50 Year History of Native Media
MISSION
Empowering and engaging Native people to share stories since 1976.
VISION
A world changed and healed by understanding Native stories and the public conversations they generate.
Values
Generational Wisdom
Honoring the wisdom of all generations, from the youth of today to elders carrying awareness of the past. Learning and preserving the invaluable knowledge for future generations.
Vision
Envisioning and embracing stories guided by collective aspirations with a deep respect for heritage.
Community
Human experience is built and felt through community, nurturing meaningful connections through shared understanding.
Traditions
Traditions are living threads that link present to past, guide actions, and carry the essence of posterity.
50 Years of Impact
765 Films
Long and short form documentaries by and about Native Americans.
412 Tribal Communities
Stories that reflect 72% of Native Nations and Tribal communities across the U.S.
300+ Million Viewers
80% of all Native content shown on PBS comes from Vision Maker Media.
500+ Trained & Mentored
Next generation storytellers learn filmmaking fundamentals, build leadership skills, and start a media making career.
Team
Staff Members
Francene Blythe-Lewis
Diné, Sisseton-Wahpeton, Eastern Band Cherokee
President & CEO
Gregg Jablonski
Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer
Pat O’Meara
Cultural Education Director
Ann McKeighan
Executive Associate
Brittany Grove
Business Manager
Alana Stone
Sičhą́ǧu Lakȟóta and Diné
Curatorial Specialist
Valentina Catalano
Digital Media Editor
Marley Hewitt
Digital Media Specialist
Meredith Koehler
Student Worker
Board Members
Kate Beane, PhD
Flandreau Santee Sioux
Minnesota Museum of American Art
Dan Bigbee, Jr
Comanche
Filmmaker/Media Producer
Stacey Decker
Nebraska Public Media
Phil Hoffman, PhD
Ball State Public Media
Paul Hunton
WUNC North Carolina Public Radio
Andrew MacLean
Iñupiaq
NYU – Tisch School of the Arts
Chris Neighbors
Choctaw Nation
NOVA
Jacob Olsufka
Ponca Tribe of Nebraska
National Congress of American Indians
Nancy “Lynn” Palmanteer-Holder
Colville
BALCSTAR Consulting PLLC
Eric Selk
Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC
Darius Lee Smith
Diné/African American
Native Professional Advancement Center
Jacquetta “Jackie” Swift
Comanche & Fort Sill Apache
National Museum of the American Indian
Adrian Velarde
KRWG Public Media