Accountability to the Wilp

INITIATION DRAFT — This page introduces the principle of accountability within a Tsm’syen wilp. It describes how individuals, name holders, and leaders remain answerable to their House, their lineage, and their responsibilities. This version will grow as more teachings and examples are gathered.

Being part of a wilp (House) is not just a matter of identity — it is a system of **responsibility and accountability**.

Every person is accountable:

to their House members,
to their matriarchs and chiefs,
to the ancestors whose names they carry,
and to the generations yet to come.

This accountability keeps the wilp strong and prevents harm from spreading through the community.

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What Accountability Means in Tsm’syen Law

In Tsm’syen ayaawx, accountability is not punishment. It is **correction**, **balance**, and **restoration**.

A person is expected to:

uphold the reputation of the House,
behave with dignity,
respect relationships,
honour their obligations,
and accept correction when necessary.

Accountability means: your actions do not belong to you alone — they reflect on your House.

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Accountability of Ordinary Members

Every member of the wilp is expected to:

behave respectfully in public,
care for relatives,
honour invitations,
protect youth and elders,
contribute to feasts and work,
uphold the standing of their House.

When someone behaves improperly:

it brings shame,
it causes confusion,
and the House must respond.

The goal is **restoring balance**, not punishing the person.

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Accountability of Name Holders

Name holders carry the highest responsibilities.

They must:

act in alignment with the history of the name,
represent the wilp with honour,
follow the guidance of matriarchs,
speak truthfully in feasts,
avoid personal misuse of authority.

If a name holder behaves badly:

the House can correct them,
the matriarchs can intervene,
the name can be taken back,
or given to someone who will carry it properly.

A name belongs to the wilp — never to the individual.

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Accountability of Chiefs

A chief is accountable to:

the matriarchs,
the advisers,
the senior relatives,
and the membership of the wilp.

A chief who:

speaks improperly,
acts without consensus,
harms relationships,
or behaves arrogantly,

is required to correct themselves.

If they refuse, the wilp has the authority to:

withdraw support,
replace the speaker,
or temporarily remove responsibilities.

This prevents personal power from overtaking House authority.

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Accountability Between Houses

Houses hold each other accountable through:

feasts,
witnesses,
formal acknowledgements,
and corrections made publicly.

If harm is done between Houses, accountability may involve:

compensation,
public recognition of wrongdoing,
reaffirming relationships,
or restoring balance through ceremony.

Inter-House accountability maintains peace.

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Accountability in Modern Times

Colonial systems disrupted traditional methods of correction. As a result, some people:

avoid accountability,
misunderstand who holds authority,
or push back against correction from matriarchs or the wilp.

Modern challenges include:

misuse of names,
social media conflict,
band politics replacing House roles,
and individuals acting without House backing.

Restoring wilp-based accountability requires:

patience,
guidance,
teaching youth,
and strengthening relationships within the House.

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Youth and Accountability

Youth learn accountability through:

the voices of matriarchs and grandparents,
observing feast behaviour,
listening to stories,
and watching how adults handle conflict.

Accountability is not meant to scare youth — it is meant to **teach them belonging**.

A youth who understands accountability walks with confidence and respect.

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Restorative Nature of Accountability

Tsm’syen accountability aims to:

heal the House,
settle conflict,
restore balance,
and prevent future harm.

It is not about humiliation. It is not about punishment. It is about protecting the integrity of the wilp so all members can stand strong.

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Notes on Evolution

This INIT version will grow as more community posts, elder comments, and lived examples are gathered. Minor edits will not trigger updates. A full rewrite will occur only when our collective understanding has deepened enough to require a new version.

Accountability to the Wilp

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