House (wilp/waap) authority and responsibilities

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Creating House (Wilp / Waap) Authority and Responsibilities

In Ts’msyen law, the wilp (also rendered waap) — commonly translated as “house” — is the **primary legal, political, and economic unit** of society.

Authority does not rest in individuals alone, nor in tribes or clans by themselves, but is carried and exercised through the house. Every Ts’msyen person belongs to a wilp by birth or lawful adoption, and that belonging carries lifelong responsibility.

Meaning of Wilp / Waap

A wilp is not simply a family or household. It is a **corporate legal body** that holds:

  • territory and place-based rights
  • crests and names
  • adaawx (true histories)
  • economic responsibilities
  • legal standing in feasts and disputes

The wilp endures beyond the lifespan of any one person.

Relationship to Clan (Pdeex)

Each wilp belongs to a specific clan (pdeex).

Through this relationship:

  • clan law governs descent and marriage
  • the wilp exercises authority within clan obligations
  • balance is maintained between houses of different clans

A wilp cannot act outside the law of its clan.

Relationship to Tribe and Territory

Wilp authority is exercised within territory.

A wilp:

  • is rooted in a specific place
  • holds responsibilities for land and resources
  • exists within a tribal community
  • participates in territorial governance

Tribes coordinate territory; wilp hold and exercise rights within it.

Authority Held by the Wilp

Wilp authority includes the right and duty to:

  • hold and protect crests
  • carry and transmit names
  • steward land and waters
  • host and respond in feasts
  • resolve internal disputes
  • represent the house in inter-house matters

This authority is collective, not personal.

Responsibilities of the Wilp

With authority comes obligation.

Each wilp is responsible for:

1. Stewardship

Caring for lands, waters, and resources associated with the house.

2. Continuity

Ensuring names, crests, and adaawx are properly taught and passed on.

3. Conduct

Maintaining lawful behavior among house members.

4. Compensation and Correction

Answering for harms caused by house members and making amends when required.

5. Hospitality

Providing food, gifts, and care during feasts and gatherings.

Failure in responsibility weakens house standing.

Leadership Within the Wilp

Wilp leadership is not absolute.

Leadership roles may include:

  • house leaders
  • name holders
  • elders
  • speakers

Authority is exercised:

  • through consensus
  • guided by elders
  • constrained by ayaawx
  • accountable to the people

A leader speaks for the house only so long as they uphold its obligations.

Wilp and Feasts

Feasts are the primary legal forum for wilp authority.

Through feasts, houses:

  • assert rights
  • transfer names and crests
  • witness decisions
  • resolve disputes
  • confirm compensation

Without feast witnessing, wilp authority is incomplete.

Membership and Adoption

Wilp membership is normally acquired by birth through the maternal line.

Adoption into a wilp is lawful when:

  • consent is given
  • obligations are accepted
  • the adoption is witnessed in feast

Adoption carries the same responsibilities as birth.

Limits on Wilp Authority

No wilp holds unlimited power.

Limits include:

  • clan correction
  • challenge by other houses
  • loss of standing through misconduct
  • public accountability in feast

Authority persists only through lawful conduct.

Wilp as Living Law

The wilp is not a historical structure.

It remains living law through:

  • daily conduct
  • stewardship practices
  • teaching of youth
  • public witnessing
  • correction after failure

Where wilp responsibilities are upheld, Ts’msyen law remains strong.

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