Meet Kaden Ryan

Kaden Ryan Thompson is an American author, musician, and actor known for his multi-disciplinary creativity and deep dedication to preserving Native American cultural narratives.

Early Life & Education 

Born in Lumberton, North Carolina, Kaden developed a profound connection to his Lumbee heritage at a young age. A driven student and active community leader, he graduated from early college in May 2024 with both his high school diploma and an associate’s degree. For his ongoing creative efforts to preserve Native American culture, he was honored with prestigious recognition by the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. He is currently studying at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, pursuing a degree in criminal justice.

Literature & Acting 

Kaden’s creative journey took off in 2019 when he made his acting debut in the outdoor drama Strike at the Wind, portraying key figures like Wesley Lowry, Boss Strong, and Henderson Oxendine. This experience laid the foundation for his literary career. At just fifteen years old, he published his first historical fiction novel, Henry, a project honoring the legacy of his ancestor, Henry Berry Lowry. He expanded on this mission to highlight overlooked Native American history with his 2024 companion novel, The Battle of Hayes Pond.