View source for Amsiiwa – Meaning and Misuse

== Amsiiwa – Meaning and Misuse ==
''Understanding a Traditional Tsm’syen Concept of Behaviour, Boundaries, and Shame''

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File:Tsimshian elders teaching youth.jpg|Teachings about proper behaviour (placeholder)
File:Tsimshian feast hall protocol.jpg|Learning consequences of misconduct (placeholder)
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=== What Is ''Amsiiwa''? ===
In Tsm’syen ayaawx, '''amsiiwa''' refers to **conduct that brings shame upon oneself, one’s House, one’s name, and one’s extended family.**  
It is more than “bad behaviour.” It is behaviour that **breaks relational boundaries** and violates the respect owed between Houses, clans, genders, and generations.

Amsiiwa is about:
* Loss of dignity  
* Dishonouring the wilp  
* Violating protocol  
* Acting without regard for consequences  
* Ignoring warnings or teachings  

The opposite of amsiiwa is **respectful behaviour that uplifts your House and ancestors**.

=== Traditional Examples of Amsiiwa ===
Historically, amsiiwa included actions such as:
* Speaking disrespectfully to others, especially Elders  
* Crossing boundaries between Houses  
* Acting sexually inappropriate toward girls or women  
* Gossiping or stirring conflict  
* Interfering in another wilp’s business  
* Taking without permission  
* Showing greed or boasting publicly  

Each of these acts harmed not only the individual but **everyone connected to them**.

=== Why Amsiiwa Was Taken Seriously ===
Tsm’syen law is communal.  
When someone acted amsiiwa:
* Their **parents and grandparents** felt the shame  
* Their **House leaders** were expected to correct it  
* Their **relatives** were reminded of their duties  
* Their behaviour affected future marriages, alliances, and feast seating  

Amsiiwa created **real-world consequences**.

This was not cruelty — it was protection.  
It taught young people:  
''“Your name is ancient. Do not drag it in the mud.”''

=== Proper Response to Amsiiwa (Traditionally) ===
Responses could include:
* Quiet correction by family  
* Public acknowledgement and apology  
* Guidance from Elders  
* Temporary restrictions on speaking in feasts  
* Restoring balance through generosity or action  

The goal was always the same:  
'''restore dignity, restore balance, restore the person to their proper place.'''

=== Modern Misuse of the Word ''Amsiiwa'' ===
Today the term is sometimes used:
* Too casually  
* Incorrectly  
* As a simple insult  
* As a way to control or silence people  
* Without connecting to true ayaawx principles  

This misuse **weakens** the word and disconnects it from its true cultural purpose.

Some people use amsiiwa to shame others for:
* Being outspoken  
* Holding leadership accountable  
* Asking difficult questions  
* Breaking silence about wrongdoing  

'''This is not the traditional meaning.'''  
Amsiiwa was never intended to silence truth or protect harmful behaviour.

=== Amsiiwa and Gender – A Vital Teaching We Must Restore ===
A key area where amsiiwa traditionally applied is **male behaviour toward women and girls**.

A young man speaking inappropriately, pressuring, joking sexually, or behaving predatory was considered **deeply amsiiwa** because it:
* Disrespected the girl  
* Dishonoured her family  
* Dishonoured his own family  
* Risked inter-House conflict  
* Threatened the dignity of the future generations  

Families corrected this quickly and publicly because **women carry the names, the futures, the births, and the lineages**.

Today, some forget this teaching — or pretend not to know it.  
Restoring this part of ayaawx is critical.

=== Amsiiwa Is About Accountability, Not Control ===
Ayaawx is not about punishing.  
It is about:
* Teaching  
* Protecting  
* Correcting  
* Restoring  

Using amsiiwa to:
* bully,  
* silence, or  
* control  
others is itself **amsiiwa**.

Ayaawx requires humility and truth, not manipulation.

=== Restoring the True Meaning Today ===
To bring back the proper understanding of amsiiwa, we must:
* Teach youth the connection between behaviour and House reputation  
* Reinforce gender respect and boundaries  
* Support families in correcting harmful behaviour early  
* Speak openly about what amsiiwa actually means  
* Stop misusing the word as casual insult  
* Use the word only in culturally grounded, responsible ways  

Amsiiwa was always about **preserving dignity, relationships, and the balance between Houses**.

=== Summary ===
*''Amsiiwa'' is not a joke word.*  
It is a sacred teaching about conduct, dignity, and responsibility.

* It protects women, youth, and House honour.  
* It reminds individuals that their actions affect many.  
* It is not to be weaponized for control or gossip.  
* It guides us toward restoring balance when behaviours cause harm.

When used properly, amsiiwa strengthens ayaawx and keeps our relationships healthy for the next generations.