View source for Representation by houses, clans, and tribes

= Representation by Houses, Clans, and Tribes =

Under Ts’msyen law, representation arises from **relationship, responsibility, and lawful standing**, not from abstract delegation alone.  
Representation is carried through houses (*wilp*), clans (*pdeex*), and tribes, each with distinct roles under *ayaawx*.

Representation exists to speak for responsibility, not personal opinion.

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== Foundational Understanding ==

Ts’msyen representation is grounded in law.

It is based on:
* stewardship obligations
* kinship and descent
* named authority
* public witness
* accountability for outcomes

Authority to speak flows from responsibility to carry consequences.

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== House (Wilp) Representation ==

The wilp is the primary unit of representation.

A wilp may speak through:
* hereditary name holders
* recognized speakers
* Elders advising the house
* lawful representatives acting within mandate

Wilp representation includes:
* stewardship of specific lands and waters
* conduct and accountability of members
* assertion of house rights and responsibilities
* participation in dispute resolution
* engagement in feast and witness

A person does not represent a wilp without lawful standing.

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== Clan (Pdeex) Representation ==

Clans provide balance, neutrality, and continuity.

Clan representation is engaged when:
* multiple houses are affected
* neutrality is required
* kinship obligations must be considered
* disputes risk becoming personal or imbalanced

Clan representation:
* supports fairness
* restrains unilateral action
* reinforces shared law
* maintains inter-house balance

Clans do not erase house authority; they support lawful resolution.

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== Tribal Representation ==

Tribal representation arises when:
* issues affect an entire community
* coordination between houses is required
* external engagement impacts multiple wilp
* shared territory or systems are involved

Tribal representation:
* reflects collective responsibility
* supports internal unity
* coordinates shared response
* remains grounded in house authority

Tribal voices do not replace wilp voices.

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== National Context ==

In matters affecting more than one tribe:
* representation is coordinated
* Elder guidance is central
* house authority is respected
* ayaawx governs process

National representation strengthens law when it aligns with wilp and clan responsibility.

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== Limits of Representation ==

Representation under Ts’msyen law is limited.

No representative may:
* exceed their mandate
* surrender ayaawx authority
* bind others without consent
* act without accountability
* replace lawful process

Authority without limits becomes unlawful.

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== Accountability and Witness ==

Representation is accountable through:
* feast and witness
* Elder guidance
* correction when mandate is exceeded
* responsibility for outcomes

Public witness confirms lawful standing.

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== Relationship to External Engagement ==

When engaging external systems:
* representatives must act within mandate
* ayaawx remains primary
* participation does not transfer authority
* reinterpretation is rejected
* outcomes remain accountable to Ts’msyen law

External recognition does not create internal authority.

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== Living Representation ==

Representation under Ts’msyen law is living and responsive.

It adapts through:
* circumstance
* relationship
* correction
* renewed witness

It remains grounded because responsibility remains grounded.

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== Continuity ==

Through lawful representation by houses, clans, and tribes:
* authority remains clear
* accountability is maintained
* law is protected
* future generations are safeguarded

Where representation follows ayaawx, the Nation remains whole.