Forms of national decision-making under Ayaawx
Forms of National Decision-Making under Ayaawx
Under Ts’msyen law, national decision-making arises from *ayaawx* and is guided by responsibility, balance, and lawful process. Decisions affecting more than one house, clan, or community are approached carefully to preserve authority, unity, and continuity.
National decision-making does not replace house (*wilp*) authority; it coordinates and aligns it where shared action is required.
Foundational Understanding
Ayaawx governs decision-making as well as outcomes.
National decisions are required when:
- matters cross territorial or community boundaries
- shared systems are affected
- cumulative harm is present
- external pressures affect multiple wilp
- unity is necessary to protect law, land, or people
Decision-making serves responsibility, not speed.
Role of the Wilp
Wilp remain the foundation of decision-making.
Each wilp:
- deliberates internally
- considers stewardship obligations
- consults Elders
- determines its position
- authorizes representation within mandate
National decisions must reflect wilp positions.
Clan (Pdeex) Balancing
Clans contribute balance and continuity.
Clan involvement may:
- guide fairness
- prevent escalation
- ensure kinship obligations are respected
- support alignment between houses
Clan balance protects against unilateral action.
Consensus Through Alignment
Ayaawx favors alignment rather than simple majority.
Alignment may involve:
- extended discussion
- clarification of concerns
- modification of proposals
- time for reflection
- ceremonial affirmation
Decision-making continues until balance is reached or action is lawfully limited.
Elder-Guided Deliberation
Elders guide national decision-making by:
- recalling adaawx and precedent
- interpreting ayaawx
- assessing long-term impact
- protecting future generations
- advising restraint where necessary
Elders guide; they do not impose.
Feast and Public Witness
Major national decisions gain legitimacy through:
- public declaration
- feast or gathering
- witness by houses and clans
- acknowledgment of obligations
Unwitnessed decisions lack standing.
Councils and Working Bodies
For complex matters, councils or working bodies may be formed to:
- gather information
- coordinate communication
- prepare recommendations
- ensure process remains lawful
Such bodies act within mandate and do not replace decision-makers.
Decision by Lawful Restraint
Ayaawx recognizes restraint as a form of decision.
Choosing:
- not to proceed
- to pause
- to limit action
- to defer to future deliberation
is lawful when risk to balance exists.
Response to Urgent Matters
In urgent situations:
- temporary protective measures may be taken
- Elders and wilp are informed
- decisions are revisited and witnessed as soon as possible
Urgency does not override law.
Relationship to External Engagement
Where national decisions involve external systems:
- ayaawx remains guiding law
- internal decision-making is not bypassed
- mandates are clearly defined
- reinterpretation is rejected
External timelines do not control Ts’msyen law.
Living Process
National decision-making under ayaawx is living.
It adapts through:
- reflection
- correction
- renewed witness
- changing circumstances
Process matters as much as outcome.
Continuity
Through lawful national decision-making:
- unity is preserved without centralization
- authority remains grounded
- law is protected
- future generations are considered
Where ayaawx guides decision-making, the Nation remains whole.