A National Council of Elders as keepers and interpreters of Ayaawx
A National Council of Elders as Keepers and Interpreters of Ayaawx
In Ts’msyen law, *ayaawx* is the highest source of authority. It is not created by governments, written codes, or individuals, but carried forward through memory, practice, and correction.
A National Council of Elders serves as the **collective keeper, interpreter, and guardian of ayaawx** across all Ts’msyen territories.
This Council does not govern by command. It governs by **knowledge, continuity, and moral authority**.
Purpose of a National Council of Elders
The National Council of Elders exists to:
- safeguard the integrity of ayaawx
- interpret law where circumstances change
- maintain continuity across generations
- prevent misuse or distortion of Ts’msyen law
- guide correction when imbalance occurs
Its role is protective, interpretive, and stabilizing.
Source of Authority
The authority of the Council arises from:
- ayaawx itself
- collective recognition by wilp and clans
- lived knowledge of adaawx
- moral authority earned through conduct
- responsibility to future generations
The Council does not derive authority from external governments or written statutes.
Composition of the Council
The National Council of Elders is composed of respected Elders drawn from across Ts’msyen territories.
Composition reflects:
- all major clans (pdeex)
- multiple communities and territories
- deep knowledge of law, history, and feast governance
- balance of perspectives and lived experience
Elder women hold a central and indispensable role within the Council.
Role as Keepers of Ayaawx
As keepers, the Council:
- preserves the core principles of ayaawx
- protects law from erosion or misuse
- ensures continuity during political change
- maintains coherence across communities
- holds memory beyond individual lifetimes
Ayaawx is not frozen; it is protected from distortion.
Role as Interpreters of Ayaawx
As interpreters, the Council:
- clarifies law when new situations arise
- resolves ambiguity without rewriting law
- reconciles conflicts between practice and principle
- advises wilp, clans, and leaders
- ensures modern decisions remain lawful
Interpretation restores balance; it does not replace law.
Relationship to Wilp, Clans, and Leaders
The Council does not replace existing structures.
Instead:
- wilp exercise authority within their houses
- clans maintain balance and kinship law
- hereditary name holders act in public roles
- the Council provides guidance, correction, and continuity
When disputes exceed local capacity, the Council may be called upon.
Role in Dispute and Correction
The Council may be asked to:
- advise on serious disputes
- recall precedent from adaawx
- guide restoration and compensation
- affirm or question legitimacy of actions
- signal when ayaawx has been breached
Its influence lies in recognition, not enforcement.
Relationship to Feasts
Feasts remain the primary legal forum.
The Council:
- does not replace feast governance
- strengthens feast legitimacy through presence or guidance
- assists when disputes cross communities
- ensures law is witnessed and remembered correctly
Independence from Political Bodies
The National Council of Elders must remain independent from:
- elected councils
- treaty bodies
- administrative governments
- external legal systems
This independence protects ayaawx from political pressure and short-term interests.
Limits on Authority
The Council does not:
- legislate new law
- override wilp authority
- act without accountability
- impose decisions without recognition
Its authority exists only through respect, balance, and lawful conduct.
Intergenerational Responsibility
A core responsibility of the Council is teaching.
This includes:
- mentoring future Elders
- ensuring knowledge transfer
- protecting youth from distorted law
- preparing future keepers of ayaawx
Law survives only through transmission.
Ayaawx as Living Law
The National Council of Elders ensures that ayaawx remains:
- living, not frozen
- authoritative, not political
- adaptive, not distorted
- continuous, not fragmented
Where the Council is respected, Ts’msyen law remains whole.