Protocols between houses and tribes

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Protocols Between Houses and Tribes

In Ts’msyen law, relationships between houses (*wilp*) and between tribes are governed by **protocols** grounded in *ayaawx*. These protocols regulate how people approach one another, how authority is recognized, how disputes are managed, and how balance is maintained across territories.

Protocols are not etiquette alone. They are **binding legal practices** that preserve order, respect, and continuity.

Foundational Principle

No house or tribe acts in isolation.

All interaction must:

  • respect existing authority
  • follow recognized process
  • be witnessed
  • remain correctable

Protocol protects relationship before conflict arises.

Recognition of Authority

When engaging another house or tribe, proper recognition is required.

This includes:

  • acknowledging territorial authority
  • recognizing the wilp and its name holders
  • respecting clan balance
  • understanding existing relationships and history

Failure to recognize authority constitutes disrespect under law.

Approach and Invitation

Engagement between houses or tribes begins with proper approach.

Lawful approach includes:

  • advance notice
  • use of recognized speakers or messengers
  • clarity of purpose
  • respect for timing and context

Entering another house’s or tribe’s affairs without invitation or notice violates protocol.

Role of Speakers and Messengers

Speakers act on behalf of their wilp or tribe.

They:

  • carry words accurately
  • avoid provocation or exaggeration
  • respect boundaries
  • ensure intentions are understood

Misrepresentation by a speaker binds the house and must be corrected.

Hospitality and Conduct

When visiting another house or tribe:

  • hospitality is offered by hosts
  • respectful conduct is required of guests
  • roles of host and guest are clearly understood

Hospitality creates obligation; conduct preserves dignity.

Feast Protocols

Feasts are primary inter-house and inter-tribal legal forums.

Feast protocols include:

  • proper seating and order
  • correct recognition of names and crests
  • structured speaking roles
  • witnessing by neutral parties

Feast protocol ensures law is publicly confirmed.

Decision-Making Across Houses and Tribes

When matters affect more than one house or tribe:

  • discussion precedes action
  • consensus is sought where possible
  • Elders provide guidance
  • clan balance is maintained
  • decisions are witnessed

Unilateral action undermines legitimacy.

Dispute and Tension Management

When tension arises:

  • escalation is avoided
  • neutral houses or clans may be asked to assist
  • Elders recall precedent
  • compensation and ceremony are preferred over retaliation

Protocol exists to prevent disputes from becoming conflicts.

Travel, Access, and Territory

Movement through another tribe’s territory requires respect.

This includes:

  • acknowledgment of territorial authority
  • adherence to harvesting and access rules
  • respect for sacred or restricted areas

Right of passage is relational, not assumed.

Exchange, Trade, and Cooperation

Trade and cooperation are governed by protocol.

This includes:

  • clarity of terms
  • honoring agreements
  • proper witnessing
  • fulfillment of obligations

Broken agreements damage long-term relationships.

Witnessing and Record

All significant inter-house or inter-tribal actions require witness.

Witnessing:

  • confirms legitimacy
  • preserves memory
  • enables correction
  • protects against denial

What is not witnessed is not secure.

Correction of Protocol Breach

When protocol is breached:

  • acknowledgment is required
  • apology and explanation may be offered
  • compensation or ceremony may be necessary
  • relationships are repaired rather than severed

Correction restores balance.

Limits and Boundaries

Protocol does not eliminate boundaries.

Each house and tribe retains:

  • internal autonomy
  • authority over its members
  • responsibility for its territory

Protocol enables cooperation without domination.

Living Protocol

Protocols between houses and tribes are living law.

They:

  • evolve through practice
  • are refined through precedent
  • are taught through example
  • are protected through witnessing

Where protocol is respected, relationships endure. Where it is ignored, conflict follows.

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