Responsibility of House Members
Responsibility of House Members
Category: Tsm’syen Law Page status: Working
Purpose
This page defines the responsibilities of house members within the wilp. It affirms that all members carry obligations under ayaawx and adaawx, and that governance, authority, and law are sustained collectively, not by leadership alone.
Responsibility is shared across the house.
General principles
- Every house member carries responsibility under ayaawx.
- Membership is defined by relationship, not entitlement.
- Rights and responsibilities are inseparable.
- Conduct reflects on the entire wilp.
- Responsibility is learned, carried, and passed forward.
- Participation sustains the strength of the house.
Nature of membership
To belong to a wilp is to carry responsibility.
- Membership is grounded in lineage, name, and relationship
- Each member represents the house in conduct and action
- The actions of individuals affect the standing of the whole
- Membership requires ongoing participation and accountability
Belonging is not passive.
Responsibilities within the wilp
House members are responsible to:
- Uphold ayaawx in conduct and decision-making
- Respect and carry the adaawx of the house
- Support the Sim’oogit and leadership within lawful bounds
- Participate in feasts, gatherings, and witnessing
- Maintain relationships within the house and with others
- Contribute to the well-being and continuity of the wilp
Responsibility is active and continuous.
Responsibility to land and resources
House members hold responsibility to their laxyuup.
- Use of land and resources must reflect stewardship
- Actions must not create harm or imbalance
- Knowledge of territory and its responsibilities must be maintained
- Access and use are governed by ayaawx and adaawx
Land is not separate from responsibility.
Role in governance
House members are not separate from governance.
- Members contribute to decision-making where appropriate
- Members hold leaders accountable to ayaawx
- Members support lawful decisions and processes
- Members must not undermine the integrity of the wilp
Governance is collective, not individual.
Responsibility to future generations
Each member carries responsibility forward.
- Knowledge must be shared and taught
- Conduct must support continuity of law and identity
- Decisions must consider long-term impact
- Youth must be included and prepared for responsibility
The future depends on present conduct.
Misuse of membership
Membership is misused when:
- Rights are claimed without fulfilling responsibilities
- Conduct brings harm or imbalance to the wilp
- Adaawx is ignored or disrespected
- Authority is challenged without lawful basis
- External interests are placed above the house
Such actions weaken the house and require correction.
Accountability and correction
House members are accountable to the wilp.
- Conduct may be addressed through house processes
- Correction seeks restoration of balance, not punishment
- Responsibility may be reaffirmed through witnessing and participation
- Persistent imbalance may result in loss of standing
Accountability maintains the strength of the house.
Modern application
In contemporary settings:
- House members continue to carry responsibility regardless of formal structures
- Participation extends into modern governance and representation
- Rights asserted in external systems must reflect internal responsibility
- Membership is not reduced to administrative recognition
Modern context does not remove traditional responsibility.
Closing principle
To belong to a wilp is to carry its law.
Each member holds responsibility for the past, present, and future, and the strength of the house depends on how that responsibility is lived.