Songs from the Land: Cultural Prerogatives & Song Creation with Chief William Wasden Jr.

In this moving episode of The Next Ancestors Podcast, host Erin Brillon is joined by Chief William Wasden Jr., a renowned cultural leader, language champion, and composer of traditional songs. Together, they explore the sacred responsibilities of cultural prerogatives, the role of mentorship, and the deep spiritual process of creating and reviving songs in the language of his people.

Chief Wasden reflects on the influential cultural teachers who shaped his journey and the importance of humility and curiosity in the learning process. He shares how songs are more than just melodies—they are vessels of ancestral spirit, knowledge, and connection. With great care and insight, he explains how he not only composes original songs in his own language but also supports other Nations in creating songs rooted in their own teachings, territory, and ceremonial purpose.

At the heart of the conversation is a powerful teaching: that true inspiration is found by returning to the land—walking, listening, and reconnecting with the spirits of our ancestors who continue to guide us. Chief Wasden also speaks candidly about the emotional toll that can come with following a cultural path in communities where lateral violence and jealousy sometimes surface, and he offers grounding wisdom on staying positive, focused, and spiritually aligned in the face of adversity.

This episode is a profound reminder of how culture lives through practice, intention, and heart—and how songs are a living breath of the ancestors calling us home.

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