View source for Restorative approaches to modern environmental and social harms

= Restorative Approaches to Modern Environmental and Social Harms =

Under Ts’msyen law, harm—whether environmental or social—is addressed through restoration rather than exclusion.  
Restorative approaches arise from *ayaawx* and seek to repair relationships, restore balance, and prevent future harm.

Modern harms may be complex, large-scale, or long-term, but they remain subject to Ts’msyen law and restorative responsibility.

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== Foundational Understanding ==

Ayaawx does not treat harm as an abstract violation.

Harm is understood as:
* disruption of relationships
* imbalance between people, land, and beings
* injury to present and future generations

Restoration is the lawful response to imbalance.

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== Scope of Modern Harms ==

Modern harms may include:
* industrial or environmental damage
* contamination of land or waters
* displacement or loss of access
* social harm within communities
* breakdown of trust or accountability
* cumulative or intergenerational impacts

Complexity does not remove responsibility.

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== Principles of Restoration ==

Restorative approaches are guided by these principles:
* acknowledgment of harm
* acceptance of responsibility
* commitment to correction
* participation of those affected
* proportional response
* long-term stewardship

Restoration without responsibility is incomplete.

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== Environmental Restoration ==

For environmental harms, restorative approaches may include:
* cessation or modification of harmful activity
* cleanup and repair of damaged places
* rehabilitation of ecosystems
* long-term monitoring and care
* ceremonial acknowledgment of harm
* renewed stewardship obligations

Repair must match the scale of harm.

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== Social Restoration ==

For social harms, restorative approaches may include:
* acknowledgment of wrongdoing
* dialogue between affected parties
* compensation or restitution
* correction of conduct
* rebuilding trust through action
* reaffirmation of community responsibility

Casting people away deepens harm.

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== Role of the Wilp ==

Wilp play a central role in restoration.

They:
* hold members accountable
* organize correction and restitution
* guide respectful engagement
* ensure restoration is carried through
* participate in witness and ceremony

Restoration without structure fails.

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== Role of Elders ==

Elders guide restorative processes by:
* interpreting ayaawx
* recalling precedent through adaawx
* ensuring proportionality
* protecting dignity of all parties
* keeping focus on future generations

Elder guidance anchors restoration in law.

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== Witness and Public Accountability ==

Restorative outcomes gain legitimacy through:
* public acknowledgment
* feast or gathering
* witness by other houses and clans
* clear articulation of obligations

Witness transforms intent into law.

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== Addressing Cumulative and Ongoing Harm ==

Where harm is ongoing or cumulative:
* restoration must be sustained
* responsibility may be shared
* monitoring and adaptation are required
* repeated correction may be necessary

Restoration is a process, not a single act.

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== Relationship to External Systems ==

Where external legal or regulatory systems exist:
* restoration under ayaawx remains primary
* participation does not surrender jurisdiction
* external remedies do not replace restoration
* Ts’msyen law defines success

Compliance alone is not restoration.

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== Teaching Through Restoration ==

Restorative responses become part of adaawx.

They teach:
* consequences of imbalance
* importance of accountability
* pathways back into relationship
* limits of exploitation

Law is strengthened through repair.

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== Living Responsibility ==

Restorative approaches are living expressions of ayaawx.

They:
* heal land and relationships
* maintain community integrity
* protect future generations
* reinforce lawful conduct

Where restoration is pursued, balance can return.
Where it is avoided, harm continues.