Responsibilities of Wilp Members in Feasts
Sm’algyax Term
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English
Responsibilities of Wilp Members in Feasts
INITIATION DRAFT
This page outlines the traditional responsibilities of wilp members during feasts. It explains roles, expectations, and the cultural laws that guide behaviour, witness duties, and the proper conduct of each person within the House. This draft will expand as more teachings are gathered.
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Why Each Member Matters
A feast is not “an event.” It is:
- a legal record,
- a teaching place,
- a conflict-resolution process,
- a governance system,
- and the living memory of the House.
Every wilp member present is a **witness**, and the wilp cannot function without its members fulfilling their duties.
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Responsibilities Before the Feast
Wilp members prepare by:
- helping gather food, firewood, gifts, and goods,
- assisting matriarchs with planning and seating,
- learning the purpose of the feast (death, name transfer, settlement, reconciliation, marriage),
- reviewing House history so they can witness accurately,
- ensuring proper behaviour and attire,
- supporting the chief and matriarchs,
- informing younger relatives of expected duties.
Preparation reflects respect for the ancestors and the invited Houses.
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Responsibilities During the Feast
When the feast begins, each wilp member has clear roles:
Sit Where You Are Placed
Seating is law. It shows:
- rank,
- relationship,
- responsibility,
- and the right to witness.
You do not choose your seat.
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Listen to the Chief and Matriarchs
Wilp members must:
- remain attentive,
- stay quiet during speeches,
- support the speaker,
- correct privately if something is forgotten,
- uphold the dignity of the wilp.
The words spoken become **law**, so listening is a legal duty.
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Showing Agreement or Disagreement
Wilp members show agreement by:
- nodding,
- raising hands,
- verbal affirmations when appropriate.
Disagreement is **never disruptive**. It is brought later to the matriarchs or wilp leaders for correction.
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Accepting and Distributing Gifts
Gifts are not “payments.” They are:
- acknowledgements,
- confirmations of truth,
- and symbols of relationship.
Wilp members assist by:
- distributing gifts respectfully,
- ensuring no one is missed,
- supporting the flow of the feast.
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Supporting Youth and Elders
Members ensure:
- Elders are seated comfortably,
- Youth are shown proper behaviour,
- Children stay quiet and observe,
- Anyone unsure of their duty is guided gently.
Youth learn by watching, not by lecture. Your behaviour becomes their teaching.
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Responsibilities as Witnesses
Every wilp member is a **witness**, not a spectator. Witnessing means:
- remembering what was done,
- remembering what was said,
- validating transfers of names,
- acknowledging House boundaries,
- supporting peace between Houses,
- confirming compensation or settlement.
This ensures that no one may later say, “I did not hear,” “I did not see,” or “That never happened.”
Witnessing is the backbone of Tsm̱syen law.
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Responsibilities After the Feast
When the feast ends, duties continue:
- help clean the hall,
- help matriarchs gather unused items,
- support the chief in visiting guests,
- reinforce the teachings to youth,
- acknowledge work done by others,
- resolve any small misunderstandings quietly.
The feast does not end when guests leave — it ends when responsibilities are fulfilled.
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Expected Behaviour
Wilp members must:
- act with humility,
- avoid gossip,
- avoid arrogance or grandstanding,
- refrain from alcohol or substances before attending,
- keep phones away,
- maintain dignity at all times.
Remember: A feast is a court, a school, a government, and a memory place.
Your behaviour reflects on:
- your House,
- your matriarchs,
- your ancestors,
- and your unborn relatives.
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Notes
This INITIATION DRAFT will be refined as more teachings are gathered. Sm’algyax terms, audio, and examples from Elders may be added later. Corrections from matriarchs, knowledge holders, and wilp leaders are welcomed and expected.