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= Using International Standards as Shields, Not Ceilings =

International standards may be used by the Ts’msyen Nation as **protective shields**, not as ceilings that limit or define Ts’msyen law.  
They can assist in resisting harm, asserting minimum protections, and engaging external systems, while *ayaawx* remains the source of authority.

This page clarifies how international standards may be used without surrendering jurisdiction or narrowing Ts’msyen rights and responsibilities.

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== Foundational Understanding ==

Ayaawx is complete law.

International standards:
* do not create Ts’msyen rights
* do not define Ts’msyen responsibilities
* do not replace Ts’msyen jurisdiction
* do not exhaust Ts’msyen law

They may, however, provide **minimum external recognition** useful for defense.

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== Shields, Not Ceilings ==

Using international standards as shields means:
* invoking them to block harm
* using them to resist external denial
* relying on them to expose violations
* using them as floors of protection

They must never be treated as ceilings that cap Ts’msyen law.

Ts’msyen law may exceed, differ from, or operate beyond international standards.

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== Purpose of Using International Standards ==

International standards may be used to:
* defend land and waters
* resist environmental destruction
* assert minimum human and collective protections
* challenge abusive conduct
* expose bad-faith external action
* create pressure for restraint or accountability

Use is strategic, not submissive.

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== Non-Substitution Principle ==

International standards must not be substituted for ayaawx.

This means:
* Ts’msyen law is named first
* international standards are cited second
* no equivalence is implied
* no hierarchy is accepted

Ayaawx defines obligation; international law may reinforce it externally.

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== Avoiding Ceiling Effects ==

Ceiling effects occur when:
* international standards are treated as maximum rights
* Ts’msyen law is narrowed to fit global categories
* silence implies acceptance of limitation
* external actors claim “compliance” as completion

Compliance does not exhaust responsibility.

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== Relationship to UN and Other Instruments ==

Instruments such as UN declarations or conventions:
* may affirm minimum protections
* may support resistance to harm
* may assist in external advocacy

They do not:
* override Ts’msyen law
* limit Ts’msyen authority
* define Ts’msyen governance
* replace internal processes

International law recognizes; it does not rule.

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== Strategic Use in External Forums ==

When used externally, international standards:
* support Ts’msyen positions
* expose double standards
* provide common language for pressure
* reduce denial of harm

They are tools, not foundations.

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== Internal Safeguards ==

To prevent erosion through international framing:
* ayaawx remains primary in all documents
* Ts’msyen law is described independently
* international standards are clearly secondary
* interpretation authority is reserved internally
* review and correction are ongoing

Defensive use must not become dependency.

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== Role of Elders and Knowledge Holders ==

Elders guide whether and how international standards are used.

They:
* assess risk of narrowing law
* ensure alignment with ayaawx
* guide proportional use
* protect long-term authority

Wisdom governs strategy.

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== Teaching the Difference ==

Community members and youth are taught that:
* international standards are minimums
* Ts’msyen law is complete and sufficient
* recognition does not equal permission
* defense does not require surrender

Clarity prevents quiet loss.

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== Continuity ==

By using international standards as shields rather than ceilings:
* Ts’msyen law remains whole
* external harm is resisted
* authority is preserved
* future generations inherit strength

We accept protection where useful.
We reject limitation where it is imposed.