Tsm’syen national responses rooted in Ayaawx
Ts’msyen National Responses Rooted in Ayaawx
When matters affect more than one house, community, or territory, the Ts’msyen Nation responds collectively through principles rooted in *ayaawx*. National responses do not replace house (*wilp*) authority; they arise when coordination, unity, or shared protection is required.
These responses are grounded in responsibility, balance, and lawful process.
Foundational Understanding
Ayaawx governs response as well as conduct.
A national response is required when:
- harm crosses territorial or community lines
- cumulative impacts threaten shared systems
- external pressures affect multiple wilp
- unity is needed to protect law, land, or people
- interpretation of ayaawx has broader implications
National action strengthens local authority; it does not override it.
Relationship Between Wilp and National Response
Wilp remain the primary holders of stewardship and responsibility.
National response:
- supports wilp authority
- coordinates shared action
- protects inter-house balance
- ensures consistency with ayaawx
- prevents fragmentation of law
No national response is legitimate without respect for wilp roles.
Forms of National Response
Ts’msyen national responses may include:
- collective statements grounded in ayaawx
- coordinated restraint or protection measures
- shared protocols for engagement with external actors
- unified calls for cessation or restoration
- inter-community ceremonies or feasts
- formation of councils or working bodies within mandate
Form follows purpose; law guides both.
Role of Elders
Elders play a central role in national responses.
They:
- recall adaawx and precedent
- guide proportionality and restraint
- protect interpretive integrity of ayaawx
- ensure responses serve future generations
Elder guidance anchors response in law rather than reaction.
National Council of Elders
When required, a National Council of Elders may be convened to:
- interpret ayaawx in matters of shared concern
- advise on lawful national action
- help resolve inter-community tensions
- safeguard coherence of Ts’msyen law
The Council advises and guides; it does not govern daily affairs.
Response to External Harm or Pressure
When external actions cause or threaten harm, national r