https://luudisk.org/mediawiki/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Wilp_MembershipWilp Membership - Revision history2026-07-28T09:05:56ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.43.5https://luudisk.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=Wilp_Membership&diff=21&oldid=prevAmusterer: initiation2025-12-05T14:11:36Z<p>initiation</p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>= Wilp Membership =<br />
A '''Wilp''' is the fundamental governance, social, and legal unit of the Tsm’syen (Tsimshian) people. <br />
Membership in a Wilp follows ayaawx, which defines identity, responsibilities, territory, rights, and obligations.<br />
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== Matrilineal Descent ==<br />
Wilp membership is traditionally passed through the '''mother’s line'''. <br />
A person belongs to:<br />
* Their mother’s Wilp <br />
* Their mother’s clan (Pdeex) <br />
* Their mother’s crest and histories <br />
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This lineage determines:<br />
* Inheritance of names <br />
* Rights to territories (lax’yip) <br />
* Participation in feasts <br />
* Responsibilities in governance <br />
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== Birth and Belonging ==<br />
A child becomes a member of the Wilp at birth. <br />
Membership includes:<br />
* Crest identity <br />
* Adaawx (house histories) <br />
* Access to house territories <br />
* Duties toward other members <br />
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If parents are from different clans, the child still follows the mother’s Wilp.<br />
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== Adoption into a Wilp ==<br />
Adoption is an accepted process under ayaawx, but it is formal and witnessed.<br />
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=== Reasons for Adoption ===<br />
* To replace a lost lineage member <br />
* To fulfill house responsibilities <br />
* To take on names or roles <br />
* To honour long-standing relationships <br />
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=== Requirements ===<br />
* Approval by the Sm’ooygit (house chief) <br />
* Support from senior house members <br />
* Public acknowledgement at a feast <br />
* Witness compensation <br />
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Adoption does not erase the person’s original identity but integrates them fully into the new Wilp for purposes of law and responsibility.<br />
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== Responsibilities of Wilp Members ==<br />
Membership is not only identity — it is duty. <br />
Wilp members must:<br />
* Support the Sm’ooygit and house decisions <br />
* Protect the house’s lax’yip (territory) <br />
* Uphold and pass on adaawx <br />
* Represent the Wilp at feasts <br />
* Maintain peace and balance with other houses <br />
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Members also contribute to feasts, compensate in justice matters, and uphold the reputation of the Wilp.<br />
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== Rights of Wilp Members ==<br />
Wilp members hold important rights, including:<br />
* Use of house territories <br />
* Protection under house law <br />
* Participation in name feasts <br />
* Eligibility to carry names or roles <br />
* Inheritance of songs, dances, crests <br />
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These rights are collective, not individual — they exist because the Wilp recognizes the member.<br />
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== Marriage and Wilp Membership ==<br />
Marriage does not change a person’s Wilp. <br />
A woman remains in her Wilp even if she marries outside it.<br />
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However:<br />
* Her children belong to her Wilp <br />
* Her husband maintains full belonging in his own Wilp <br />
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This maintains balance between houses and prevents lineage disruption.<br />
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== Moving Between Wilps ==<br />
Movement between Wilps is rare and strictly regulated.<br />
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It may occur when:<br />
* A Wilp is facing extinction <br />
* A lineage must be restored <br />
* The Sm’ooygit grants permission and witnesses confirm <br />
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Movement requires:<br />
* A formal feast <br />
* Public explanation <br />
* Compensation to the affected Wilps <br />
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== Wilp Membership Lists ==<br />
Traditionally, membership is maintained through:<br />
* Oral histories <br />
* Adaawx <br />
* Names <br />
* Feast records <br />
* Testimony of senior members <br />
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Modern written lists must still respect ayaawx principles.<br />
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== Relation to Governance ==<br />
A Wilp is:<br />
* A political unit <br />
* A territorial unit <br />
* A ceremonial unit <br />
* A legal unit <br />
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Membership determines:<br />
* Representation in feasts <br />
* Standing in territorial matters <br />
* Eligibility for leadership roles <br />
* Responsibility for justice and compensation <br />
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Wilp membership is the foundation of Tsm’syen governance.<br />
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== See Also ==<br />
* [[Pdeex (Clans)]]<br />
* [[Smooyget]]<br />
* [[Adaawx]]<br />
* [[Ayaawx]]<br />
* [[Territory (Lax’yip)]]<br />
* [[Feasts (Ḵ’uuyem)]]</div>Amusterer