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== Roles of Father Clan and Grandfather Clan ==
''INITIATION DRAFT — This page outlines the traditional roles of the Father Clan and Grandfather Clan within Tsm’syen society. These roles provide balance, protection, and guidance to a child throughout their life. This is a base version. It will grow as more teachings and community reflections are added.''

Tsm’syen identity is matrilineal —  
you belong to **your mother’s clan and wilp**.

But the Father Clan and Grandfather Clan hold essential supporting roles that guide, protect, and steady a person as they grow.  
These roles create a system of relational accountability and balance that spans families, clans, and Houses.

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=== The Father Clan — Protectors and Correctors ===
A child’s Father Clan holds a role of **gentle correction and guidance**.

They:
* watch over the child with care,
* teach proper behaviour,
* offer neutral correction when the home is under stress,
* provide balance when matriarchs or close relatives cannot intervene,
* act as protectors during conflict,
* and support the child through major life transitions.

The Father Clan does not discipline harshly.  
Their correction is meant to:
* steady,  
* redirect,  
* and encourage.

They are like uncles who step in when help is needed,  
but always with kindness.

A child should feel safe approaching their Father Clan.  
Their role is **protection through guidance**.

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=== The Grandfather Clan — Teachers, Advisors, and Supporters ===
The Grandfather Clan carries a role of **deep teaching and moral grounding**.

They:
* teach history and ayaawx,
* remind the child of their responsibilities,
* help shape humility and generosity,
* guide behaviour during youth,
* support House obligations,
* and often have the authority to correct more serious misconduct.

Grandfather Clan members are respected as:
* calm voices,
* balanced teachers,
* and cultural anchors.

Their correction is not emotional —  
it is traditional and rooted in experience.

In the feast system, the Grandfather Clan often affirms or supports decisions made within the child’s mother’s House.

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=== Balance Between the Two Clans ===
The Father Clan and Grandfather Clan work together to support a child’s growth.

The Father Clan:
* protects the child,
* disciplines lightly,
* keeps them safe.

The Grandfather Clan:
* teaches the deeper lessons,
* reinforces ayaawx,
* and shapes long-term character.

This creates **three layers of guidance**:
* The mother's wilp (primary identity and law)
* The Father Clan (protection and light correction)
* The Grandfather Clan (deep teaching and grounding)

A child surrounded by all three grows with balance.

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=== When Correction Is Required ===
If a youth behaves improperly or brings shame,  
the Father Clan and Grandfather Clan play key roles.

The Father Clan:
* speaks gently,
* redirects behaviour,
* restores calm.

The Grandfather Clan:
* delivers firm teachings,
* reminds the youth of their lineage,
* and helps restore balance.

This prevents:
* internal conflict in the home,
* harsh punishment driven by emotion,
* and confusion about who holds responsibility.

The two supporting clans act as **stabilizers**.

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=== Roles in Feasts and Ceremonies ===
During feasts:
* the Father Clan may help seat the child or speak supportively,
* the Grandfather Clan acknowledges the child's lineage,  
* and both clans witness major events such as:
  - name transfers,
  - adoptions,
  - marriages,
  - funerals.

They provide:
* protection,
* guidance,
* and public recognition of the child’s standing.

Nothing important happens without witnesses —  
and the Father and Grandfather Clans are key witnesses in a person’s life.

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=== Modern Confusion and Loss of These Roles ===
Colonial systems disrupted these relational structures.

Modern challenges include:
* Father Clan roles being forgotten or confused,
* Grandfather Clan teachings being lost,
* youth not knowing whom to approach for guidance,
* clan boundaries blurred by band politics,
* and correction coming from the wrong people.

Rebuilding these roles strengthens:
* identity,
* accountability,
* and emotional safety for youth.

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=== Why These Roles Matter Today ===
Youth need:
* voices outside the immediate home,
* men they can trust and learn from,
* balanced correction,
* cultural grounding,
* and relational safety.

Re-establishing Father and Grandfather Clan roles:
* reduces conflict,
* restores cultural clarity,
* strengthens wilp identity,
* and ensures proper teaching moves to the next generation.

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=== Notes on Evolution ===
''This INITIATION DRAFT will expand as more detailed teachings and examples are brought forward. Small refinements will not trigger rewriting. A full rewrite will occur when deeper knowledge requires a stronger, more complete version.''