Crests and Symbolic Authority

Crests are not symbols of identity. They are visible marks of legal responsibility.

Within Tsm’syen Ayaawk, crests signify authority that has been earned, accepted, and maintained through obligation.

A crest does not elevate a person. It binds them.

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Nature of Crests

Crests originate from Adaawk.

They arise from:

• Events that established responsibility
• Relationships formed between peoples, beings, and places
• Acts of protection, sacrifice, or consequence
• Transfers of authority witnessed and confirmed

A crest exists because law required a visible reminder.

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Crests as Legal Markers

Crests function as legal identifiers.

They indicate:

• Jurisdictional responsibility
• Rights to speak, act, and represent
• Obligations to land, water, and beings
• Limits on authority

A crest does not grant unrestricted power. It defines the boundary of lawful action.

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Authority and Obligation

Authority carried by a crest is conditional.

It exists only so long as:

• Ayaawk is upheld
• Responsibilities are fulfilled
• Conduct remains lawful
• Witnesses continue to recognize legitimacy

Failure to meet obligations weakens authority, regardless of title or position.

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Crests and Houses

Crests are held by houses (wilp / waap), not individuals.

Individuals:

• Carry crests temporarily
• Act as stewards, not owners
• Are accountable to their house and clan

Authority cannot be sold, inherited privately, or detached from collective responsibility.

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Crests and Territory

Crests bind authority to territory.

They express:

• Relationship to specific lands and waters
• Duties of protection and care
• Lawful use and access
• Accountability for harm

A crest holder who harms land violates both Ayaawk and the authority they carry.

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Visibility and Accountability

Crests are displayed publicly for a reason.

Visibility ensures:

• Accountability before witnesses
• Transparency of authority
• Public memory of responsibility

Authority that hides itself cannot be trusted.

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Misuse of Crests

Using crests to:

• Dominate others
• Justify exploitation
• Accumulate personal wealth
• Silence dissent
• Serve external interests

constitutes a violation of Ayaawk.

Such misuse erodes legitimacy and invites correction through law.

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Continuity and Correction

Crests endure beyond individuals.

If authority is misused:

• Responsibility may be rebalanced
• Roles may be reassigned
• Authority may be withdrawn by lawful process

Correction restores balance. It does not destroy the system.

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Modern Context

In modern settings, crests must not be reduced to:

• Cultural decoration
• Political branding
• Organizational logos
• Identity markers divorced from duty

To do so strips them of legal meaning.

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Principle

Crests exist s