Original Nations Anthem

In Honor of My Dear Friend William Laronal, Jr. (1949-2024)

My Kanaka Maoli brother from Hawai’i, William (“Pila”) Laronal, Jr. (1949-2024), selflessly and tirelessly dedicated many years of his life to this work. He was a joyous, highly intelligent man who we all dearly loved. He was a part of our Ohana (family). We miss him!

William Laronal, Jr. at Venice Beach, CA

Steve Banegas (Kumeyaay Nation) William Laronal, Jr. (Kanaka Maoli Nation)

The video below only exists because of Pila and his tremendous dedication to this work on behalf of our Original Nations and Peoples. Our Kumeyaay friends Paul Cuero and Steve Banegas allowed us to record some of their beautiful Bird Songs and use them for this video production and other videos. Thank you Paul and Steve! Pila was the one who inspired me to work on a lyric for the younger people. And even though I now have a slightly different version of the lyric that I use, this version of “Original Nations Anthem” with the focus on Standing Rock seems to hold up well. Thank you Pila! And a big to Thank You to the Onaway Trust for their support.

Wed, Apr 2 at 6:49 PM