Duties of Name Holders
Duties of Name Holders
INITIATION DRAFT — This page outlines foundational responsibilities for Tsm’syen name holders. It is not authoritative and will be refined by knowledge holders, fluent speakers, and future scholars.
A Tsm’syen name is not only a personal identifier — it is a lineage, a history, a reputation, and a set of duties carried forward from ancestors. When a person receives a name, they inherit the expectations attached to it.
Name holding is a form of governance, stewardship, moral responsibility, and public accountability.
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Upholding the Reputation of the Name
A name holder must conduct themselves in ways that protect the honour of:
- the wilp (House),
- the clan,
- the ancestors who carried the name before,
- and the generations who will carry it after.
Improper behaviour harms not only the individual but the entire lineage associated with the name.
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Learning the Adaawx Connected to the Name
Each name is tied to:
- ancestral stories (adaawx),
- events,
- places,
- social responsibilities.
A name holder must learn these stories so they can:
- represent them correctly,
- speak to them when required,
- and pass them forward to the next generation.
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Representing the House in Public Settings
A name holder may be called to:
- stand as a witness,
- speak during feasts,
- settle disputes,
- represent the wilp in public matters,
- speak on land-related issues.
They must speak truthfully, respectfully, and with understanding of House positions.
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Protecting House Property and Rights
Many names are tied to:
- crest rights,
- songs,
- territories,
- fishing holes,
- harvesting areas,
- stories,
- ceremonial privileges.
A name holder must:
- defend these rights when challenged,
- uphold protocols for their use,
- ensure they are not misused by outsiders,
- and avoid acting beyond their authority.
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Training the Next Generation
A name holder must look ahead and:
- observe youth who may inherit the name,
- teach them the responsibilities,
- model correct behaviour,
- include them in House matters,
- and ensure knowledge does not fade.
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Maintaining Proper Conduct (Ayaawx)
A name holder must avoid:
- amsiiwa (shameful conduct),
- interference in other Houses’ business,
- greed in feasts,
- public disrespect,
- actions that threaten House unity.
Their personal behaviour reflects directly on the name.
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Preparing to Pass the Name Forward
A name does not end with the person holding it. Part of the duty is ensuring:
- the name remains strong,
- the stories remain intact,
- the next holder is prepared.
This includes:
- mentoring,
- observing readiness,
- and giving guidance at the right time.
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Summary
A Tsm’syen name is not a reward — it is a duty. It represents:
- ancestors,
- identity,
- authority,
- responsibility,
- and the future of the wilp.
This page is a beginning framework. It will be strengthened through contributions from House leaders, speakers, and cultural carriers.