Who We Are

Darren Thompson is an award winning multi-media journalist and traditional Native American flute player enrolled at the Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe Reservation in Northern Wisconsin, where he grew up. He covers breaking news, missing and murdered Indigenous people, environmental and social justice, tribal sovereignty, art, music, and film. He can be reached through his website, www.darrenthompson.net. 

Valerie Vande Panne is a descendent (unenrolled) of multiple Southwestern tribes and a media veteran. She is the founder, publisher, and editor of Fry Bread. Email her at info[@]frybread.org.

Fry Bread Alum

Emma Saville was Fry Bread’s Creative Digital Storytelling Intern in the Spring of 2025. She is a graduate with a degree in Multimedia Journalism and Digital Marketing Communications from the University of Kansas. Emma loves to share stories and build connections with those she interacts with. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, embroidery and hanging out with friends.