, in the Navajo Nation and is an enrolled member of the Diné/Navajo Tribe. An athletic standout from Window Rock High School, Martinez continued his basketball journey at Fort Lewis College. He received his bachelor's degree in communications and fine arts and launched an entertainment career under the stage alias DJ Tribal Touch.

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In his 23 season NBA career he continues to make an impact through various Native American initiatives. He spent 12 years with the Denver Nuggets and six years with the Detroit Pistons before joining the Suns, Mercury and Valley Suns. Beyond basketball, Martinez regularly mentors Native youth and shares his indigenous roots and career journey at various events across the country. As one of Nike N7's Official DJ's, he has performed coast to coast in the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, MLS, NLL, AFL & the NCAA at some of sports and entertainment's biggest events.

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In November 2023, Martinez was presented with the Arizona American Indian Excellence in Leadership “Man of the Year” Award by the Phoenix Indian Center for his commitment to uplifting and serving the community.  Shawn also received the 2023-2024 NBA Values of the Game Award presented to him by the NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, which recognizes an individual who embodies the NBA’s mission of inspiring and connecting people through the game of basketball.