Respect, Trust, Honor, Humility
Respect, Trust, Honor, Humility
INITIATION DRAFT — Ayaawx teaching page explaining the four foundational principles that guide all conduct, decision-making, and relationships within Tsm̱syen society. These are not “values”; they are living laws inherited from ancestors.
Overview
Tsm̱syen society is built on four core principles:
- Respect (łoomsk),
- Trust,
- Honor,
- Humility.
Together, they form the behavioural side of Ayaawx — the expectations every person must carry whether at home, on the land, or in the feast hall.
These principles are **the backbone of our governance**, the **measure of a leader**, and the **foundation of wilp stability**.
Respect (łoomsk)
Respect is the first law because it:
- guides how we enter places,
- how we speak,
- how we harvest,
- how we address elders,
- how we treat names and crests,
- and how we conduct ourselves in feasts.
Respect includes:
- knowing one’s place,
- knowing when to speak and when to listen,
- avoiding shameful behaviour,
- caring for the land and waters,
- acting in a way that strengthens the wilp.
Without respect, the other principles collapse.
Trust
Trust is the fabric that holds a wilp together.
Trust means:
- members can rely on each other,
- leaders act transparently,
- decisions are explained,
- words match actions,
- agreements are honoured.
Trust is built through:
- consistency,
- accuracy,
- fulfilling duties,
- protecting others,
- telling the truth even when it is difficult.
In feast law, trust is reinforced by witnesses — because trust without accountability is weak.
Honor
Honor (łoomsk in action) is what a person earns by living correctly.
Honor is shown through:
- generosity,
- good behaviour in feasts,
- protecting the vulnerable,
- feeding guests,
- fulfilling obligations,
- holding your House name with dignity.
Honor is not pride. It is the community’s recognition that you meet Ayaawx standards.
A wilp rises or falls based on the honor of its members.
Humility
Humility is the balance to honor.
Humility means:
- accepting correction,
- listening before speaking,
- not elevating oneself above others,
- acknowledging when one does not know,
- being grateful for teachings,
- understanding that names belong to the ancestors, not to the person carrying them.
Humility protects a wilp from arrogance — which is one of the greatest dangers under Ayaawx.
Humility is what allows leaders to grow.
How the Four Principles Work Together
These four laws form a cycle:
- **Respect** builds → **Trust**
- **Trust** strengthens → **Honor**
- **Honor** must be held with → **Humility**
- **Humility** reinforces → **Respect**
Break one and the whole system shakes.
A leader cannot demand trust without humility. A chief cannot claim honor without respect. A matriarch cannot guide if pride replaces listening. A House cannot thrive if members do not trust one another.
In Daily Life
These principles guide:
- parenting,
- harvesting,
- conflict resolution,
- feasting duties,
- House migrations,
- inter-wilp relationships,
- teaching youth,
- entering other territories.
They are the quiet Ayaawx — the laws lived in everyday conduct.
In Feasts
Respect, trust, honor, and humility determine:
- who speaks,
- how names are lifted,
- how gifts are distributed,
- how corrections are given,
- how alliances are formed,
- how shame is avoided,
- how grief is carried.
A feast without these principles becomes disorder.
In Leadership
A sm’oogyet or sigyidm hana̱’a̱ must:
- act with humility,
- speak with respect,
- be trusted by the wilp,
- and live in a way that brings honor to the name.
Lead