Salmon law, river law, and ocean law
Salmon Law, River Law, and Ocean Law
In Ts’msyen law, salmon, rivers, and the ocean are governed by distinct but interrelated bodies of law. These laws arise from *ayaawx* and are carried through adaawx, stewardship practice, and public accountability.
They regulate conduct, timing, responsibility, and balance — not extraction alone.
Foundational Understanding
Salmon law, river law, and ocean law are relationship laws.
They exist to:
- sustain life
- maintain balance
- protect future generations
- regulate human conduct
- ensure accountability for harm
Taking without regard for law violates ayaawx.
Salmon Law
Salmon law governs the relationship between the people and salmon.
It includes responsibilities such as:
- respecting seasonal timing
- protecting spawning and rearing areas
- taking only what is needed
- sharing abundance according to law
- avoiding waste and disrespect
- ensuring passage and return of salmon
Salmon are not merely food; they are returning relations.
Failure to respect salmon law results in imbalance and scarcity.
River Law
River law governs conduct within river systems and their banks.
It includes:
- protection of water quality
- maintenance of safe and lawful passage
- stewardship of fishing sites and camps
- respect for named places and boundaries
- prevention of damage from overuse or contamination
Rivers carry memory, law, and connection between people and places.
Harm to a river is a breach of law.
Ocean Law
Ocean law governs conduct on the sea and coastal waters.
It includes:
- respect for weather and seasonal limits
- safe and responsible navigation
- protection of marine life and habitats
- adherence to maritime protocols
- recognition of territorial and inter-tribal relationships
- hospitality and responsibility toward travelers
The ocean demands humility and disciplined conduct.
Interrelationship of the Laws
Salmon law, river law, and ocean law are inseparable.
Salmon move between:
- ocean
- inlet
- river
- spawning grounds
A breach in one place affects all others.
Law must follow the salmon.
Role of the Wilp
Wilp carry primary responsibility for upholding these laws.
Each wilp:
- stewards specific places and fisheries
- teaches lawful conduct to its members
- regulates access and use
- answers for harm caused by misuse
- participates in restoration when law is breached
Authority without stewardship is unlawful.
Witness, Feast, and Accountability
Compliance with salmon, river, and ocean law is affirmed through:
- public conduct
- witness and feast
- ceremony
- correction when harm occurs
Violations may require acknowledgment, compensation, or restoration.
Some fisheries and waters are shared.
In these cases:
- protocol go*